Nepali Times

#258 29 July - 4 August 2005 16+4 pages Rs 30

LIFE IN A BUBBLE: Weekly Internet Poll # 258 Children going to school in Q... Should the parties respond to the Libang earlier this month in Maoist offer of negotiations? the middle of strife-torn Rolpa.

Total votes:3881 Weekly Internet Poll # 259. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com How do you rate the new council of ministers with previous ones?

KUMAR SHRESTHA KISHORE NEPAL in DIKTEL t has been six months since King Gyanendra took I over in Kathmandu promising to restore peace Meanwhile… but in remote district towns The rest of Nepal sees no hope in Kathmandu’s continued political paralysis across Nepal people are losing even the flicker of army has restricted teacher in Khotang. thought the army would go hope they had that the community forestry on When they find out we are after the Maoists but they are violence would soon end. suspicion that money from journalists from Kathmandu, coming after us,” is a Since February, I have timber sales was going to the peasants, teachers, traders, tea common refrain. traveled across Nepal: from rebels. shop owners, women and In Libang’s little bubble, Pyuthan, Rolpa, Achham in Teachers are being forced social workers across Nepal uniformed school children in the west to Terathum and to tear out and burn pages in always have the same ties go Charikot in the east. In new Grade Eight textbooks question: where is the peace to the Editorial p2 Terathum, Kamala Tamang’s that carry portraits and the that the king promised? only The freedom to be fair policeman husband was life histories of the royal They were already living private recently killed by Maoists family. The rebels blame the in fear of Maoist intimidation, school while the rest of and she is worried about the teachers for being government threats of violence, torture Rolpa is effectively Maoland. baby that was born soon employees, the state suspects and killings. Now, in many Civil servants call Libang after. In Jajarkot, teachers are they are Maoist sympathisers places there is also fear of the “India” and the rest of the humiliated, extorted and and doesn’t trust them. “We security forces. The people district “Pakistan”, with the forced to teach children have khukuris at our necks, find it increasingly difficult to barbwire fence that circles violence. In Dang and Jhapa, what are we supposed to tell the two sides apart and the town as “Line of villagers are concerned the do?” asks Lab Kumar Rai, a they are confused. “We Control”. Continued p4 2 EDITORIAL 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editors: Abha Eli Phoboo, Aarti Basnyat Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Pushparaj Sharma, [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-5543333-6, Fax: 01-5521013 [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 01-5547018 Support by default THE FREEDOM TO BE FAIR The price of complacency could be dear We have been cursed with having to live in interesting times he cacophony of near- everywhere remains the only in party leadership at the hands chronicling the past five years of Nepali life. delirious utterances by rationale for justifying the Iraq of their Young Turks, the What we as a nation have gone through since 2000 we wouldn’t T leaders of the historically war. He evidently has little time present equation could wish on any other. It started with innocent disillusionment with our democratic deficit, the political fecklessness of leaders who frittered fragile seven party alliance to go into the agony and dramatically change. The away the people’s trust. Violence ravaged the land, strikes and continue to make interesting frustrations of the Nepali people government therefore is engaged blockades disrupted life, the massacre of an entire royal family by headlines, thanks to the partisan at the hands of corrupt in a rather precarious war of one of its own. There were torture and disappearances, bereavement media, meddling diplomats and politicians following the wits. Only by better delivery of and displacement, the horrendous slaughters of innocents, unprecedented religious riots, and then a step-by-step return to self-seeking donors. restoration of ‘democracy’ development services will it mandale-ism even as totalitarians rattled the gates. Vignettes are in 1990. win the people over, earn For the Indian prime captured in our composite supplement in this issue. GUEST COLUMN admiration and support of Looking back, what has been extraordinary is the rapid pace of minister, given his government’s friends abroad, and most the slide. Such degradation takes decades in other countries–here Bihari K Shrestha love for Bhutan’s autocracy and importantly, strengthen the we went from bad to worse to awful in the span of five years. Society had been ravaged by centuries of marginalisation, exclusion and the Burmese junta, the monarchy as a much-needed exploitation, and the violence infected quickly erupting like a puss- While Madhab Nepal wants prescription is obviously countervailing force on behalf of filled boil. to hold talks with the Maoists inspired more by expediency poor and powerless Nepalis. The conflict has sent the economy into a tailspin, putting “at any cost” (whatever that than by principle. Since most However, if the recent budget pressure on media finances. Society is so polarised that objectivity means) Girija Koirala would do Nepali politicians hold is any guide it seems to be is equated with subversion. Some call us pro-royal, others pro- republic. We must be doing something right if they can’t make up so publicly. Shailaja Acharya themselves very much in thrall business as usual even in these their minds. maintains that doing so will be of India, extracting concessions unusual times. No country has We freely admit to having a bias: in favour of democracy, civil disastrous for the party and the from them such as on river deals developed without unshackling liberties and press freedom. You don’t fight totalitarian tyranny by country. But the people would be so much easier. But the creative energies of its curbing those values, and you can’t ensure sustained progress themselves will have nothing to what seems to have escaped people. The process is about without them. It has been a tumultuous journey and an experience few journalists anywhere have had to endure in this day and age. do with the parties until they America’s attention during the building their capacity and In our very first issue of this paper in July 2000, we wrote here: purify themselves: purging visit is that while it is engaged entails much more than ‘A balance of comment fosters debate and expands the public corrupt leaders, democratising in a global war on terror, our allocating a little more money sphere…a newspaper also needs a set of values to sustain itself. In themselves, ending dynastic Maoist rebels continue to enjoy for agriculture or prioritising the a society cursed with inequality, some of those values are fairly rule, and making finances safe haven in India. Karnali Zone. obvious: to speak for the last, the lost and the least. We will be fair, and we will protect our independence intensely.’ transparent. However misplaced the The Finance Minister swore What we didn’t know then was how soon and severely we’d be To add to these dynamics, Singh-Bush statement on Nepal, by the Tenth Plan provisions, put to the test. the leaders of America and India it carries an ominous ring for us most of which are ritualistic, recently agreed in in our quest for genuine stale and ineffective, and even Washington democracy. We need a counterproductive. In contrast, (presumably at government of the people, by the we have living examples of the latter’s people, and for the people and successful community initia- urging) that not what we had: a government tives even when politicians were political parties elected by people, but run by plundering the nation. This is should be the corrupt for themselves and true people power, and it shows restored to power their cronies. what the people can achieve in Nepal. The leaders of the present when they have their destiny Obviously it is in regime, however, must realise in their own hands. It is only both their that the peoples’ lack of support by supporting such initiatives national interests for the parties on the streets that the government can be more to make that call. should not be interpreted as pro-people than the ones we For the American support for it. The people are had so far. president, a with the government only by But all indications are that blanket default because they withhold the present regime is prescription of power from the parties in their anaesthetised with multiparty present state. complacency. The price of this democracy If there is a dramatic change could be very high. God save the king The countdown for a showdown over the monarchy has begun t the citizens’ rally for democracy customary homage to the king at family Young people started to openly espouse junior foreign minister Rao Inderjit Singh and peace at Ratna Park on Monday, altars after that. the republican agenda and in campus after reiterated his country’s Twin Pillar Asome demonstrators chanted The risks of having a manipulative campus, students voted against the Doctrine. slogans that would have been unthinkable monarchy were proven when Sher monarchy in referenda. Meanwhile, the king is pursuing his until a few years ago. In protests the next Bahadur Deuba dissolved parliament in February First was the third and final path ignoring all advice and criticism. This day, supporters of Sher Bahadur Deuba the dead of night four years ago without stage of the creeping coup. Six months is what is provoking people opposed to a used the vilest anti-monarchist language even consulting his senior cabinet later, the king continues to hold all state return to authoritarianism to resort to yet heard on Kathmandu’s streets. colleagues. It was a coup by stealth where power but his authority is now unprecedented anti-monarchist rhetoric. It Lese majesté, a concept that places the the avarice of a politically inept premier completely coercive. On an ideological seems the countdown for a final person of the king beyond reproach and was exploited. No one believed elections level, a political consensus is emerging showdown between the palace and the makes could be held within the specified that even a constitutional monarchy may people has begun. If history is any guide, STATE OF THE STATE any period and when they weren’t, King be detrimental to healthy democracy. the outcome of such a contest is a foregone CK Lal attack Gyanendra sacked a prime minister who Tulsi Giri, the resurrected political ghost conclusion. Sensing the turning tide, on him was only doing his bidding. His from the Panchayat era, has put the debate radically chic socialites have also joined a punishable act, has ceased to command announcement on 4 October 2002 broke most succinctly: it’s either monarchy or the republican bandwagon. At public respect. Could it be that the days of the compact King Birendra had made democracy, the two can’t go together. The gatherings, advocates of even a ceremonial monarchy as we knew it are numbered? with his people in 1990. With the Maoists have been unsuccessfully making monarchy are now being seen as too soft. The monarchy lost the mandate of second instalment of the takeover and the same point for 10 years. The monarchy was at its weakest in the heaven, the central doctrine of Divine Deuba’s second sacking on 1 February, Despite this, some in the aftermath of the royal massacre. But the Rights Theory, after the Narayanhiti the king became CEO, transforming international community still call for a political mainstream came to its rescue. Massacre on 1 June 2001. The alleged himself from constitutional monarch to “unity of constitutional forces”. US Now that the king is running the country, killer was declared king and spent his constructive king. Ambassador James Moriarty this week that is not likely to happen again. Public entire reign in a coma. People weeping An active monarchy is judged by the again urged reconciliation between the evaluation of his performance, rather than inconsolably at the gates of the royal results it delivers. But every premier king and the political parties even as the faith, will determine the future of the palace were in fact mourning for the loss installed by the king since 2002 has royal regime dug in its heels. Former US institution of monarchy. With its bleak of innocence, an end of the era when the bowed out in disgrace as the insurgency Senator Thomas Daschle, visiting Nepal record since October Fourth, this monarch was one of the deities in their escalated, the economy decelerated and on a ‘democratisation’ mission, echoed constructive monarchy needs all the divine pantheon. Many Nepalis ceased paying Nepali society got increasingly polarised. the point made by his envoy. India’s blessings it can get. 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 3

