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Flood Fury: Normal life has been badly affected in many villages in . Pix shows flood marooned residents in ’s Dhamboji Chowk using local equipments for necessary movements. (Details on page 2) Damodar bhandari Inside New Delhi Stalling elections has a non- Can interim parliament be turned into constituent assembly? policy on , ä nf correspondent either reluctant or incapable of holding In the past few meetings, Koirala accommodate with adequate elections. Privately, India has warned has been asking Madheshi representations of Madheshi, Janajatis Jaswant Singh says Despite government’s rhetoric that him that in either condition, his Janadhikar Forum (MJF) leader, and Dalit groups, first in existing - page 5 it is committed to hold elections to the legitimacy would be over and he Upendra Yadav to work out how parliament so that he could secure constituent assembly on November would be treated no differently from many seats would his forum want in their support to convert it into the 22, there is a high level conspiracy the way king was treated after Feb 1, the existing parliament to call off the constituent assembly. brewing to stall it. This intends to turn 2005. agitation. Yadav has been blunt in With no sign of improvement in the existing interim parliament into The United Nations and the United demanding that this parliament does the law and order situation and constituent assembly after adding not enjoy settlement of the Terai problem, some more members, mainly from the With no sign of improvement in the law people’s conducting elections is looking Nepal Airlines : Madheshi and ethnic groups. and order situation and settlement of mandate, and increasingly impossible. In fact that totally crippled The person playing his card close to the Terai problem, conducting elections must be was the concern UN secretary, - page 3 his chest is none other than the Prime is looking increasingly impossible dissolved with General Ban Ki Moon and his Minister, G P Koirala. Although he has a caretaker special representative, Ian Martin not directly discussed this with any non- States as well as the Election government in place to conduct expressed in New York recently. Maoist parties in the government, many Commission have been warning the elections. The quiet exploration to convert have already guessed what he is up to. government that election must be “I repeated the same view before existing parliament into the constitu- Koirala is getting unpopular and held on time, but they have made it the government headed by Ram ent assembly looks like admission on unworthy of trust by the day. The very clear that the present law and Chandra Poudel when we met on the part of Koirala that effective Army vs Maoists international community and its order situation must improve if Saturday,” Yadav told newsfront. governance and improving law and page 2 representatives are sensing that he is elections are to be held. Sources said Koirala is willing to order is beyond his capability. ä - 2 30 July- 5 Aug, 2007 News Bhaswor Ojha

MJF leader, Upendra Yadav accompanied by his forum colleagues, prepares to hold dialogues with the high level government team headed by Minister for Peace and Reconstruction, Ram Chandra Poudyal at Godavari on July 28. Yadav insisted that the parliament should be dissolved and a care-taker election government formed. The MJF- government meeting decided to settle the Terai issue by Aug 5. Flood toll Army vs. Maoists over 30 The Nepal army and the Maoists have entered the third crucial round ‘security guard issue.’ Swelling rivers fed by incessant rains have of fight with the Maoists accusing that the army is out to target its five Maoists’ latest criticism of the Nepal Army follows two aborted ones caused most parts in Terai and land-slides ministers. Decision of the Nepal Army to change these ministers’ in the past. In the first instance, they crippled normal lives in the country in the hills which altogether have taken a toll guards is being taken as the basis of that claim by the Maoists. for hours claiming that Nepal Army’s vehicles which were on the way to of more than 30 people across the country. “This is a routine exercise and such decisions are not at all taken at Kathmandu few months ago were carrying arms and ammunitions Home Ministry sources said flood has the prime minister’s or minister’s level. They are done at a much junior much against the peace agreement. But on verification, the vehicles taken into its grip some 37 districts with at level,” a senior army official said. He asserted that there is no motive were found empty. least 1east 86,000 people belonging to other than providing security to the Maoist ministers, behind the In the second instance, Maoists were forced to withdraw their Bandh 16,000 families affected. posting of these new guards. A cabinet meeting scheduled on Friday after PM Koirala, under pressure from the army, refused to shutdown Reports available here suggested that was put off as the Maoist ministers wanted a fool proof probe into the the Birpur army camp located in Kapilvastu district of western Nepal. Dang, Sarlahi, Mahottari, Siraha, Banke, Sindhuli and Gulmi have been affected by the flood and landslides with casualties reported. Standing crops have been ravaged in several areas, but the extent of damage is yet to be assessed, official sources said. The Home Ministry which has been acting as a nodal agency for relief and rescue operation for the flood marooned people has however, kept Nepal army out of it. But the army is air-dropping relief materials and is engaging in rescue operation in coordination with the Red Cross and other UN agencies. On Saturday, Home Minister K P Sitaula instructed the home ministry officials to gear up the relief and rescue operation, with an appeal to the affected people to approach UN agencies for necessary materials. He also asked them to work in close cooperation and coordination with the NGOs, INGOs and UN agencies. The Home Minister’s response followed serious concerns raised by the members of parliament cutting across party lines about the worsening flood situation which has endangered more lives and property. The MPs also decided to give their five Maoist Ministers : Dev Gurung, KB Bishwokarma, Matrika days’ salary for relief measures. Yadav, Hishila Yami and Krishna Bahadur Mahara Pix by newsfront News 30 July- 5 Aug, 2007 3 King vs. Totally crippled Shital Niwas Nepal airlines’ domestic and international operation comes to a halt. All crews and the ground staff of goes for c-check into the other one strike have warned the government the Nepal airlines in domestic so that we have at least one in that it could be prolonged if the sector have gone on a week-long operation in the international government failed to come out with strike beginning July 25 to press the sector,” Nepal airlines sources said. a positive response by the first government to buy more aircraft The airlines’ condition has week of August. Information and inject life in the sinking airlines. become more critical as it is on the reveals Delhi alone is accounting All the operations in ten domestic verge of losing more and more for nearly 20 million rupees loss per sectors have come to a grinding trained pilots to the private airlines, month and only last week they have halt with no response from the and there are reports of Delhi and asked for 45 lakhs of rupees from government yet. The international other sectors making huge losses. the head office to make urgent operation of the airlines is also “We want the government to do payments there. uncertain as one of its two aircrafts justice to the flag carrier,” a pilot in In fact the move to have a Druk is going to go for a regular c-check the domestic sector told newsfront, Airlines plane to fly between to Brunei on August 1, and the adding either the government Kathmandu and Delhi from August corps, and the Russian Ambassador ä nf correspondent other one is not in a good condition. should go for immediate purchase 1 did not work as the aircraft was is one of them. Andrew Hall who acts “It may perhaps be possible to of aircraft or shut it down. too small, able to accommodate Not all diplomats were keen to as head of the European Union here shift the engine of the aircraft that The Nepal airlines employees on only 80 people. boycott the invitation extended by the by virtue of his being the British royal palace during King Gyanendra’s Ambassador was the first to publicly birthday in the first week of July. But announce that he would not be Shital Niwas played a pro-active role attending the birthday function at the dissuading ambassadors and palace. honorary consuls to boycott the Although, officially all the European occasion. country ambassadors have stated Minister Sahana Pradhan spoke that it is for the people of Nepal to personally to some of the ambassa- decide on the future of monarchy, dors saying their going to the palace some of them, thoroughly disap- would amount to granting legitimacy pointed with the present regime, have to the king at a time when the started discussing about the possible government has suspended him. Ms relevance of the institution of Pradhan spoke to the ambassador of monarchy, in private. Japan personally. All the honorary King Gyanendra is believed to consults who serve at the pleasure of have sent a message of congratula- the government, called the palace to tions to the newly appointed president express regret for their absence. of India, Ms Pratibha Patil who took Their going to the palace would have the oath of office on July 25. Prime cost them their jobs. Minister G P Koirala who is the But the palace is believed to have president of also received few congratulatory mes- has been acting as head of the sages on the occasion of the king’s government as well as head of the 60th birthday from the diplomatic State under the interim constitution.