LLL ETTERS

LESSONS We need world leaders to focus engaged in the petty business of and denigration of the warriors for In response to Preeti Koirala on terrorist attacks in Nepal like character assassination. democracy. Shrestha and his ilk (‘Letters’, #256), I want to make it the Chitwan bus bomb first and B Raj Giri, email conveniently forget that the anti- crystal clear that it is always then we can talk about regression movement is unacceptable that innocent democracy. As stated by Ashutosh Tiwari supported and participated in by people are killed and maimed in Sushil Bogati, email (‘Starting from scratch’, #257) both the younger and older furtherance of a political, parties should represent the generations who are not religious or ideological agenda. Kunda Dixit is disappointing people and vice-versa. Unless and accomplices in the incidences of The UK condemns all terrorist as a political analyst in ‘The UN, until they do the initial research on ministerial corruption during the acts without exception. But there India and Nepal’ and seems people, place, poverty, progress, past 12 years. Does Shrestha is a world of difference between unclear about why India’s palace, partiality and their own want to restore his already lost a) an armed insurrection lobbying for a Security Council party policy, survival will only status as a free citizen or does involving thousands of a seat could be a ‘window of mean standing on a razor’s edge. he prefer to remain a serf in what country’s citizens in classic opportunity’ to resolve the Nepal Anil B, Pulchok has ceased to be a democracy? guerrilla terrain, with political and crisis. Has anything that India has Yadav Khanal, email socio-economic demands many said or done after 1950-51 down The topic of nationalism, even MIN BAJRACHARYA of which are shared by the to this day been a window of like that of patriotism, can be ETHNIC GAP mainstream parties, and opportunity for Nepal? Educated establishing peace and prosperity. misused by those who are not I support Rajendra Pradhan’s b) al Qaeda, which is a world people of Nepal knew that both Nepalis want action not mere known to have ever worked ‘The media’s ethnic gap’ (#256). I wide extremist network involving democracy and constitutional assurances. towards promoting any have been living in Siraha for a tiny minority, with no coherent monarchy were in danger in Nepal Bikendra Shamsher Thapa, nationalistic or patriotic cause. nearly six years and have found negotiable demands or formal the day India started saying they email Presently, party-bashers from the Madhesis to be like structure. are ‘the twin pillars’ of Nepal’s various quarters are growing everybody else, good and bad. In the case of armed stability. Nepal will still give its …OR DEMOCRACY? louder by the day to raise the topic They are really nice, hospitable insurrections rejection of vote to India because it has to Whether encouraging young of nationalism to debunk leaders of people but most noteworthy, dialogue by insisting on labelling prove its worth as a friendly children (Letters, ‘Forced March’, the seven parties who are trying to they are as good a Nepali as you the insurgents as ‘terrorists’ is a state and continue to be exploited #257) to take part in various social bring democracy back on track. and me. recipe for years, maybe decades, for its benevolence. and political functions is Even writers for respectable Roop Pradhan, Lalitpur of violence and misery. If only Kishor Karki, email acceptable is a matter of moral as papers are indulging in kicking up Nepal could draw some lessons well as health judgement but to articles demonising the anti- CLARIFICATION from the UK where the DEMAGOGUERY… claim that human rights and child regression leaders and Bihari K ‘Underfed and underfunded’ government, parties and civil Dr Narayan Bahadur Thapa (‘The welfare organisations are Shrestha is one of them (‘No in #256 gave the erroneous society have joined hands to face silent majority’, #257) has given opposing child ‘marches’ is sermons, please’, #255). impression the school-feeding the terrorists threat– where an pragmatic and prudent absolutely ridiculous. In our Shrestha’s thesis is that India has program is being “phased out”. In unacceptable ideology is suggestions to our political lawless country, everyone is using always claimed its pound of flesh. fact, the World Food Program’s combated with ideas, not guns– parties. Our leaders need to children for their own vested But he may have dwelt on why school feeding programs have and where international understand that we ordinary interests whether they are foreign things are that way. Seeking been running since 1967 and now cooperation is embraced rather Nepalis have had enough of (or local) religious organisations, goodwill and the sympathy of India provide snacks to 500,000 school than rejected as ‘interference’ demagoguery. Hence, the political political parties, Maoist rebels or and other democratic countries by children in Nepal every day. and is discouraged by the pursuit parties need to come up with human rights organisations, the anti-regression leaders cannot of misguided policies. something concrete to earn their including Amnesty International be condemned as an anti-national There was a translation error Keith Bloomfield, HM lost popularity. They should focus (see photos on their website). No or unpatriotic act. Would Shrestha in the introduction to Minister of Ambassador, on resolving the current political one has stopped forcing children take the trouble to furnish tenable, Physical Planning and Works British Embassy impasse rather than indulging in to take part ‘under the scorching substantial proof of present Jagat Gauchan (‘New cabinet power hunting exercises. sun or in the rain’ for all sorts of ‘nationalistic’ forces as having appointments’, From the Nepali DOUBLE STANDARDS Altercations among forces that (useless) reasons but now that done anything appreciable and Press #257). Gauchan was In ‘The UN, India and Nepal’ believe in multiparty democracy King Gyanendra has assumed enduring for the people and accused of involvement in the (#257), Kunda Dixit writes, ‘At and constitutional monarchy executive powers, everyone, country? All we hear are the attempted murder of journalist the Oval Office on Monday should be avoided. An including national newspapers, is vacuous slogans of ‘nationalism’ Padam Thakurathi. morning, Prime Minister Singh understanding should be reached and President George W Bush among them if our politicos agreed that “...it’s going to be believe that they can drive the critical for the king of Nepal to nation towards a better future. I restore civil liberties”.’ Here is a strongly urge His Majesty’s message for world leaders: Government to create a convivial Gentlemen, Nepal never asked atmosphere for reconciliation with you for your help on democracy. the parties on the streets. The Please wake up and understand government should stop acting on that Nepal’s problem is with guidelines set by some obsolete terrorism. The same type of minds. An attitude of revenge and terrorism that killed thousands of appointments of Jagat Gauchans people in New York and the same and Badri Mandals as ministers kind of terrorism that killed 50- will only benefit our brothers in something in London. Please do combat. Expenditures on not pretend like you care by rehabilitation projects for victims blending democracy and of Maoists atrocities should be terrorism because they do not preferred to spending on blend. Ask a Nepali if they want ‘welcome gates’ and banners. The democracy or peace, I am sure octogenarians and their they would choose the latter and contemporaries should play rightfully so because if advisory roles taking leave from democracy was indeed the active politics where they have remedy for peace, there would be proved their incompetence. It is no attacks in the countries that high time for the palace and are more democratic than Nepal. parties to contribute towards 4 NATION 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 Just like Afghanistan

“RUKUM OF THE EAST”: Diktel’s district administration building lies in ruins one month after the Maoist attack (left) and people have blocked their windows with stones for protection.