Newsbrief

countries of the world, any home minister would be taken very in India were behind the unrest in Terai. Crying degree seriously. But what went against Sitaula in the their eyes? Sinha, a family friend of the Koiralas Perhaps because he is considered much closer to the Maoists and someone who owes his entry and rise Look how mighty Nepalis behave when they go southward. and there was an obvious question mark: did he write this letter into politics to Chandra Shekhar, was here Amaresh Kumar Singh, the powerful Congress parliamentar- to appease the Maoists? Or else, what was his interest in to pay homage to Sushila Koirala who ian, not only burst into tears, but he cried bitterly asking for kind writing this kind of letter against Yadav? passed away recently. “I will take it up in all consideration of the teachers in Delhi’s Jawahar Lal Nehru sincerity with Vajpayeeji, but you must give University recently. Singh however, succeeded in winning their me the evidence,” Sinha told Koirala bluntly. And Koirala could not favour at least for once. Lucrative Melamchi furnish any proof. The mumbling Koirala cut a sorry figure. As his regularity and works as a M. Phil student was not up While the fate of the multi-billion Sinha made it very clear to Koirala and all those he met that to the mark, his current guide at the School of International dollar Melamchi drinking water project while Bharatiya Janata Party might have its own approach on studies in JNU, Prof Sahadevan told him it would not be fair to hangs in balance, the project office Nepal, it will fully accept what the people here decide on the let Singh continue in his studies. In any case there is resent- being run by the Asia Development future of monarchy. Earlier, Prime Minister Koirala, Maoists and ment in the faculty that Singh; a M.Sc. in Chemistry was Bank here continues to be a lucrative Communist Party of India, Marxist (CPM)’s Nepal hand, all had enrolled as a M.Phil student in the international studies, thanks posting. Minister for Physical Planning been consistently saying that the agitation in Terai is being to the special favour that Prof S D Muni showered on him. and Works, Hishila Yami, who has been instigated by the Rashtriya Swayam Sevak Sangh and the Prof Sahadevan’s words came as a blighter to the doctorial largely responsible for the uncertainty of the project, has Vishwa Hindu Parishad, pro-Hindu outfits which are close to ambition of the honourable parliamentarian, a hand-pick of G P however, been generous in recalling government employees on Bharatiya Janata Party. Koirala. As there was no logic and defense that Singh could deputation to the project, and deploying her favourites there. offer, all that he did was ‘cry’ for doctorate. A moved Most of those who were on deputation there from the Disposable syringe Sahadevan said he will take a decision after going through government have been withdrawn ‘at the pleasure of the Singh’s synopsis, but that is no guarantee of his continuation. minister and new ones deployed,’ informed source said. Everest Med Pvt. Ltd. Thanks to Yami, the project is under review of the ADB as started a nation wide media Sitaula vs Yadav she refused to handover the management of the drinking water campaign last week to create supply of Kathmandu to Severn Stern, a British company, awareness for using safe Home Minister K P Sitaula no doubt despite a cabinet decision earlier to do so by May 15. As a and reliable surgical products has police under him. But he has no result the project is under review with ADB and some other . Nepal’s only disposable qualms in performing the job of a police donors are threatening that it would have impacts on other syringe manufacturer located in Dhadhikot, Bhaktapur has at times. Last month, he wrote a letter projects in Nepal as well. opted technical guidance from a reputed Korean company for to the US embassy which literally was a its smooth operation and defect free production. ‘do-not-give-visa’ plea. He was against Fully equipped with latest manufacturing machines and US embassy giving visa to Madheshi Foot in mouth testing equipment along with technically sound experienced Janadhikar Forum leader, Upendra Yadav who had been It was PM G P Koirala’s turn to be at the receiving end this personnel, the company has been certified by ISO – 9001: invited by some organisations of the Nepali students based in time. He was challenged and cut-short by Yashwant Sinha, 2000 for its management system. The product, Lifeline New York. Bharatiya Janata party leader and India’s former foreign Disposable Syringe is certified for its quality products. It was But the embassy turned down Sitaula’s plea although in most Minister, when the Prime Minister claimed that pro-Hindu forces established in 2058 B.S. but operation started from 4 30 July-5 Aug, 2007 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: newsfront@.com, [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder To rule is easy, to govern difficult. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Maoists and press freedom There have been several interpretations and misinterpretations of what the Jana-Andolan II was all about. But one thing that is universally accepted is that it was a movement for restoration of democracy in every sense of the term. One cannot conceive of a Letters democracy without press freedom. Maoists who are now a part of the interim government never Stand united to the orders and instructions of the got tired of proclaiming that they were the cause behind the The new agitation in Terai has government. Their contribution to the success of the movement as they aligned with pro-democracy attracted the attention of all. Demands process of reviving peace and security in forces, civil societies and human rights groups. The media was posed by Madhesi people are genuine the nation is praiseworthy indeed. one inseparable party to that cause and movement. It was only and reliable but the method they are Security personnel are the true servants natural for everyone to expect that Maoists’ alliance with those adopting for their quest is wrong. The of the nation and the people. Why groups and the values they represented was not mere tactical, country is in a transition period seeking should Maoists doubt the integrity and and that there was an acceptable dose of commitment towards sustainable solutions through constituent loyalty of the security forces which fall those values. assembly but it has unfortunately been under their own government? It is But Maoists, through their brazen actions, are fast proving that turned into a utopia for the ordinary, obvious now that Maoists ones again they have no respect for those values and in pursuit of their marginalised and backward people. have started weaving a web of authoritarian design; and they are willing to attack them. Media In my opinion, Madesh is not the only conspiracy. has now become the biggest target for their attacks. suppressed region in the country. There If the Maoists have true intentions of The abduction and murder of Prakash Singh Thakuri - a are many living in the hilly regions joining the democratic mainstream, they journalist based in western Nepal, allegedly by the Maoists; a undergoing persecution by the so-called should be able to generate confidence series of arm twisting tactics to disrupt distribution of newspapers upper class people. Likewise, not only among the Nepali people. My sincere and magazines one after another, and now sacking of about 50 are the Madeshis, Dalits and Janajatis advice to the Maoists ministers is try to journalists working with the Gorkhapatra Sansthan, a government out of political and developmental respect yourselves then only you will be corporation directly under control of the Maoists are all pointers mainstream but there is a majority out respected, dear comrades. that Maoists still derive pleasure in gagging the press. there lagging behind. Arjun Bista Prime Minister G P Koirala and his government have pathetically There is a section of society that weaves conspiracy to Dhapasi failed to restrain the Maoists, a major component of the govern- break the unity of people and apply the policy of divide and ment. Koirala who only appears to care about his chair knows he rule. We need to be aware of such conspiracy and unite all Hail Diamond cannot survive if he protests the Maoists’ actions. Koirala’s lust for Nepali people be they from Madesh, hills or the mountains. The interview with Diamond Shumsher JBR was one of the power at the cost of press freedom is something that will eventually We should not be labeled as Madhesis Dalits or Janajatis. finest pieces that appeared in newsfront # 26. At the age of make him more unpopular than the king. Nepali media stood There are also a majority of Brahmin, hill people living in 90, he has proved himself to be an avant-garde not only in against the king when censorship was imposed and press freedom pathetic conditions that are also suppressed, exploited and rebelling but also in fiction-writing. I have not found any novel snatched. Although, the Federation of Nepali Journalist (FNJ) has prosecuted. in Nepali literature which can compare with ‘Seto Bagh’ and lodged its protest in a routine way, and the so-called civil society is We must stand united. The best solution is to hold peaceful ‘Basanti’ that were written by him. These two novels are the tacitly endorsing Maoists anti-press activities through its tactical and fearless elections to the constituent assembly. We need masterpieces of Nepali fiction. ‘Seto Bagh’ and ‘Basanti’ were silence, Maoists will have to face the ground-swell of the fury of the to participate in it and decide to elect those who will really act not only translated into English, Japanese and French but in entire media and all freedom loving citizens sooner than later. to root out the problems being faced by us all Nepalis. more than 20 languages. Just because the communication and the information minister Amrit Bhandari I salute the legendary personality and wish for his better happens to belong to the Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists, it Kirtipur, Kathmandu health. does not have the right to snatch the bread and butter of journalists Sulav Dahal working in the government sector, nor can it obstruct distribution of Maoist ministers alias chameleons Surunga, Jhapa newspapers and magazines through forced unionisation. Maoists, Well done Prachanda. Once again the Maoist leaders have and their current leader in the government, G P Koirala, have to publicised their chameleon like character by expressing their Readers, your reactions, criticisms, comments, prove through actions that their commitment to democracy and suspicions about the personal security provided by the suggestions are most welcome. Please ad- press freedom are absolutely genuine. Their failure to do so will not government. On top of it all, I wonder why a single leader only mean they are dishonest to the core; they will also be taken as dress it to: needs 10 to 15 security personnel? [email protected] the emerging threats to democracy and press freedom. Security forces have always shown restraint and adhered