is rife, malnutrition is everywhere, parties. Instead, every school, and there are no jobs. The bridge and chautara has a Maoist attraction of rebellion is obvious flag fluttering on bamboo poles. but so is its futility. The east is red, and has turned “If only the soldiers would into what the mid-west was five treat us decently and not be years ago. This week, Ilam’s tea rude...” says one man but he estates have been forced to close doesn’t complete the sentence. It is and the army is confined to clear which way the people would barracks, venturing out go if only there was a government occasionally on short patrols. It’s worth its name and a political almost as if the rebels and the alternative to the Maoist gun. army are trying to avoid RABI TULADHAR Repeatedly humiliated and unnecessary confrontation. from p1 night of 19 June, the people of ever more entrenched: social insulted by an uncaring state that “This country is turning into Diktel found themselves caught exclusion, official apathy and treats them as the enemy, Vietnam and no one cares,” says Picturesque Diktel in eastern in the crossfire as a ferocious long-standing neglect of the disillusioned with the political Nayaran Prasad Joshi, a respected Nepal and surrounding villages firefight raged all night. hinterland. Here in Diktel, the parties, fed up of Maoist violence elder in Diktel who thinks there had till recently escaped the worst “There were bullets flying only sign of development is a and now losing hope that the king are plenty of possibilities for the of the conflict. But after the fierce everywhere,” says a mother of powerline from Gaighat. But it means what he says, Nepalis across parties, the king and the Maoists Maoist attacks on 19 June and 2 two, showing us holes on her brings electricity only from 6- Nepal have no one to turn to. to meet halfway. He adds, “They July in which the district wall, “the children were not 8PM. Rebels have halted The only entity that could are just not trying hard enough, administration building was harmed but imagine the construction of the British-aided change this fear into hope is the and that is why we continue to destroyed, the ruins look like a psychological effect on their highway from the Arun valley political parties. If they would suffer.” scene straight out of Afghanistan. minds.” Bhuban Acharya has and threatened to ‘eliminate’ only show their presence in areas turned his room into a bunker, anyone who supports the road. where the people are most isolated, Kishore Nepal’s program Mat Abhimat The police and army barracks airs on Nepal Television every are at each end of the town and piling stones on his window but In village after village on a their faith in a democratic Wednesday at 8PM. Archives can be there is a military base camp in still doesn’t feel secure. three-day walk from Sindhuli, alternative would be restored. But viewed at: the middle of the bajar. On the The root causes of conflict are there is no drinking water, disease nowhere do we see the political www.nepalpoll.com.np/ntv/mataabhimat/ Kathmandu to Kakarbitta and back Far eastern economic recovery hinges on the highways being re-opened for business

Frustration is highest among transport in Sunsari and Morang. workers in Kakarbitta. “The impact is really “Bombing of buses does not happen bad on our livelihood,” says Bhadra Lal much these days and even if it did, Puri, a porter at the bus station, who earns passengers will not be targeted,” says Maya less than Rs 50 a day for unloading luggage. Rai in Sitapur, two hours from Kakarbitta. Until a few years back he used to make over Rai has closed down her eatery because of Rs 300. “When will people realise that the slow business and is now involved in roads are not always dangerous? Why get community development work. scared because of a handful of incidents?” Fewer vehicles plying the road has Indeed, a 14-hour drive towards the Far crippled local economy. Many restaurants, East is today an adventure marked more by groceries and lodges along the highway are anticipation than incident. The roads are bolted. “Out here we are already used to wide and well-maintained, flanked by tense situations, that prepare us for greenery on both sides and because there is anything,” explains Rai as she joins around so little traffic the speedometer hovers at 50 other villagers to plant trees on a swath 120 km/h. Families planting paddy and of denuded forest. children grazing buffaloes wave at the But the terrorist bombing of a bus in isolated cars that pass through their Chitwan in June and the wide media villages. The monsoon has not yet coverage it got spooked even intrepid destroyed the main roads, Krishna Bhir has travellers. Shop-owners along the highway been repaired and even the landslide- in Chitwan saw a marked drop in traffic ravaged Mugling stretch is now less risky. after that incident. But locals have taken it The only real hassle on the road comes in their stride, says editor of Chitwan Post, NARESH NEWAR not from the Maoists but from security Bhaskar Aryal. “People are cautious but the NARESH NEWAR eastern border town of Kakarbitta recent checkpoints, of which we passed 25 incident has perhaps made them more from BAGMATI to MECHI visitors counted hardly 20 long-range between Kathmandu and Kakarbitta. Bus prepared.” buses. passengers have to get off with their hand For now, the real danger along the East- o Maoist was waving a party flag, no “Rumours and speculations spread bags and face the same questions over and West Highway is not of a Maoist ambush landmines were going off, no unnecessary fear. People from Kathmandu over again. Security personnel are less strict but accidents caused by speeding. There are N militants surfaced to wave assault should be told not to believe everything about checking private cars and one learns numerous carcasses of buses and trucks rifles at travellers. The deserted look of the they hear about how dangerous road travel quickly not to get too close to a security lying upside down along the side of the 600-km stretch of highway from is,” says Hari Lama, a truck driver, as he convoy or military jeep which are the main highway. In many cases, drivers had fallen Kathmandu to Kakarbitta is a sign that helps right a bus that went off the road. targets of rebel landmines. asleep behind the wheel. Maoist fear has taken its toll but highway Many drivers and residents along the Locals say there is no fear of Maoist Taxi driver Shanker Gurung nodded off travel is not as treacherous as it is made out highway believe that rumours, rather than attacks on the road, except during bandas. on the Mechi Highway recently and to be. actual Maoist attacks, are responsible for Last week on Monday, three jeeps were survived a high-speed collision with a Because of curfews along the way, night the empty highway. “Such fear is natural burnt in Barne in Jhapa but no one was roadside tree. He says: “That is the only real buses have stopped services and instead but does this mean we totally stop using killed in the arson carried out by Maoists danger around here, falling asleep at the ply only in daytime. Up until the dusty the roads altogether?” asks Lama. against drivers who defied the banda called wheel.” BUSINESS 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 5

Yay, Yak and Yeti

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has awarded Nepalonomics at five Hotel Yak and Yeti the number one position among five-star hotels. The honour was handed over by Minister Buddhi Raj Bajracharya In this anniversary column, the Beed offers five economic mantras on 15 July. Performance of hotels is gauged by the amount of foreign currency earned in a fiscal year. This is the ninth consecu- t began with finding an Here is an example: the lack What is the consequence of tive time that Hotel Yak and Yeti has won this award. appropriate pseudonym. of proper analysis has made us increased security spending? What I Today, Artha Beed is five believe that tourism in Nepal has happened to the asset report on Easy-to-wear styles years old and introspection suffered due to the insurgency, Royal Nepal Airlines? Writing on

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ is due. while it is actually supply economics and business is not Lifestyle Enterprises has launched Bossini Most Nepali economists—and outstripping demand that has easy, it requires rigorous research, apparels in Nepal. With an exclusive showroom in Darbar Marg there aren’t many—identify led to the fall. Every tourist who reading and poring over displaying the latest spring and summer collection, Bossini offers clothes for men, women and children at attractive prices. themselves as ‘intellectuals’ and comes to Nepal has three beds to documents and statistics to continue dishing out old wine in choose from. The absence of self- interpret them for readers. old bottles. Analysis of the regulation has killed the But apart from some hardcore

School for high flyers Nepali economy is usually industry, not the insurgency. Beed addicts, the Nepali

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Training organisation Air Hostess Academy Five-star hotels selling rooms at readership is not prone to (AHA) of India brought a group of students to $ 15 have forced other hotels to feedback. I could do with more Kathmandu for international exposure. During the ECONOMIC SENSE shut down. If they could have comments. Please vehemently session the students are shown the international airport, Artha Beed agreed to jointly maintain rates, disagree with me. operational aspects of the airline industry, check-in area, not only would they survive but So, older and wiser, let’s take procedures and more. They are made familiar with the duties of an confined to seminar papers. If it so would the smaller fellows. the opportunity of the fifth airhostess and flight steward, which include serving passengers is a book, the author’s CV is on Then there is the Beed’s anniversary to relearn some and informing them about emergency exits. the back page, and the favourite topic: the magical 1.6 mantras: appendices and references exchange rate between the Nepali Economic growth is directly

Another ATM in Pokhara outweigh actual text. and Indian rupee. This is a correlated to economic freedom, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Graph-savvy ‘parachute political exchange rate but no which is directly correlated to Standard Chartered has installed consultants’ have always just economist has come up with a political freedom. one more 24 hour ATM at added more references of their sound justification against it. Poverty can only be alleviated Chipledhunga, Pokhara. The bank earlier published works and Business groups, their by creating wealth, as the concept now has 11 ATMs in operation within the country—three in Pokhara, footnotes but contributed no umbrella organisations, the of poverty is all monetary. Only six in Kathmandu and two in Lalitpur. In addition to the bank’s ATM cardholders, the machines also provide services to Visa, meat to the analysis. The advent corporate houses, none of them the private sector can create wealth MasterCard, Cirrus and Maestro cardholders. of electronic word processing have full-time economists. No since it is neither the job of the made the Rastra Bank’s work surprise there is no fresh government nor of donors to create easier but its research department perspective, no long-term vision, money. But the private sector has

Flying international has been interested only in no forecasting. The same 10 to behave like a business and not a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ delivering the same set of people are seen to be commenting rent-seeking-arbitrage-institution. Air Nepal International has started international schedule information. on the economy on tv and in the Open up all sectors for foreign flights with its B767-300 The business community business pages day in and day investment and technology aircraft from 24 July. The hasn’t bothered about the out, that is when they are not transfer; do not hesitate to contract aircraft is configured into two economy because most can junketeering. Business customs or revenue collection to classes with 24 seats in Business Class and 221 in Economy influence policy in other ways. journalism is not an in-depth foreign firms. class. The schedule includes flights to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok, Serious people rely on the look at privatisation or Find ways to integrate Bideshi Dubai and Doha. It also plans to introduce e-ticketing. Economist Intelligence Unit or investigative reports on ‘No Oil Nepalis to kick start the economy. NEW PRODUCT Control Risks Group for real Corporation’, it is superficial With more than a billion analysis about the Nepali page fillers. people directly to our north and a READY TO GO: Galaxy Trading Concern has economy. Even after a decade of What is Nepal’s foreign debt billion more to the south we have introduced ready-to-eat snack brands of SM Foods, insurgency we haven’t seen position likely to be in 2020? to hitch our wagons to these two India, in Nepal. The names of the products are published work on the economic What would the long-term powerful locomotives. Piknik, Simba Chipniks and Senor Peptio. impact of the conflict apart from impact of new pension decisions the cut-and-paste reports. to government employees be ? www.arthabeed.com

No sooner had the monsoon begun, then we got the Flying in the rain first weather-related air mishap of the season VIJAY LAMA of the airline. Pilots should never be forced to fly if their professional he monsoon has always been a time when passengers, judgement tells them otherwise. There is no place here for crew and civil aviation officials keep their fingers bravado. When driving rain brings runway visibility below T crossed. minimum, when mountain passes are covered by clouds, or Given Nepal’s terrain, cloud cover over the mountains when there is doubt about en route weather it is no time for during the rainy season makes it necessary for crew to be heroics. No one is going to applaud a pilot who has a particularly careful. It is no surprise that most accidents in reputation for flying in any kind of weather. But who is Nepal are classified as ‘controlled flight into terrain’, and checking? most of them happen during the monsoon. Kathmandu airport is equipped with radar, VOR and This monsoon was no different. The rains had barely NDB beacons but even here, ground navigational aids begun when a Dornier 228 carrying nine passengers and (navaids) are not up to International Civil Aviation three crew had a narrow escape after the aircraft veered off Organisation (ICAO) standards. Given Nepal’s notorious the runway at Lukla on 29 June. monsoon cover, flights often have to make instrument With highway journeys unreliable because of the approaches or divert. CAAN should get out of its donor- insurgency and landslides and air fares coming down due to dependent mode and make its own choices about what is competition, more and more people are opting to fly within urgently needed to improve flight safety. A donor-funded Nepal. In addition, there are new operators and for the first VOR-DME beacon at Bhatte Danda on Kathmandu’s time jet aircraft are flying domestic routes. approach has never been operational. to make pilots and air traffic controllers aware of monsoon This monsoon, we have to ask ourselves: are we doing If that is the case with Kathmandu, the less said about flying issues. Upgraded air traffic control have made a enough to ensure flight safety? Are the pilots given refresh- other airfields the better. Only nine of Nepal’s 40 airports difference in aviation safety but a lot more needs to be done. ers regarding specific technical issues of monsoon have paved runways and most don’t have navaids. In fact, Our controllers and others need advanced training abroad in operations and its difficulties? Are ground navigation aids up none of the airports meet 21st century standards for state-of-the-art safety procedures. to international standards? Is the Civil Aviation Authority of equipment and safety. Even if they can’t be totally Traffic volume has risen dramatically after the open- Nepal (CAAN) doing enough to ensure there is not going to modernised, the airfields need urgent upgrades. skies policy. It is even more important now to have air traffic be another mishap this monsoon? On top of all the aviation safety issues there is the new controllers who can respond efficiently and with clarity Most aviation accidents do not have just one cause. We added concern of flying into insurgency-affected areas and during emergencies. have to ask if cash-starved operators are serious about airfields with inadequate security. Helicopters have been As airlines bring in new aircrafts, ground equipment has flight safety. Are they exerting pressure on crew to complete fired at and some airfields have closed down due to to keep pace with modern cockpits. At the same time, it is flights or cut corners? There are plenty of examples of pilots security reasons. In fact, in an emergency a pilot can’t the old workhorses like the Twin Otters that face the brunt of trying to race the rains to a particular airfield to land before even land at some of these airfields because they are not bad weather operations with limited equipment, lower the clouds move in. secure. It’s a miracle remote area airfields are still being altitude flying and to remote airfields with almost no en route What is worrying is the growing number of airlines and serviced by airlines. ground navaids. their stiff competition which puts air crew under pressure to Then there is the meteorology department, which needs complete a flight under any circumstances. Delays and urgent equipment upgrades to improve weather Capt Vijay Lama (pictured) has been flying Twin Otters with Royal cancellations cost money, besides tarnishing the reputation forecasting.To be sure, CAAN has been holding workshops Nepal Airlines for 17 years. 6 NATION 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 Park authorities conducting a post-mortem on a rhino killed by poachers last month in Chitwan.

The no-horned Asiatic rhinoceros Poaching depletes Chitwan’s rhinos and threatens to unravel Nepal’s greatest conservation success story