Spiritual Corner Coming, going focus the mind) However Dogen was rather Zazen meditation. Dogen Dogen was born in 1200, near Kyoto, Japan. disappointed with this type of practice. Dogen states the key is to Coming, going, the water birds When he was fourteen he was formally ordained wanted to return to Japan but under the guidance transcend desire. There don’t leave a trace, as a monk and entered a monastery at the foot of a senior priest, Rujung, he learnt the art of silent should not even be a don’t follow a path. of Mt Hiei to begin his training. In 1217 he moved meditation. In this practice the goal was to silence desire “to be another to Kennin Monastery in Kyoto and studied there the mind and lose awareness of mind and body. In Buddha.” He died in 1253. Dogen - 2 until 1223. He then accompanied his abbot, this type of meditation the goal is to still the mind, Joyful in this mountain retreat yet still feeling Myozen, to China. The purpose of this journey thinking of neither good nor bad things. Dogen - 1 melancholy, was to engage more fully with Ch’an Buddhism, With this new knowledge Dogen returned to On the treasury of the true dharma eye Studying the Lotus Sutra every day, the Chinese precursor of Japanese Zen. Japan and started to write and teach about Practicing zazen single-mindedly; In the Chinese monasteries the main type of these new doctrines. In 1233 he opened Midnight, No waves, What do love and hate matter spiritual practice was the chanting and repetition of Kannondori Temple in Fukakusa and was no wind, the empty boat When I’m here alone, Koans. (Koans are short phrases which help to appointed to be head monk. Dogen was a is flooded with moonlight. Listening to the sound of the rain prolific writer of both poetry and guidance on On non-dependence of mind late in this autumn evening. Debating Development 30 July - 5 Aug 2007 5 Blind leads the blind For a long time, the western world looked at Nepal through the Indian prism.

ä Jaswant Singh

The 'non-Government' of Manmohan had inherited that relationship. Singh, by 'outsourcing' India's Nepal policy to the CPI(M), may be For a long time, the western world wreaking the same havoc that Indira looked at Nepal through the Indian Gandhi had unleashed by sub- prism. When the NDA was in power, contracting policy on Sri Lanka to a the US used to publicly state that it group of politicians based in Chennai. was India that should influence the situation in Nepal and Sri Lanka. This The present non-Government in was recognition of India's geopolitical New Delhi has a non-policy on Nepal. relevance in the sub-continent. But I call it non-Government because of now, under Mr Manmohan Singh, the extent of its not simply non- India has abdicated its role and totally functioning, but also mal-functioning. I withdrawn from Nepal. Naturally, don't think there is an absence of external forces have moved in. policy with regard to just Nepal. It is also so with regard to all countries. It Henceforth, we will probably see has an extremely limited focus, mainly more activism by not only the US, but on non-issues. For long, we did not also China, Pakistan and Bangladesh. even have a Minister of External What the present Prime Minister of Affairs. The Prime Minister chose to India does not realise is that there hold the portfolio himself. Finally, we cannot be a vacuum in international now have an experienced Minister. affairs. If India does not act, then others will move in. The American As a preface, I would like to say foreign policy platform is currently in a that it is a well-established fact that shell-shocked state. I believe their mistakes in the realm of international experiences in South Asia - Pakistan affairs affect many generations with and Afghanistan - is not every the unresolved issues. In India's case, encouraging. there are three issues that are still burning: Jammu & Kashmir, China I don't think Americans have a and Sri Lanka. Now, coming to Nepal, Nepal policy as such. They have an our relations with that country are ad hoc platform, which they wish to inextricably linked by geography and employ because now, for the first history. The devout do not consider time, they are physically in the pilgrimage to the four dhams as landmass of the sub-continent. They complete without a visit to are in Afghanistan, they are in Pashupatinath. You cannot obliterate Pakistan. I am disturbed by their role it from the consciousness of the in Nepal. people of India. Dangers of the spread of I had, on several occasions, while Maoism witnessing Nepal's descent into chaos, appealed to Mr Manmohan We must recognise the enormity Singh to take some initiatives to save of the challenge that we face today. Nepal. I also pleaded to him not to I believe that the gravest internal outsource the management of Nepal challenge is the spread of Maoist there. That is why it was home to the to evolve. affairs to the CPI(M). Subsequently, violence. If the UPA Government flower children, the hippies and the Elections to the Constituent out of frustration, I stated in Parlia- permits this Maoist malignancy to Dum-Maro-Dum types on the one Assembly are due in November. I ment that I once had the occasion to combine with the Maoist element in The present hand, and the most ascetic, devout have no direct source of information caution Mrs Indira Gandhi: "Madam Nepal, then that would be non-Govern- followers of Advaita on the other. I as to whether the conditions there please don't allow the foreign policies internationalising India's internal ment in New find the imposition of this new favour the holding of polls. The UPA of India with regard to Sri Lanka to be problem. I fear not only for the 168 description a great loss. It was totally Government seldom shares informa- made in Madras." What I said then districts that are currently Delhi has a non- unnecessary. As in the case of India, tion with us. It is well-known that the was borne out by subsequent events. recognised by our agencies as policy on Nepal. you cannot just wipe out the disarming process of the Maoists was On more than one occasion, I had "disturbed" by Maoists, but the consciousness of the citizens who are only in name and only a third of the said the same to Mr Manmohan entire North-East. I call it non- from the sanatana dharma. I believe weapons were surrendered. The Singh. Government that Nepal will always remain a Hindu activities of the Young Communist I am not being alarmist, but simply because of the nation and nothing less. League are indeed worrisome. There Legitimacy of the present underscoring a situation fraught with are questions about delimitation that Nepal Government danger. It is the gravest internal extent of its not The future of the monarchy is really continue to hang. How do you hold challenge at the moment. How are simply non- something for the people of Nepal to elections when the forces of law and Let us reflect on what has we to recognise it unless we identify decide. It is my hope that they will order enforcement have themselves happened. The King has been its contours and the dimensions and functioning, but decide wisely and with sagacity. I been disenabled? unseated by what seems to be a then address the many challenges it also mal-func- have always held the view that Nepal groundswell of disenchantment. would throw up? tioning. I don't has two pillars of stability - a political It is time India paid heed to the Thereafter, what followed was a and a social. A constitutional warning signs coming from Nepal. Its series of events in which India was I also find it totally inexplicable that think there is an monarchy and an elected and present policy is one of the blind involved. But how were we safe- it has been found necessary to absence of responsible democracy. You cannot following the blind. guarding India's national interests to declare Nepal as a "secular" nation. If destroy either of these pillars and that they were not jeopardised in the Nepal is not a Hindu nation, then policy with create a new Nepal from the debris. (Jaswant Singh, senior BJP leader evolving situation? The United States what is it? It posed no challenge to regard to just Both would give stability. Exactly what and leader of the opposition in Rajya has become "active" in Nepal taking anybody by upholding that status. Nepal. shape this constitutional monarchy Sabha is a former foreign affairs advantage of India's inaction. Britain Nepal has always been the most would have is for the people of Nepal minister in India.) was the only western power with a accommodative, unassertive country to decide, as, indeed, it is for them to direct relationship with Nepal. India in the world. Anybody was welcome work out how the future Parliament is Courtesy: Pioneer Daily, N.Delhi 6 30 July - 5 Aug, 2007 Debating Development

Chief of UN Mission in Nepal Ian Martin newsfront Failing Nepal ? ä Yubaraj Ghimire For the first time, Nepal’s integrity and survival as a nation – along with that of de- mocracy, has become a matter of speculation.