ROYAL CHITWAN NATIONAL PARK

P GHIMIRE in CHITWAN boundaries, their carcasses left close range.” released on bail. The National relations between parks and local to rot with gaping holes on their Among jailed poachers is Bam Parks and Wildlife residents. It was also buying n 20 July, a decomposing snouts where their horns were Bahadur Chepang, accused of Conservation Act 2029 BS says intelligence from villagers about carcass of a rhino was hacked off. killing 19 rhinos between 2001 anyone killing, injuring, poacher activity but both O discovered near Bhalu Most of the 800 soldiers that and 2003. “Killing a rhino takes purchasing or selling protected practices have ground to a halt. Tappu in Royal Chitwan National used to man the 34 checkpoints more than a week– you have to wild animals, including rhinos, On 19 June, rangers caught Park. It was just the latest in a in Chitwan have been scout for tracks find the rhino, or transferring rhino horns can Pemba Lama, alias Yakche, said slaughter that has seen the withdrawn. There are now only kill it and hand the horn over to be jailed for 5-15 years and to be the most notorious poacher- decimation of one-fourth of the 10 army camps, counting the your employer,” says Bam fined Rs 50,000-100,000. traders. He was carrying a rhino park’s rhino population in the three that were added this year Bahadur from his jail cell. “I was Bhatta is frustrated. “We are horn and Rs 460,000 cash, and past five years. after rhino poaching escalated. paid up to Rs 10,000 for each helpless, we can’t patrol all confessed to killing 20 rhinos Chitwan is one of the world’s There are now about 100 horn but I don’t know what they parts of the park effectively,” he and selling their horns to Tibetan most successful conservation accused poachers serving did with it.” tells us. But there are plans to traders. But even Yakche is small efforts. It has saved the Royal sentences in jails in Bharatpur, Poachers sell the horns to install transmitters at army fry. Conservationists say that Bengal Tiger from the brink of Birganj and Kathmandu, but small time traders in Bharatpur, camps and distribute 30 until his bosses are caught, the extinction, restored the Asiatic that hasn’t stopped the killing. Tandi, Kawasoti and Pokhara. wireless radio sets to game trade will carry on– unless the one-horned rhino to a healthy “They are the small fish, new These primary merchants then scouts. The park used to spend army can find a way to revive its population and secured the rich poachers may have replaced sell the horns to middlemen in half its income every year on the anti-poaching role. z bio-diversity of this inner-tarai those in custody,” says Chief Kathmandu who smuggle them to development of villages along P Ghimire prepared this article with rainforest. Rhino conservation Conservation Officer Shiba Raj Tibet and China where rhino the buffer zone, an activity that support from the Centre for was so successful that the park Bhatta whose office has counted horns are regarded as has been praised as a model for Investigative Journalism has relocated 24 rhinos to Bardiya 94 rhinos killed by poachers aphrodisiacs and sell for Rs 1.5 in the past 10 years. A lot of that and 60 deaths due to natural million apiece. success was because the park was causes since 2000 (see table). Bam Bahadur has identified Rhinos killed in 2004-05 guarded by the Royal Nepali Army Ram Prit Yadab, former chief his middleman as Kedar Giri, but with the army’s mobility warden of Chitwan, says the who is also in jail in Bharatpur 1 September 17-year-old female rhino, horn missing hampered by an insurgency, situation is much worse today after being caught with a horn. A 29 November Decomposing carcass found, horn missing poachers have moved in. than it was four years ago. Poor year ago, officials in Chitwan 28 December 24-year-old rhino found in buffer zone, horn missing In 2000, a census counted 544 security has encouraged arrested Pemba Lama and Dorje rhinos in Chitwan. This year’s poachers to change tactics. Most Sherpa with five rhino horns at 5 February 19-year-old male electrocuted, horn intact count in March reported only 372. rhinos poached before November Aaptari in Bharatpur. The park 13 February 29-year-old male found, horn intact, security forces The slaughter is intensifying: in 2002 fell into traps and were authorities could have initiated reached site after gunshot was heard the past four months alone speared to death. Today, action against the suspects but 14 March decomposed body, horn missing poachers killed 10 rhinos for their poachers use guns. Says Bhatta, the case was inexplicably 26 March decomposed body, horn missing horns in Chitwan. Most were “Recent rhino deaths have been transferred to Kathmandu and 7 April decomposed body, horn missing hunted down within park caused by muskets fired from the accused were illegally 9 April 35-year-old male, horn missing 11 April 27-year-old pregnant female, horn missing Year Natural deaths Poaching Total 12 April decomposed body, horn missing 2000/01 14 5 19 2 May 15-year-old female, security forces heard 2001/02 9 35 44 gunshots, horn intact 2002/03 16 32 48 3 May 22-year-old female, horn missing 2003/04 8 16 24 16 June 27-year-old, horn missing Source: Royal Chitwan National Park 21 June 24-year-old male, horn missing NATION 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 7 Porters’ progress Nepali porters are the ‘most efficient’ in the world Nepalis porters use a namlo head strap to support a doko containing a load that can be nearly twice their body weight. They also use a T-shaped stick (tokma) to support the load while taking rests. Heglund says porters spent only half the energy that European trekkers carrying backpacks used when either carried more than half (60 percent) of their body weight. For the study, eight porters were selected from a stream of porters regularly going up and down the steep Himalayan mountain route. They were asked to walk a 51 m long flat track at five different speeds, carrying six or seven loads according to their ability. The researchers measured the amount of oxygen they used and how much carbon dioxide they exhaled. The team wasn’t able to say whether the porters are able to reduce the work their muscles do to carry the loads or if they increase their overall efficiency. Heglund points out that professional porters and load carriers around the world carry loads on their heads. Porters in the Andes mountain range of South America and workers in construction sites across India use the method as well. Despite the porters’ efficiency (Heglund saw a 68-year-old porter carry loads heavier than himself) they face several health risks during their arduous treks. International charities such as the UK-based International Porters Protection Group (IPPG) and Tourism Concern conduct campaigns to raise he method Nepali porters use to carry nearly awareness of the problems because many porters double their own weight—by strapping loads to take part in tourists’ trekking expeditions. The T their head, walking slowly for many hours and problems include risks of slipping and injuries, taking frequent rests—is most efficient in the world, frostbite and altitude sickness. scientists have concluded after a long study. The “Unfortunately, while we agree that many porters porters can carry up to 20 percent of their weight ‘for do perform some pretty amazing feats of strength, free’ using no more energy than if they were carrying there are also porters injured, maimed or losing their nothing. lives each year due to the accumulative physical The researchers, led by Norman Heglund of the stresses placed upon their bodies,” says Elsie Louvain Catholic University, Belgium, calculated the James, a Canada-based member of IPPG. energy efficiency of eight Nepali porters who The Nepal chapter of the UK-based Intermediate regularly walk from the capital, Kathmandu, to Lukla. Technology Development Group (ITDG), which helps The distance of the weeklong journey is 100 km, with people use appropriate technologies to fight poverty, total ascents of 8,000 m and descents of 6,300 m. says its future plans include studies on socio- Heglund says the male and female porters carry economic aspects of heavy load transport by porters heavier loads more efficiently than African women, in the Himalayas. previously thought to have the most efficient carrying “So far we have been working on alternate means method. of transporting goods such as wire bridges to cross The new findings, published last month in the rivers,” says Anil Subedi, director of ITDG in Nepal. journal Science, show that Nepali porters carry Other means of transporting goods in mountain loads that are, on average, one-third heavier than the regions include mules, a local crossbreed between heaviest loads that African women carry using the the yak and mountain cattle, sheep and goats. same amount of energy. (SciDev.net) 8 NATION 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258

THANK YOU FOR 5 YEARS OF PARTNERSHIP

21st Century Q Ace Finance Company

ACNielsen Nepal Pvt. Ltd. Q Ad Avenues Nepal Ltd.

Ad Media P. Ltd Q Ad.Com SAGUN S LAWOTI Agni Incorporated (P) Ltd. Q Airtech Ind. Pvt. Ltd.

Annex Advertising Service Q ANS Creations Pvt. Ltd. Bhutani refugees reject resettlement

Asian Thai Foods Pvt. Ltd. Q Austrian Airlines

Autoland Q Avco International Pvt. Ltd.

Benetton Q Bhudeo Trading Biman Bangladesh Airlines Q Blitz Media Pvt. Ltd. Only one way home Bluebird Department Store Q British Council Budhha Air Q Bumrungrad Hospital SAGUN S LAWOTI return to Bhutan and find a job refugees like him resettled in Business Advantage Q Cafe Mitra in JHAPA for herself and six younger other countries and take back only CAS Trading House Q Chaudhary Group brothers and sisters who were a handful, and he blames the Chaudhary Travel Q Civil Homes ourteen years after makeshift born in the camp. Maitraj Subba international community for Club Himalaya Q Constellation Pvt. Ltd. huts were first put up here wants to return to Bhutan even caving into Bhutani pressure. Deb Continental Trading Enterprises Q Cosmic Air P Ltd F to house tens of thousands though he has heard of the Raj Pradhan, secretary at Beldangi Crayons Electra Pvt. Ltd. Q Dabur Nepal of Bhutani refugees streaming regime’s atrocities in torturing II, agrees: “We want to be resettled Dexo Supermarket Q DHL International into Nepal, the Beldangi camp and evicting his grandfather, in Bhutan, that is the only option Dial Ad Q Digiplus has turned into a small city of Santaraj Subba. we wish for. We will not consider Druk Air Q Dugar Brother & Sons 53,000 people. In an effort to end the third country resettlement or Echo Advertising Q Embassy of India Many of the young boys and deadlock on repatriation, integration in Nepal.” ESAP Q Eurogears Pvt. Ltd. girls were born here and know western governments, led by Pradhan and Uprety also Everest Bank Ltd. Q Everest Insurance about their homeland only from Canada and the United States, think India can play a key role Company Ltd. Q Fedex school books and family lore. have proposed that once Bhutan since they were transported Godawari Village Resort Q Golchha Organisation Yet, ask them about the latest takes back a portion of the through Indian territory in hired Gorkha Brewery Ltd. Q Guiness Ad Pvt. Ltd. international plan to resettle refugees the rest could be Indian trucks after eviction from Gulf Air Q Himal Association them in third countries or to resettled in Nepal or in western Bhutan 14 years ago. “When India Himalayan Bank Ltd Q Himalayan Distillery Ltd assimilate them in Nepal and countries. But in recent stops refugees at its border, can Himalayan Snax & Noodles (P) Ltd. Q Home Furnishers they leave you in no doubt about interviews in Beldangi it was one deny India’s involvement?” Hotel Dwarika Hotel Q Hotel Shahenshah what they want– they want to hard to find even one person asks Pradhan, adding, “India Hotel Yak & Yeti Q Hyatt Regency go home. who would choose resettlement. holds the key to the resolution of ICIMOD Q Jagadamba Press The children learn Dzongkha, “This camp has been our the Bhutan crisis.” Jalan Jalan Q Jyoti Group Bhutani georgraphy and history home in the past years, we are For the moment, however, K L Dugar Organization Q Kalinta Gift Manufacturing in school and when they say grateful that Nepal provided us there are other pressing issues like KGH Group of Hotels Q Kumari Bank Ltd. “king” they still mean King Jigme with shelter,” says Bholanath food, shelter and schooling. The Laxmi Bank Q Le Meridien Singye Wangchuk. Maya Gurung Uprety, a refugee leader in budget for clothes was slashed LineZ Q Mahesh Overseas has been hearing stories since she Beldangi, “but it is Bhutan three years ago, donors are now Malla Treks (P) Ltd. Q Marcopolo Travels Nepal was a child about the motherland where our heart belongs, there is cutting back supplies of basic Maxpro Q Mcdowell’s Nepal Ltd. she has never seen. Still, she says no alternative to sending us amenities such as kerosene, Media Team Q MeNepal she wants to go back to Bhutan back.” foodstuff, bamboo and health Mercantile Office System Q Mercantile Traders and become a nurse. Eighteen- Uprety says the Bhutani care. The huts are in dire need of Metro Mall Q Moksh year-old Purnima Karki longs to regime has lobbied hard to get repair and the roofs leak. z Nabil Bank Q Nanglo International Pvt. Ltd.