G P Koirala was crowned as the tallest peace process led and dictated mainly by position to fulfill soaring expectations of Nepali statesman of South Asia. It was Dr Man Mohan Koirala and Prachanda has never receded. people at all fronts. Singh who bestowed that honour to Koirala. He was Jimmy Carter’s hero as well. Koirala may The past one year has also seen the United UN can succeed only if the government not have disappointed Dr Singh and Carter yet, Nations expanding fast in the country. Although, succeeds. And for the government to succeed, it but he is no more the symbol of hope and visibly not happy with the prevailing law and needs a strong leadership backed by political change, at least for the people of Nepal. order situation, the UNMIN plays a crucial role in parties rising above their narrow party agendas. the peace process whose success or failure will Security agencies are demoralised. Supreme Mal-governance or total absence of gover- influence how future Nepal will look at the Court was never so vulnerable in the sense that nance, corruption and Koirala’s inability to hold United Nations’ efficiency or relevance. For most G P Koirala, the prime minister of the day and elections to the constituent assembly in June, Nepalis, UN is their only hope, and any failure president of one political party, is above law by and doubts over his intentions and ability to do it on its part is sure to disappoint them. virtue of his appropriating the power of the head in November - all indicate that Nepal’s future is of the state. Maoists want not safe in his hands. Koirala lacks vision, However, without an effective and sincere seriousness and sincerity about solving the Terai government in place, there is hardly anything Maoists want their terror and criminal their terror and issue and getting Terai together with Janajatis, that the United Nations or the international activities unchallenged and unpunished by the Dalits and Karnali onto the center stage of the community can do. For that matter, Koirala is State. Koirala already enjoys above the law criminal activi- emerging new power structure. almost going to prove to be more of a liability status. No democracy in the world pointed it out ties unchal- than an asset now for them. as an anti-thesis of democracy. They simply At the crux of it all lies the ongoing peace went into an irrational competition to call him a lenged and process. Koirala has failed to take the peace UNMIN has already come into criticism, hero and a democrat. For the first time, Nepal’s unpunished by process ahead in a meaningful way. He is mostly from the Maoists, and sadly for having integrity and survival as a nation –along with that known for surrendering and making ‘deals with done its job sincerely. It took a firm stance that of democracy—has become a matter of the State. Maoists’ rather than using his stature to ensure verification of the combatants and arms should speculation. durable peace by addressing the key socio- proceed unconditionally. But Maoists are in such Koirala already economic and political issues down to its roots. a situation now that they cannot unilaterally pull Koirala’s time is running out. He has failed, enjoys above out from the peace process. Nor will its’ most and there is little chance that he will deliver. He But who is to blame for all this? The trusted civil society can side up with the Maoists failed understand one simple thing - that the law status. domestic culprits and the international against the UN. people long suppressed will ultimately rise in No democracy community’s role in it is no less. After all, access movement for their identity and existence. That to Koirala that representatives of the interna- But the deterioration in law and order is what is patently seen in Terai, and latently in in the world tional community have is far in excess compared situation, confrontation between one or more hills among the ethnic groups and Dalits. He is to that of his closest ministers. political parties in the government with the UN hoping to solve them just by some cunningness pointed it out as India, to a large extent, designed, facilitated on one hand and total invisibility of the govern- - liberal promise and zero delivery. Time for an anti-thesis of and mediated the coming together of the seven ment on the other will not be a happy scenario that kind of politics is gone. And the interna- parties and the Maoists way back in November for the UN to work in Nepal. After all, UN cannot tional community will have its share of the democracy. 2005 in Delhi. In all fairness, India’s role in the substitute the government, nor will it be in a blame. ä Interview 30 July - 5 Aug 2007 7 Upbeat notes

Does a woman player play a note less than a man? It is the same scale, notes, same instrument that both play!

do that and we need the help of the younger that they are underestimating women all generation too. the while. But I have surmounted those obstacles and am surviving. I want to ask What about the economic aspect of such people; does a woman player play a it? note less than a man? It is the same scale, It is certainly not an area where one is notes, same instrument that both play! guaranteed monetary success. I personally feel that those who are economically better off Why are there not many women should pursue this field, because if those who active as artists? need to struggle for their survival were to take I have seen that women usually this up as their profession, they will have to disappear from art, even after devoting a struggle and suffer more. This is not to say that dozen years to it after they get married or all those artistically inclined should pursue only under family pressure. There is a difference commercially viable fields. from being an artist and a woman. An artist needs to do more. Most women become How can the perception of art as content with just holding day jobs. The poverty ridden career be changed? reason behind it is primarily the subservient A platform needs to be created for artists to roles they agree to take up. perform on a regular basis. The large middle I don’t in any way say that one should class also should start to embrace it as disregard one’s responsibilities. I too have something worth investing time and money in. mine but women just give themselves up. The money generated would help the artists. I They are lazy too. They ignore their see no other way. innermost needs, their capabilities and all Pix by Sushma Amatya that begins to rust staying home and being What are the negative trends you see engaged in mundane activities day in and Sarita Mishra, Masters in classical music, a How do you think classical music is developing in your field? out. Finally, they end up regretting it and teacher, and a proficient Tabla player is the only perceived in Nepal? When I was a student, we used to revere our feeling sad about their lives. If a daughter in Nepali lady who has taken up percussion Classical used to be synonymous with music Guru and even today I do not start my practice law is a good artist, then it should be a classical music as her career. The vivacious of the old generation. It was looked upon as without paying my respects to my Guru. That is matter of pride to the family, not on the musician talked with newsfront about her life something boring since people did not have any lacking today. And as students, we were in no contrary. The fact is that women just do not long passion recently. knowledge about it. Once we, the young hurry to perform and get on the stage. But try hard enough. They are to be blamed generation stepped in and took it up as a career, today I see that students have no patience. first for their status. No one can put you What keeps you going? people here started taking notice and began to They wish to learn today and get on the stage down if you don’t allow it. My love for classical music keeps me alive. I change their views. And there were people like and start earning the day after. They want quick live for it. It is everything for me – my passion, Ganesh Man Singh who agreed to sponsor us returns. This trend is harmful. This is not an art If you were married, could you meditation, my livelihood. I play all percussion and encourage us by having a group of us play that you can perfect in two months and start have become what you are today? instruments and I also play Matka, the earthen in his house. Gradually I see more people earning. It requires a lot of love; it is the peak of There might have been a break of one or pot. interested in classical music and this makes me love that can be understood only by those who two years but I definitely would not have happy. have loved truly. changed track; for I am the kind who knows When did you start playing? what I want and will strive for it. I never I started playing when I was 12. My father How are you contributing to promot- Do you face gender discrimination? married for I did not meet anybody whom I used to play and there used to be gatherings in ing classical music? I believe both men and women are humans; wanted to marry. I never believed in my house till late at night. I started training I am acting as a coordinator in Guru Kul and and artists are just artists. But when I used to arranged marriages. I believe marriage is formally under my Guru Hom Nath Upadyaya organizing Sastriya Sangeet Sankranti every play, they used to remark, “oh it is only a woman long lasting friendship where both really about 19 years ago. first day of Nepali month, since the past 14 who is playing,” if I played well. If I didn’t play need to know and accept each other. But I months. To take well, it used to be attributed to the fact that I was am happy the way I am. ä I believe both men and women are humans; classical music a woman. I did and do feel the discrimination. ahead profes- In our society, there is a traditional distinction. and artists are just artists. But when I used sionally, we are Traditional roles of women are dancing, playing to play, they used to remark, “oh it is only a paying attention Sitar, working inside the house only. Playing to sales of tickets Tabla, going out, earning money used to be woman who is playing,” if I played well. which is the only men’s domain. But I believe that in a creative way to improve world, there is no male or female angle. Maybe What has been your outstanding the economic conditions of those involved in this there is an advantage of added emotions in a experience while playing? art. Media contribution is also noteworthy in woman’s output but there is no difference. About six years ago, I played with a Mahatma promoting our cause by spreading the message Outwardly, there is a lot of sympathy and from Gwalior till 2 at night and for the first time; I and educating the public. understanding articulated by the men folk but in experienced Rag’s Sargam walking. I felt what The public needs to understand what we are practice it hardly exists. I can see from their eyes must have been the pinnacle of ecstasy then. doing require a lot of study, hard work, That was amazing. Ever since, when I play, I dedication and perseverance. feel one with the music. Once artists take up this as a career, very few I feel that I am not there. The day I don’t feel among them seek out other avenues to earn that I don’t feel good. It is meditation for me. their living. We are making efforts to get this art recognised but no matter how experienced we How long do you practice daily? are as artists, we just don’t seem to have the I can practice only 2 to 3 hours a day but marketing know-how. We are no good at since it is my work too, I’m involved in it the planning, management or administration. We whole day. I can no longer find time to practice 8 need managers and agents but we are unable hours as I used to. to pay them. But in future we do have plans to 8 30 July - 5 Aug, 2007 Opinion Realising the dream of millions The issue of inclusiveness can again be left unattended for lack of proper government support.

Inclusiveness or lack of it has become the employment with priority accorded to women, erment in all spheres as well as full equality of everyday ‘mantra’ of Nepal. It may not be out of Dalits, and teachers training. Lacking focus the opportunity, particularly education and employ- context to state that the armed campaign of planned measures appear to be mere gloss ment for scheduled castes, tribes, other CPN-Maoists succeeded because this issue was over of real issues. It is not surprising to see that backward communities and religious minorities. understood by all, domestic and foreign minds. government support to inclusiveness, an integral Exclusion solely on the basis of caste, profes- part of change and perhaps the most important Acknowledging the fact that India’s efforts for sion, ethnicity or gender is a crime. The concept ä Binod P. Bista basis of creating a new Nepal, seems to be thin inclusiveness might have been affected for lack of exclusion defeats the very purpose of equality and scattered at best. of adequate resources, let us have a look at the and equity in a free and liberal democratic some manner to the issue of inclusiveness. United States where special programs haven society. One can see the mention of inclusive- The highlights of the common minimum been formulated in the name of ‘affirmative ness in every declaration and paper of the eight One would expect direct and effective program of the interim government seems to be action’ under the executive order first promoted party government of Nepal. How is the state measures on the issue under ‘targeted more focused on democratisation of Nepali in 1965 after the civil rights movement of 1960s. dealing with this issue that seems to be of programs for poverty alleviation’ of the budget. army and integration and rehabilitation of Maoist There are mixed reactions to the very concept paramount importance for the new Nepal? Identifiable measures relate to scholarship for combatants and nationalisation of royal property, of affirmative action and some of the reports Dalits and marginalised groups; support besides the conduct of CA elections. Interest- even suggest that not much has improved in the Nepal government’s budget estimates for programs including preservation of endangered ingly though, the common minimum program of condition of African Americans even after twenty 2007/2008 touches on the issue of inclusiveness Deuba led coalition five years of purposeful efforts. A 1978 land in the opening part of the finance minister’s government of 2004 mark Supreme Court case imposed limitations speech when he says that “The constitution itself Common minimum program of the interim had in it several special on affirmative action to ensure that providing has guaranteed the representation of women, government seems to be more focused on programmes planned greater opportunities for minorities did not come Dalits, indigenous and ethnic communities, democratisation of Nepali army and integra- for the excluded class at the expense of the rights of the majority. Madhesis, and people from backward regions in tion and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants including women. Affirmative action was unfair if it led to reverse the proportional elections for Constituent discrimination. Assembly.” Even so the issue of inclusiveness and nationalisation of royal property, besides It has never been can again be left unattended for lack of proper the conduct of CA elections. easy to restructure and A long held problem generally requires a long government support. reform a traditional term solution. However, a start must be made languages & scripts, literary programs etc, 20% society based on age old biases and discrimina- as soon as possible after providing full consider- The principal guideline of the budget, rebate on land ownership registration for Dalits tory practices. India, as a federal democratic ation to the pros and cons of every alternate according to the government, is based on the and the same for all women; increased posts for republic, has been trying her best to eliminate action. The people in general, both privileged prime goal of building a “prosperous, modern, women and special programs in 40 districts for gender, caste and class-based discriminatory and deprived, must agree to a long term federal, inclusive and just Nepal” as per the spirit economic self sufficiency of deprived, ultra poor, practices and realise all inclusive society for the solution for its workability. When would the of the people’s movement. Of the five expressed Dalits, Janjatis and Madhesis. past 60 years without desirable success. Two of government see to it? Or, is it after the CA objectives of the budget let us assume that two, the six basic principles of the common minimum elections, similar to the expression made namely, poverty alleviation & economic prosper- On the human development front, some program of the current government of India still popular by Nepal’s famed solo comedian of ity and human development are directed in stress is given on the education related give full emphasis on realising women empow- repute? ä Identity crisis Nobody wants be citizens of Nepal but want to be Janjatis, Adibasis ä Bhim Prasad Bhurtel or Madheshis. After the April 2006 democratic upsurge, politics but everybody wants pre-politics and are permanent characters of the Nepalese political parties preach inclusive democracy Nepal’s political developments marked a ethno-democracy or folk-democracy. Conse- society and polity. Today for a majority of the but are doing the opposite in action. By substantive transformation in the relationship quently, Nepal is at the crossroad of progressive people of Nepal, under this so-called democracy using uncritically such a loaded word, they between the state and its citizens. A transformation, militarisation and possible ethnic with authoritarian tendency, lies a threat. are transforming it into a chronic condition. centralised Nepali state formed over the last cleansing. Rhetoric of inclusive democracy and participa- From the unburied corpse of so called two and a half century lost its identity built on tion may be turned into manipulative tricks to ‘inclusive’ every kind of pest has started to unitary Hindu state, Hindu religion, Nepali The political leadership lacks the farsighted- involve people in struggles by the powerful spread. The chaos and problems of Terai is language, monarchy and various cultural ness to address the diversity and multiplicity of political parties and imposing their will on the an example. and religious symbols. the ethnic and identity politics in Nepal. If the people. These are precisely the ways of current diverse problems are not tackled within authoritarian and undemocratic political parties. Nepal requires the citizens to forge a The institution of monarchy has now been the framework of democratic polity, it may pose How can people believe in new forms of single national identity and the national suspended until the first meeting of a risk to territorial integrity and sovereignty. suppressive regimes if the sense of orientation characters as the representatives of all mini Constituent Assembly (CA). The monarchy and micro-identities; an identity sustained by is under severe crisis and is gradually a democratic partnership among the stake weakening. In the interim constitution it has The image of ‘our’ Nepal conveys a contradictory holders - the state, political parties, pressure no place politically as well as ceremonially. groups, civil society and the ordinary citizens, The state has been declared secular. The message, thanks to the contradictions proven in the to form macro-Nepali-identity. The greatest interim constitution has recognised the multi- speeches and the actions of the political parties. The strength of polity lies in their capacity to enlist religious, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi- same ambivalence characterises the concept of a the confidence of ordinary citizens and the cultural character of Nepalese society. The groups with grievances to shape the society unitary character of Nepali state will no ‘new-Nepal’. All political parties preach inclusive and the nation. longer survive in the future since the second democracy but are doing the opposite in action. amendment in the interim constitution has Without a legitimate social contract provisioned for federalism. Interim constitu- through constituent assembly, unifying, tion stipulates to build an inclusive, secular Marginalised actors are still looking for a space has withered away? All the sources and seeds strengthening the national integrity and and modern democratic state on the consent to realise their mini-identities into a meta-identity of conflicts and contradictions are within the establishing transparent, just and responsive of diverse people constituted as citizens of ‘Nepaliness’. The transformation of the womb of our society. So, the future course governance cannot be realised. The tissues through CA. subsidiary identities into Nepali citizens and should be targeted at healing such ills of society that link the citizens to governance, such as citizens into a deliberative public remain as a in a visionary way. legislatures, political parties, civil society and However, the extreme identity politics has major challenge for the Nepalese leadership in a myriad of mediating social and economic lost the zeal of the modern democracy. This the future. The image of ‘our’ Nepal conveys a institutions, now require trust, cooperation is not a good sign. Nobody wants be citizens contradictory message, thanks to the contra- and collective action based on integrity and of Nepal but want to be Janjatis, Adibahsis The notions of marginalisation, dictions proven in the speeches and the actions national character – that of being a Nepali or Madheshi first at this moment. Nobody peripheralisation, social exclusion, deprivation, of the political parties. The same ambivalence first. wants modern democracy and modern oppression, suppression, distortion, exploitation characterises the concept of a ‘new-Nepal’. All (Bhurtel is a political analyst.) From the Region 30 July - 5 Aug 2007 9 Isolated Musharraf reaches out to Bhutto Benazir wants free and fair general elections, removal of the constitutional embargo on her becoming Prime Minister