Nepal Investment Bank Q Nepal Lever Ltd.

Nepal News Office Q Nepal Pashmina

New Business Age Q Outreach Nepal

P.S Trade Concern Q Padmashree P. Ltd.

Panchkanya Group of Industries Q Photo Concern

Pilgrims Book House Q President Travels

Prisma Advertising Q Qatar Airways

Sagtani Exim P. Ltd. Q ScanPro

Seti Cigarette Factory Ltd. Q Shangrila Hotel & Resorts

Shikhar Insurance Co. Ltd. Q Skylight Pvt. Ltd.

Soaltee Crowne Plaza Q SOI Group

Speciality Media Q Standard Chartered Bank Nepal Ltd.

Subisu Cable Network Q Sulux Centre

Summit Hotel Q Surya Nepal Ltd.

Thai Airways Q Speciality Media

The Himalayan Times Q The Nepal Distilleries Pvt. Ltd.

The North Face Q Thompson Nepal ASHOK R SHAKYA Trading For Development Q Trikon Advertising Service Triveni Group Q United Telecom Limited While the local economy has benefited, there UPS Q Vaidya Group Bhutan-Nepal border has been a rise in crime and prostitution, says ex- Valley Homes Pvt. Ltd. Q Vianet Communications Pvt. Ltd. Bhutan and Nepal don’t share a contiguous border mayor of Damak, Ram Thapa. Refugees also Vijay Motors Pvt. Ltd. Q Vineyard Liquor & Wine Gallery but the gates of Beldangi feel like a frontier. stream out of the camps every day and edge out Vishal Group Ltd. Q Water Communication Inside Beldangi, you are in Bhutan. Outside locals as a source of cheap labour.

Weaves & Blends Q Welcome Advertising & Marketing the camp gates, it is Nepal with all its problems. “Refugee activity has hampered the overall

World Link Communications Q World Vision Jhapa locals outside the gates say life has development process of the municipality,” says never been the same after the camps were set Yeti Airlines Q Zenith Travels & Tours (P) Ltd. Thapa. “The pressure on the forest has increased, up in 1992. and there is less fodder for us.” Looking back 5 years A glimpse of Nepal’s recent history from selected content of the past five years of Nepali Times. Archives in pdf and html formats available on the new Nepali Times premium website, eSpecial.

This is a composite supplement of selected content from issues #1-257 Spectator sport #194, MAY 2004 As bystanders watched from the sidewalk, anti-king demonstrators set fire to a government vehicle at Bagh Bazar on Sunday (right) while the media magnified the image. The anti-‘regression’ protests have dragged on for a month and in that period, dozens of government vehicles were set on fire and street railings were uprooted to be used as barricades. Government spokesman Kamal Thapa says the arsonists are Maoists who infiltrated the movement. The political parties deny this. The protests appear to be having some effect: King Gyanendra began meetings with political figures but the parties have refused to meet the king until the ban on protests is lifted.

MIN BAJRACHARYA #194, MAY 2004 Classless society morning, “I am very optimistic #20, DECEMBER 2000 that we will see lasting peace.” The ex-Royal Nepal Army Schools across the country are helicopter pilot-turned-aviation- preparing to close down 8-14 entrepreneur-turned-politician is December in response to threats from an extreme student group Can’t fail this time suddenly in the limelight as the allied to the Maoists. The All A ceasefire is the beginning of the peace process, not the end main architect of the Nepal National Free Students’ negotiations. He has been Union (Revolutionary) says it ANALYSIS by KUNDA DIXIT getting out of control. A newly- inspired hope among war-weary credited with making initial (among other things) doesn’t like #130, FEBRUARY 2003 beefed-up army could drag out the Nepalis that this may finally be contacts with the top Maoist Nepal’s national anthem that war. And they were also feeling the beginning of the end of a leadership two months ago and extols the monarchy and it wants nce there was the political the squeeze from New Delhi, seven-year conflict that has cost mediating between them and the India to return occupied Nepali will, everything else fell which was getting anxious about a more than 8,000 lives and ruined palace. The government has territory. And these demands O into place. Even so, there possible spillover, as well as the nation. named him chief coordinator in should have been met by was finger-biting tension on that Americans running around its “This is a major breakthrough, coming negotiations. Thursday! rainy Wednesday morning this backyard. Then, there was a real but there is a big challenge ahead The UML has the most to lose week when it was touch-and-go danger of being slotted into now to make the ceasefire stick if the Maoists emerge as a till the last minute, as ministerial America’s terror list. and carry on the negotiations,” mainstream party and it will mediator, Narayan Singh Pun, King Gyanendra, on the other one senior government official likely emerge from Janakpur more shuttled back and forth between hand, needed a peace dividend to told us Thursday. He said the radicalised. Party leaders were the Maoist leadership and the bolster his own legitimacy and negotiations had been tortuous. caught flat-footed and tried to cabinet room until the ceasefire that of a government he appointed “Till the last moment, we knew it put on a brave face. agreement was done. four months ago after sacking an could have gone either way.” The It is clear that however A letter signed by Devendra The question many are asking elected prime minister. The king government conceded to lifting dramatic the initial Parajuli, president of the student is: Why did King Gyanendra and had staked everything on his the terrorist label, an announcement on Wednesday, body, ‘requests’ all schools to the Maoists decide to patch up October Fourth move and needed international warrant and the the real work has just started. The show solidarity with their struggle now? to pull this rabbit out of the hat. bounty for the heads of senior road ahead is rocky. But this by shutting down. He told a press conference this week that schools The Maoists were beginning to Whatever the behind-the- Maoist leaders–all in return for process cannot be allowed to fail not voluntarily closing would face feel the pressure from a cadre base scenes tradeoffs, the the immediate ceasefire call. because if it does, the alternative action and he warned the police that grew too rapidly and was announcement on Wednesday Lt Col Pun told us Thursday is unthinkable. z not to intervene. Most private schools have employee of Music Nepal. announced they will close, not We ask four-year-old Rabina who hurt her. “Maobadis,” she says voluntarily but out of fear of Why the children? simply. Rabina looks at her burnt fingers and touches her stomach repercussions. which is covered in burn tissue. Her six year old brother Rabin has NARESH NEWAR in BARA burns all over his face, a gash on his head and a deep cut on his leg. #121 DECEMBER 2002 The two haven’t yet been told that their mother Weekly Internet Poll # 11 hakta Bahadur Regmi can’t bear to look at his two children and is dead. Q. Do you agree with the government call their grievous burn injuries sustained during a firebomb attack Anju Regmi was seven months pregnant when she was rushed to for a state of emergency? B on their bus by suspected Maoists on 4 Malangwa Hospital, where her baby was stillborn. She died three days October at Lakhanti Bridge, 70 km from later of trauma and burns. Simara. It has been over a month now. But for the “At least they are alive,” is all Bhakta residents of Simara who visit the Regmis, the Bahadur can say. But he is heartbroken as he scars on the children is a picture of our wounded remembers his wife, Anju, who died trying to nation. Even strangers look moist-eyed at Rabin save their children as the bus caught fire. They and Rabina and they ask: “Why the children?” z were the last ones among the 55 passengers to (Editor’s note: Due to generous support from Nepali escape after the Maoists threw petrol bombs at Times readers, a fund of Rs 227,874 was collected for the speeding bus. The two others who died in Rabin and Rabina who are receiving free burn treatment at the Sushma Koirala Memorial Hospital. Rabina is now the attack that preceded the three-day Maoist enrolled in Bright Horizons School, where Rabin will join banda were the bus conductor and an her next year.) Total votes: 4875 #71, DECEMBER 2001 B