Pakistan's newspapers speculate that facts and that is the logical conclusion we can Musharraf, unpopular and increasingly isolated, draw,'' Sethi added. may be considering running some sort of Meanwhile, former Pakistan Prime Minister political accommodation with former Pakistan Nawaz Sharif has rejected overtures by Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, leader of the still Musharraf's envoys, and is accusing Benazir of popular Pakistan People's Party (PPP). violating their understanding by dealing with a Bhutto fled to Europe amidst corruption military dictator. charges in Pakistan after the collapse of her ''The party leader Nawaz Sharif has very second government in the early 1990s. categorically stated that the Pakistan People's Once a peaceful capital Islamabad is now a Party (PPP) has deviated from the charter of virtual fortress after a string of militant attacks democracy because one of the main issue was that have only deepened the crisis for Pakistan to continue struggle against the dictatorship,'' President General Pervez Musharraf. said Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa, Punjab Demoralized after losing a judicial battle with president, PML-N. the country's top judge the General is being ''And in that context nobody from among the coaxed to seek an honourable exit by stepping alliance for restoration of democracy was Musharraf Bhutto down as army chief. allowed to make any contact directly or indirectly So on an official visit he took the unprec- through emissaries or through person with a edented step of reaching out to one person who Free and fair polls which he can be army chief and President and dictator and she has broken that,'' he added. has the numbers to help him be re-elected as Benazir wants free and fair general elections, in return has offered Benazir Bhutto prime In an unexpected move the government has President later this year. Reports suggest that removal of the constitutional embargo on her minister ship a third time,'' said Najam Sethi, called in a session of the Parliament on Monday, Musharraf held two rounds of talks with Benazir becoming Prime Minister for a third time. Editor, The Daily Times. political observers say the government's next Bhutto. She also wanted the President's powers to Many in official circles are calling it a 'success- move in Parliament will bring more clarity. Benazir is demanding corruption charges be dismiss assemblies to go however, Musharraf ful meeting'. While the PPP and the government have dropped against her now and only then would made it clear he did not want to become a ''The deal was done before Benazir Bhutto denied these reports, it is now almost certain she ask her Pakistan People's Party to vote for rubber stamp leader. and Musharraf met. They got the UAE Prince to that such a meeting did indeed take place. What Musharraf in September or October. ''Musharraf wants to be COAS and President mediate and to witness the deal, so the meeting is not clear is the outcome of these meetings, an However, Musharraf wanted her firm support for another five years. It is as simple as that. I took place, was like a summit, all the issues outcome that will determine the future political and said the charges would be dropped only think my own assessment is this that the were decided before they met. Meeting was direction the country takes. after the election. government wants constitutional amendment in simply there to clinch it. I think those are the (NDTV.com) Taliban Demands South Asean toughens advocacy Korean Talks 'Speed Up

The spokesperson for for N-disarmament Afghanistan's Taliban is demanding that the pace for the negotiations for The Association of South-East continuing our efforts to lead our the SEANWFZ. the freedom of the kidnapped 22 Asian Nations will strengthen a region towards more effective “The IAEA has a set of procedures, South Koreans be sped up, citing that 10-year-old nuclear-free treaty in security dialogue and cooperation.” safeguards that we want to be most of the hostages are already ill. hopes of keeping the region safe During the meetings in Manila, Asean available to us and we will make use of It has been 10 days since the from the scourge of nuclear was to review the Treaty on the it,” Romulo said. “We will also seek the South Korean Christian group was weapons and threats of nuclear South-East Asia Nuclear Weapon- support of all countries, particularly the kidnapped while traveling from the destruction. Philippine Foreign Free Zone (SEANWFZ). countries with nuclear power.” Romulo Ghazni province in a bus. Secretary Alberto Romulo said The treaty, which was signed in said the IAEA could also help regulate Spokesman Yousuf Ahmadi said, nuclear disarmament and non- Bangkok in 1995 but only came into the use of nuclear power for “peaceful "Seventeen of the hostages are sick. If proliferation will top the agenda of force in 1997, does not only aim to purposes” such as energy. anything happens to them, the Afghan the 40th Asean Ministerial Meeting work for nuclear disarmament but “There are countries in Asia that government and the South Korean (AMM) in Manila, which is also to protect the region from are resorting to nuclear power for government will be responsible." "They scheduled to officially open on pollution posed by radioactive waste energy, for peaceful purposes and have to speed up the process of Sunday evening. and other toxic materials. that’s okay, but we want to ensure releasing our suggested prisoners." Romulo stressed that global Romulo said Asean hopes to that it remains so,” he said. The militant group said that it will weapons must be eliminated to convince the five nuclear weapon “We want to ensure that whatever resort to killing all the hostages should ensure regional and global states - China, France, Russia, the nuclear powers Asean countries their demand of releasing eight Taliban security. “The emergence of United Kingdom and the United States have, the countries do not allow the prisoners in exchange was not done. possible non-state actors that - to sign the treaty as part of a “plan of exportation of certain materials which Recently, the body of one of the might be eager to the threat or action to better enforce” the agree- could lead to development of nuclear hostages was found riddled with use of nuclear weapons highlights ment. “Part of the Asean’s advocacy in power other than for peaceful bullets. He had been a Presbyterian the seriousness of the problem,” the meetings here in Manila is to purposes,” he added. pastor and the mission leader of the he said as preparatory meetings encourage nuclear weapons states to The regional bloc would also group. "We have given them (the for the AMM ended yesterday. adhere to the protocol of the bring its nuclear disarmament government) our list and we are “We must attend to a crucial SEANWFZ,” he said. The Asean advocacy to the Asean Regional waiting for our prisoners to be aspect of Asean’s role as a pillar foreign ministers were also expected Forum (ARF), which will be held in released," Ahmadi added. Taliban of peace and security in our to discuss the possibility of seeking the Manila immediately after the Asean One of the family members of the commander, Abdullah Jan, told AFP, region,” he added. “We must assistance of the International Atomic foreign ministers’ meeting kidnapped South Koreans in "We will accept no other solution but Afghanistan reacts after she watches secure the Asean community by Energy Agency (IAEA) in implementing (Gulf Times) the news about them on television in the release our eight prisoners." Seoul. (AHN ) Polls open in crucial Japanese election