1951, 1960, 1972, 1980, 1990, 2001 #30, FEBRUARY 2001 As with geology, political pressures welling up within Nepal tend to be released in a 10-year cycle of social seismicity. Nepal’s ‘geo-politics’ since 1951 has followed this rule. Four years after India got independence, the Ranas finally decided that their time was up. It took 10 years of tinkering with this and that before the winds of change also wafted up the Himalaya and we had our first-ever democratic elections. The Nepali Congress swept the polls but King Mahendra and BP Koirala realised that Nepal was not big enough for both of them. In 1961, democracy was shelved, parliament dismantled and elected leaders put in jail. Our homegrown ‘suited-to-the-soil’ Panchayat ideology was sustained by a grand design for development. We were starting from zero, so everything we built (highways, hydropower, hospitals) were huge achievements. A little over 10 years later, King Mahendra died. It then took 10 more years, despite King Birendra’s efforts, to revamp education, for the pressures to build up sufficiently for students to rise up to demand democracy. The crisis was defused by the 1980 referendum in which Panchayat-with-reforms won 55-45. It was business-as-usual for another 10 years but by this time so much

ANATOMY OF ANARCHY: 10.30 AM The mob arrives at Siddhi Bhawan. 11AM Owner of the building, Nirmal Ratna Tuladhar, pleads with rioters not to harm his property. 11.30 AM Rioters set a safe from Qatar Airways on fire. 12AM Nirmal Tuladhar’s family and friends rush to the basement with buckets of water to douse the flames at Mani Tara shopping centre. 12AM The fire rages but no police or fire service is in sight. 2PM By the time the Ninjas arrive it is too late. 2.30 PM The airport fire service arrives after curfew is declared. The next day, 2 September, a soldier guards the charred hulk of the Siddhi Bhawan building during the curfew.

ALL PICS: MIN BAJRACHARYA #213, SEPTEMBER 2004

LLL ETTERS

#168, NOVEMBER 2003 portrayed in your paper. Rana says the RNA a major. Maoists dare not attack the base one porter was carrying. Unsuccessful, I IDS is not ‘a Latin American military that because of the absence of an escape route. spoke to one of the ‘clients’, who made no Naresh Newar’s ‘Keep kids out of it’ (#167) slaughtered tens of thousands of its own It is the curfew in Lukla that helps filter comment and seemed totally indifferent to identifies a critical problem that Save the people’. Maybe. But it could be following in any would-be Maoist from reaching what I was saying. We later saw at least Children US, BASE, NNSWA, NRCS, their footsteps. Most armies are not created Namche. If, as Lak seems to suggest, the four other groups run by the same SAFE and TWUC are addressing. In to kill their own people, usually they are APF is pulled out from Lukla, the airport trekking company, with at least one of August, we began a community-based supposed to defend the country in case of and the entire Khumbu region would be their porters, and yaks also, grossly psychosocial intervention for children who war. But with the appearance of an insurgent vulnerable. Also, Lak says porters frequent overloaded. The latter were panting have been affected by the conflict called group, things take a wrong turn. Sometimes, the poll house looking for work. Actually heavily and obviously in distress. Sanjivani, or ‘New Life’. Adapted from there is still a possibility to halt things sirdars hire porters at about 10-11AM after With this volume of tents, cooking programs designed by The Center for before it is too late. Rana points at some of the clients arrive in the morning. equipment and other common baggage Trauma Psychology, Sanjivani is a five- those signals. Comparisons are difficult, as Mingmar Sherpa, by email going up and down the trail, surely there week, 15 session intervention for groups of your editorial (‘Stop it’, #167) could be a case made for more permanent 8-20 children. While this program may not acknowledges: there are too many factors in NRN sites to be set and maintained during the work for children who have been severely a conflict and many cannot be interpolated Anyone who is willing to invest in Nepal main trekking seasons. Centralised affected by trauma, it has shown excellent from one place to another. In my own and can think of a way to make money depots could be positioned at several results for children who have been country, Colombia, the conflict is supposed legally in the country should be given that points along the main routes and porters generally affected. Using artwork, drama, to be about drugs. False. Or, only half true. chance. Dual citizenship should be granted employed to run these as well as carry music and games, children explore different The origins of Colombia’s violence are to members of any country who wish to live the less weighty loads of trekkers. At the emotions and issues. The program helps rooted in the peasants’ fight for land and and work in Nepal, provided they are not entrance to Sagarmatha National Park children feel secure, improve their self- social justice. Drugs, but fundamentally, the criminals. Nepal needs more people who perhaps larger reminders about porter esteem, explore their feelings and teaches revenues brought by their illegal trade to the actually want to live there and be welfare could be more prominently them coping strategies. Local community rich countries, ‘only’ fuel the conflict. If it is productive—why make it hard for those displayed alongside other environmental members, not professional psychologists, not drugs then abductions, ransom money, people? It's not like people are going to advice. are trained to be facilitators during a 10-day any cash will do. Every day, more parallels come to our country to take advantage of Trekking clients should be made program. This is highly practical, since spring to my eyes between Nepal and the excellent health care or our generous more aware of the situation. I am sure that there are only a few trained psychologists Colombia. Sadly, more than I would like. welfare system! the vast majority would be willing to pay in Nepal. But perhaps more importantly, it Most of them are signals that the road is Anek Belbase, USA the extra rupees necessary to hire more involves the community in the healing of its going down the abyss. Nepal can choose to porters in order to spread their loads children. As your article pointed out, follow or take a detour before it is too late. PORTERS more humanely. Personally, I was unable ‘emotional support from the community is Learning from other’s errors may help, but Thank you Ben Ayers for your articles on to raise the ‘pack’ of one porter off the what is missing in many parts of the certainly closing our eyes to them does not. porter welfare (‘Carrying Nepal on their ground—one can only imagine the country.’ Karin Eichelkraut, Dhobighat backs’, ‘Porters in distress’, #165). We longterm effects on a person’s back, Anjalee Thakali Shakya and Tory have just returned from a 10-day trek in the neck, legs and general health from Clawson, Kathmandu LUKLA Everest region and were horrified at the carrying these heavy loads. Re: Daniel Lak’s ‘Lak in Lukla’ (#166). The size and weight of some porters’ load. One last thing, trekkers: get to know ARMY reason there is no curfew in Namche is At Dole campsite, I tried to find the your porters and tip them personally— I disagree with P Rana’s letter (#167) about because the national park headquarters has leaders of one particular expedition to they make your holiday happen. how the Royal Nepali Army is being a well-prepared 150-strong presence under protest at the weight of the load (52 kg) that Helen Palmer, The British School B