Polls opened in Japan at 7 a.m. Sunday in an reported. proportional representation. Japan's Prime election for the upper house of Parliament that Minister Shinzo Abe Preliminary results were expected to be Abe's popularity has plummeted since he could be a key test for Prime Minister Shinzo available by midnight Sunday. Most polls showed became prime minister 10 months ago. The Abe. the opposition Democratic Party of Japan LDP has been hit by a series of scandals that The House of Counselors has limited power making significant gains with LDP candidates have led to the suicide of one minister and the compared to that of the lower House of even in some of the party's strongest areas resignation of two others. Representatives. But the Liberal Democratic having to campaign hard. The results of two by-elections for the lower Party could lose control of the upper chamber Half the seats in the chamber, 121, are at house will not affect the LDP's significant for the first time since the party was founded stake in this election, 73 in single- or multi-seat majority there. more than 50 years ago, Kyodo News Service constituencies, and 48 chosen by national (earthtimes.org) 10 30 July- 5 Aug, 2007 Perspective Correct factor Marshland wrong deduction Flowers …Presence of an authentic Master itself The lack of perception of casual observers like Isabel is doing untold acts like a catalyst… damage to the cause of sustainable liberal democracy in Nepal and furthering the Maoist cause.

ä Kundan Singh Khatri

Psychologists believe that every biased viewpoint is first and foremost a reflection of some form of insecurity inherent in the character of the person or organisation expressing it. Such deep rooted shortcomings often cloud one’s judgment and objectivity. They sometimes lead to situations where, to quote a Nepalese metaphor: one spots a tick on another’s body, but misses the buffalo on one’s own back. Isabel Hilton’s article (Isabel Hilton, Friday July 20, 2007, The Guardian) regarding the visit of Nepal’s Army Chief to the UK portrays that trait in abundance. Her misleading observations are obviously based on very limited knowledge of the real situation in ä Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar Rana Rinpoche Nepal. It is a classic case of correct factor, wrong deduction. Her We Nepalese tend to be like Bodhisattva etc. portrayal of a Nepal Army filled with frogs in a well and believe There are thousands of such only caste bound officers, for whatever is in my well in the one things which will be missing in a instance, is about four decades out of and the only truth! This is a broken lineage. The richness of date. Indeed the only army that dangerous attitude as far as meditation lore, experiential lore practices racial bias in the recruitment Buddhism is concerned. The handed down through the of Nepalese is the British Shasta himself said to Chanki in unbroken enlightened lineages Army. The national army of Nepal is the Majjhima Nikaya that learned cannot be compensated for by open to all. In fact, some of the more people should never say, “This is reading books or conducting militarily inclined minority tribes are the only truth” and close their mind seminars. The experiential actually overrepresented in terms of to all other possibilities. richness of a Master cannot be the population ratio. Similarly, India, Going back to Vipassana, there compensated by any other which has more Nepalese in uniform are many powerful Vipassana means. The presence of an newsfront than in Nepal, retains segregated systems in Laos, Thailand, and Sri authentic Master itself acts like a infantry regiments, but openly accepts against a similarly searching report The Nepalese Army, warts and all, Lanka which are pure Theravada catalyst for the transformation of any Nepali in other parts of the army. about some of the thousands of stood firm against the ideological systems based on the Theravada the practitioner. Indeed, it is not improbable that the Maoist human rights violators who extremists who chose to overthrow Pitaka coming through long There is a story in the overall British perception of Nepal is have been awarded blanket amnesty the various governments of the day unbroken lineages. In fact, Theravadin tradition itself prejudiced by an overrepresentation as part of a political deal that naively through force of arms. Despite the according to Nyan Ponika Thera, a (Anguttara Nikaya) that the of the minority viewpoint. hopes for peace at all costs. Sadly, pitiful state of the economy and German Theravadin Bhikkhu, the Master told one of his attendants Similarly, her simplistic interpreta- misguided, and perhaps even willfully untimely disengagement by traditional Burmese Sukkha Vipassana not to go to retreat during the tion of the Nepalese conflict as biased reporting like that, at the least, allies like the UK, the Nepalese Army lineages all began from Jetavan three month monsoon period “Gyanendra’s savage war” fails to endangers the delicate peace and did prove unequivocally to the Maoists Sayadaw about a hundred and fifty (Varsabas); but disobeying him, acknowledge the fact that the Maoists reconciliation process. At worst, it that they were never going to achieve years ago. If this is true, none of the attendant nevertheless went were using innocent civilians as actually assists the Maoists in their aim through fighting and helped the Burmese lineages are for the retreat. After three human shields, assassinating disguising their real and deadly intent. force them onto the negotiating table. unbroken lineages. months, he came back and told teachers and journalists and generally In the interest of averting the Today, as any democratic Nepalese But whether they are unbroken the Buddha that he had absolutely conducting a very effective ideological catastrophic tragedy of a Maoist politician admits in private, and as lineages or not they are based no experience in those three cleansing of the rural countryside a takeover of Nepal, perhaps it is time some like Foreign Minister Mahat firmly on the unalloyed interpreta- months of retreat. The Buddha good seven years before Gyanendra, for the UK and others in the assert publicly, the vastly more aware tion of the Buddha’s teachings and told him, ‘I told you not to go.’ This in hindsight quite inappropriately, took international community to admit that and responsible Nepalese Army are not mixed with other non- episode tells us clearly that: over the reins of power in a chaotic their previous zeal of focusing on remains the only hurdle against a Buddhist views however the Pandit 1. The path is not merely sitting Nepal. human rights allegations and related forceful takeover by the Maoists. lineages and the Bhikkhu lineages down and meditating even if That the Maoists are, by their own pressure on the government forces However, if one rates its past of Burma are unbroken. But if the meditation is correct. account, still fundamentally fighting to was in part a natural extension of credentials, today, the Nepalese Army is these Burmese Sukkha Vipassana 2. Without the backing of a establish a totalitarian communist their wish to ‘tame’ the King. While the last line of defense of democracy in are not unbroken lineages (as genuine enlightened Master, regime vis a vis a competitive liberal perhaps too distasteful and incompat- Nepal. If it were not for the existence of pointed out by Theravada scholars even if you really sit hard in multi-party democracy, appears to be ible with Labour’s image of the UK to a still intact army that PM Koirala can themselves), then many fine points meditation, nothing authentic is totally lost on Ms. Hilton. Her inability admit publicly, it is very much within still mobilise, there would be no reason will be missing. The Marga is not a going to happen. or perhaps unwillingness to differenti- the realms of what nation states do to whatsoever for the Maoists to even matter of just looking at Vedana or This is a good warning for all ate between the policy-driven, and in further their interests. It was never pretend to want to try their hand at true Chitta etc only. those who think they can read the case of the activities of their really meant to support the Maoists democracy. In the final analysis, that is There are many aspects of the books and practice on their own Young Communist League, ongoing game plan per se. not really very different form how the Marga which is handed down in an and avoid any contact and atrocities committed by the Maoists The King is gone and so is the British Army evolved and contributed to unbroken enlightened lineage like interaction with another living and the criminal violations committed utility of bashing him or the institutions Northern Ireland. the details of when to strive, when being who has deeper experience by individual soldiers, who are duly that were previously useful as targets As one Nepali language weekly put to relax, when to recognise that than himself. This avoidance or investigated and punished, makes her to weaken his position. It is time to it, “Propaganda is a fine tool to use the winds are being disturbed by fear of interaction with another analysis vulnerable to exploitation by move on and focus on the real threat on select target audiences in the meditation, what are the medicines personality is itself a neurosis, Maoist manipulators. at hand. The lack of perception of pursuit of well thought out objectives. for the wind disturbances, what which will get one stuck wherever Her efforts to play on the senti- casual observers like Isabel is doing Where it becomes fatally counter are the landmarks on the path and one is and is a sign of a big ego. ments of readers by eloquently untold damage to the cause of productive is when the practitioners how to use them, the development (To be continued) narrating the tragic Maina Sunuwar sustainable liberal democracy in and unwitting agents get so deep into of Sraddha which is equally as (Sridhar Rinpoche is a story would have had real analytical Nepal and furthering the Maoist the game that they start believing in important to become an Arhat or Vajrayana Master.) value if it had only been balanced cause. their own bluff.” Art & Society 30 July - 5 Aug, 2007 11

Romance Real cause should be handled of small stalls Counseling by drug therapist, Ragina Shah A friend from abroad could not believe UK took us to the nearby Portabella market I have only one son but unfortu- worthwhile to help himself and his family. that I need not mention my street name, every week. Often the act of visiting the small nately he has been into drugs Another reason why he is not clean zone or city code for me to receive by post weekly marketplaces seemed a heroic act and since two decades. He has by now could be that his real cause of a packet containing a book of contemporary we were escorted to these open air markets stayed in almost all centers of addiction has not been identified. When verse from Poland. with same serious intent that we Nepal but still is not drug free. the real cause is handled he will not What should I do, send him to a relapse again and again. His attitude This simplicity of life ä Yuyutsu RD Sharma would have while visiting our holy seen in Nepal and shrines. Also it had a ring of organic center abroad? Do I really have has to change during his rehabilitation. generally in South Asia is what you miss while food as ideal and healthy as opposed to junk food a ray of hope? Unfortunately, sometimes your traveling in the rest of the world - the small stalls, flown in from different parts of the world by the ä Mr. Shrestha, Nepalgunj unconditional love for him can also street vendors, little bazaars at the end of each supermarkets. The working conditions of the people become a hindrance to his recovery. street. Streets like New Road, Baneshwore, Putli who produced the food were miserable and The first step towards healing your When he knows that you will be there for him at the end of day, no matter Sadak, Koteswore, Kalimati, the people on the street unhygienic, the activists complained. son is for him to accept that he is an what, he will not, ‘grow up.’ with their whole world on stalls or on winnowing In fact most of the activism in the West draws its addict. Frequently, addicts who check It is very important that he becomes discs. energy, along with anti-war agendas from, to use the into centers for rehabilitation do not take honest and not hide anything that he On my return the vendors in the street, the small Chomsky’s phrase, ‘the tyranny of the corporate responsibility for their addiction. Thinking does wrong. If he is not honest, he will open air shopkeepers give me a familiar look and houses.’ The Tesco, HM, Woolworth, Albert Heijn, that drugs are under their ‘control’ while try harder to hide his wrong acts; will even amicably ask the cause of my disappearance Aldi, Lidl, Walmart, Sainsbury’s and Asda remain the in reality, it is not makes them unable to start to isolate himself from those who for few months. Nepalese literature is full of targets of attacks at most of the poetry jams and ‘cooperate’ with the rehab programme have been impacted by his wrongdo- anecdotes involving life dramas of such characters performing events in Europe. and so it does no good to them. ings; and will blame them so that his that the writers encounter in the streets or open air The other day the sightings of a few supermarkets Your son should want desperately to get rid of his addiction. He should feel wrongs becomes less ‘wrong’ for him. market places. in New Delhi made me wonder if the drama is being Blind love from his parents will not let The amazing fact remains that these vendors keep repeated in Asia, in almost similar fashion. Within two that getting into yet another rehab center is his last chance and so it is very him realise his wrong-doings. He does the mechanism of a high profile supermarket without years, there has been a sudden rise of supermarkets need your support but he has to realise spending a penny. You have everything you require in India. important for him to follow the routine of the rehab and stay disciplined. it and at the same time you should not from fruits and vegetables to mending shoes, On TV the other day I saw a housewife in sari be blind to his manipulations. Strengthening his discipline will prevent sharpening knives, and local herbal medicines on the claiming to provide the customers with the best Another factor could be that he does him from slipping into his old ways. movable stands. That these anonymous figures carry mangoes in the world with a wide smile. Reliance, not have confidence in himself. Avoiding his old circle of friends and the on the work of a high profile supermarket without the news goes, would hire a train which shall carry all Addiction is powerful but he has to areas they used to frequent is crucial. any set agenda or corporate motif seems mind- that there is in India-- apples, mangoes, bananas believe that he has the power to This will help him stay off the old traps. blowing. It reflects the diversity of characters and and the vegetables and the rest. I am told Reliance is overcome it and stay clean. He has to It is also very vital to his recovery that cultures and keeps the scene of our bazaars vibrant asking quotations from the leading publishers and convince himself that he can be drug he stays productive. If you think your son and colorful. distributors in India and shall be publishing selected free, ethical and productive. He needs would be safe by just staying in the house In Europe most of my friends often complained titles in bulk along with groceries. Soon we would see determination. about the rise of the supermarkets and the way they supermarkets take over the vibrant world of small and not going out, his condition will Please address any queries you have controlled the lives of the people there. Few decades stalls and street vendors to empower the powerful deteriorate. However small the work, by about drug addiction to: earlier the scene was different, some of them and mighty, fresh gods of the century ushering in the being productive, his morale will stay up. [email protected] (Your identity lamented. There were small shops and stores. corporate chaos of the highest order. Please make sure he is doing something will be protected.) There were vendors and small stalls. Our host in the (The writer can be reached at [email protected])

Insight ä Sushma Amatya

A new bridge across a river, Syangja, Nepal. 12 30 July - 5 Aug, 2007 Makers Lohan to face legal action?

Lindsay Lohan might be heading into legal trouble because a man whose foot she drove over is threaten- Spears’ guard ing to sue the actress. And two men who say Lohan drove off with their car are also taking her to court. charged An intoxicated Lohan allegedly drove In more bad news for singer Britney off to chase her former assistant Tarin Spears, one of her bodyguards has been Grahame through the streets of charged with misdemeanour battery after Malibu, California, one night last week. an altercation in Las Vegas. Ronnie Blake who was in the car The scuffle occurred outside the Wynn managed to get out before Lohan hotel and casino when two photographers sped off, leaving his two pals, Dante approached Spears and her entourage. Nigro and Jakon Sutter, fearing for Spears filed a police report after the their lives inside, hollywood.com incident, alleging one of the paparazzi reports. Lohan drove over Blake’s foot. battered one of her two children. The three men have now hired an Photographer Kyle Henderson attorney as they consider legal action allegedly bumped bodyguard Julio against Lohan. Blake may seek Camera, who was holding Spears’ son 22 damages for his injuries while Nigro month old Sean Preston. and Sutter are considering pressing Camera handed the toddler to Spears false imprisonment and stolen-vehicle and then ran after the photographers. charges. (Skynews) (IANS)