pressure had built up that the lid very nearly came off. The 1990 Jana SUBHAS RAI #216, OCTOBER 2004 Andolan was the Nepali equivalent of the winds of democracy that swept across eastern Europe, Thailand, Pakistan and Bangladesh. The king became a constitutional monarch, he agreed to dismantle the STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL Panchayat superstructure, a new constitution institutionalised political parties and multiparty elections were held. The euphoria of democracy did not last long. From very early on, it was apparent that freedom fighters who went straight from their jail cells to take oaths of office were going to let the people down. But we A tribute to history told ourselves: democratic transitions are by definition messy, just give them some time. Now, time has run out, our transition has lasted too long and it is messier than is permissible for a country with our After royal deaths, getting on with the life of the nation capability. Today, 10 years after the renewal of democracy, the stench of #46, JUNE 2001 mind and spirit but with few a students’ agitation. But he went political decay hangs heavy in the air. As in Animal Farm, it is getting riday night, faith died. Belief physical amenities. Development ahead with it and initiated a more and more difficult to recognise our erstwhile revolutionaries and succumbed to the cruelty of was the dream of Nepalis in those gradual process of political freedom fighters. When we look at their faces we don’t see anymore F history. Impregnable walls days and the young, western- openness. the selfless sacrifice, incarceration and exile that many went through. could not stop the flight of an age educated monarch promised us all King Birendra will go down in All we see are the grinning, greedy countenances of leaders we towards eternity. The king is dead, that and much more. history as the sovereign who trusted who have let us down—not once, not twice, but over and over From his coronation platform, made his subjects sovereign, and again. The euphoria has now been replaced by disillusionment and may his soul rest in peace. Long apathy. Millions of impoverished Nepalis are unlikely to wait much live the king, the symbol of Nepali King Birendra called for Nepal to transformed them into citizens of longer for democracy to work its way out of its self- unity and cultural be declared a Zone of Peace. It is a his own accord. He was, in that inflicted paralysis. Unless the right to vote leads to identity. It is with paradox of history that he himself sense, the very personification of measureable improvements in the quality of their this mixture of grief was destined to fall prey to an act history. Not many rulers of the lives, Nepalis will see democracy as a trick. and hope that we of violence. Apart from that one world can lay claim to have Radicals from the left and the right, are coming to terms instance of trying to redirect the guided the journey of a nation religious zealots and separatists with a tragedy too course of history, King Birendra from autocracy to democracy with will fill this vacuum. painful and complex to preferred to respond to events and relatively few setbacks along the comprehend. facilitate the march of time. He way. If there was a price to pay, he When telephone calls with the seldom made a conscious attempt ultimately paid it with his own ‘news’ woke us in the dead of to determine the pace of change life and the lives of his night, we checked the time. First but was always there at the head of immediate family members. there was disbelief, “This cannot the caravan as the nation moved The most lasting tribute we be true.” We checked the date. forward. This is what made him a can pay to our departed monarch There was horror, “This is far too peoples’ monarch—loved by all, is to devote ourselves to building serious to be a prank.” And then adored by few but feared by none. a just Nepali society. We can and Today, 50 years after our first taste of democracy and 10 years the shock sunk in, numbing us. Perhaps the hard-liners of we must do so to atone for the after restoring it, the moral of the story is: Democracy doesn’t come That numbness still persists. And Panchayat were less than happy sins of having been a part of a with an indefinite guarantee. It needs to be safeguarded by careful and with grief there is now fear for the when King Birendra called for a decadent society. The march of vigilant application. future. The question on referendum in 1980 in the wake of history does not allow long everybody’s mind, that nobody periods of grief. HARIYO BAN NEPAL KO DHAN dares speak is, “What now?” As I write this, King The unpredictability of the Gyanendra has just ascended to #233, FEBRUARY 2005 future is frightening. King the throne after it was officially The sudden epidemic of tree-felling along Kathmandu’s streets is Birendra was a link with the past. announced that King Dipendra drastic, misguided and not consonant with the needs of the population. He offered a reassuring continuity “left for his heavenly abode”. In an increasingly congested valley, foliage provides both utility and with the hoary traditions of an age King Dipendra became perhaps aesthetics. It gives us fresh air that allows us to breathe freely. when the king was not just the the only monarch in the world Trees reach down to the grassroots and hold the soil together, they reach up to the sun and use their chlorophyll corpuscles to provider and protector of his who passed his entire reign in a convert that energy into food useful to itself and to other animals. The subjects but the very incarnation coma. The throne of Nepal is not sun and the trees, together with the supportive action of water, soil of Lord Vishnu. He carried the new to King Gyanendra. and air, make possible photosynthesis, the driving mechanism of life duality of a God-king and a The challenges faced by the on earth. The action of cutting down trees that have lined our streets constitutional monarch with nary new king are enough to keep his seems to have been hasty. a trace of contradiction visible in sharp intellect on edge. There is a True, Kathmandu’s poplars and eucalyptus are imports and they his demeanour. chance that facts will emerge as do not have the strength of indigenous varieties. But the fact is that King Birendra ascended to the some of the survivors are now they have provided cover and beauty for a long time now. They have throne during that stage of conflict said to be out of danger. Restraint become our own, like so many other exotic species that dot the between tradition and modernity is what we all need, not rumour- landscape. It is said that these imports are vulnerable to strong winds when every step forward is mongering. due to loose root structures but our analysis shows that the maligned arbours have not been guilty of destruction to the extent that they have followed by two steps backward. The grief is debilitating but to be done away with. All in all, the trees should not have been axed. Nepali politics in 1972 was tightly together we shall overcome. We Because the damage has been done, can we ask the concerned controlled by the palace. The must, for we owe it to the future authority to promptly correct the move and bring back greenery? kingdom still resembled a generations of Nepalis. The king mythical Shangri-la, good for the is dead, long live the king. z #46, JUNE 2001 PRADEEP SHRESTHA INTERNATIONAL 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 9 Say it ain’t so, Manmohan The peace pipeline through Pakistan hits a snag US nukes gas deal PRAFUL BIDWAI in NEW DELHI anmohan Singh emerged from his meeting with ndia, one of the world’s big gas guzzlers, is caught between M George W Bush in the Oval securing future petroleum supplies and opting for nuclear power. Office on 23 July with some I In recent years New Delhi has been gravitating towards oil devastatingly equivocal words. and gas with frenzied attempts to tie up supplies from far and wide. Asked by reporters about the Last year, it moved to sign a deal for a 2,600 km natural gas discussions on the proposed Iran- pipeline from Iran through Pakistan. The $ 7.4 billon project would Pakistan-India gas pipeline, the have ensured energy into the future and peace between India and prime minister replied, “…there Pakistan. (See main story) are many risks, because Yet after Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Washington considering all the uncertainties 10 days ago, there has been a shift from gas to nuclear. This is strange considering that nuclear power accounts for under three of the situation there in Iran, I percent of India’s electricity. don’t know if any international Singh also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement with consortium of bankers would President George W Bush under which the US has agreed to sell probably underwrite this”. had always been the fear that the they were nevertheless taken aback nuclear materials and technology to India, and pledged to relax Innocuous sounding words United States, with its deep by fast-moving developments and export restrictions and other controls in the global non-proliferation from a soft-spoken man, but they animosity towards Iran, would act the emerging possibilities. As long order. India will, in return, identify and distinguish civilian and are harbingers of terrible tidings against the Iranian gas pipeline. as the project proceeded at a rapid military nuclear facilities from each other and place the civilian for a project supposed to energise The expectation was that the State pace defined by the forceful Mani ones ‘voluntarily’ under IAEA safeguards, while toughening export the Indian economy, help usher Department would make Gen Shankar Aiyar, India’s Minister of controls. peace between India and Pakistan Musharraf buckle, but here you Petroleum and Natural Gas, the If it does go through, the Bush-Singh deal will open avenues for and thereby benefit all Southasia. have India going into appeasement hawks kept quiet. They feared imports of civilian nuclear materials into India, which is running out of uranium as its old mines get depleted and new mining projects being left behind by history. mode. face popular opposition. SOUTHASIA BEAT What lollipops were offered to Now, the hawks can be In an interview in Washington, Singh raised doubts about Kanak Mani Dixit the amenable scholar sardar? It expected to crawl out of the the viability and bankability of the Iran-Pakistan-India pipeline was already clear in March, when woodwork with a chorus of I-told- project—widely seen as the prime minister’s effort to placate Iran has the second-largest US Secretary of State Condoleeza you-so’s. New Delhi’s raptors are Washington. The US has repeatedly opposed the pipeline deal, reserves of natural gas in the Rice addressed a press conference going to say that it was not nice to warning that it will have to impose sanctions on any project that world. India’s galloping economy in New Delhi, that she wasn’t hot have ever considered trusting helps Iran, a member of Bush’s ‘Axis of Evil’. needs to shift from coal and on Persian gas whatever its merits. Islamabad on something as Politically and strategically, the Indo-US nuclear deal fits with petroleum to natural gas in order At that time, Pakistani and Indian strategically critical as a pipeline current geopolitics. By contrast, the oil pipeline would have helped to attain and exceed the magical ministers had said together they supporting all industry. What if South-South economic cooperation and political solidarity. It could annual 8 percent GDP growth rate. would not be deterred by Islamabad turned off the tap? The also be a breakthrough in India’s relations with Pakistan and Iran. Pakistan would have made $ 500 million a year as transit fees The cheapest way to transfer gas hawks there will say it was foolish American aversion to everything from the pipeline. There was even a proposal to extend it to China from Iran’s South Pars reserves is Iranian. to have done anything to help the and to develop yet another conduit from Central Asia via via a pipeline through Pakistan After attacking and Indian economy anyway, and in Afghanistan and Pakistan. and on to Rajasthan, Gujarat and destabilising Iraq, Prez Bush is particular to have disengaged this If India yields to US pressure on the Iran pipeline, it is likely to Delhi. In Islamabad, Gen Pervez now on the lookout for other issue from the matter of Kashmir. be stuck with the wrong paradigm and will court energy insecurity. Musharraf was enthusiastic and countries to restore democracy in. India can, of course, import If it follows its South-South instincts, India will improve relations willing to provide guarantees of It is a terrible thing for a gas from elsewhere, including via with its neighbours and spread prosperity in the region. (IPS) the pipeline’s flow and mollify paradigm-shifting project in a pipeline from the Daulatabad gas Indian worries of a tap turn-off Southasia to be affected by the fields of Turkmenistan or the off- during bad times. likes and dislikes of a president in shore fields of Burma’s Arakan, or What was unthinkable just a another hemisphere, harbouring as liquefied gas via tankers from couple of years ago seemed his own animosities and licking the Gulf. But the Iranian deal had Brand new suddenly possible. Southasia’s his own imagined wounds. But seemed the most proximate and Under My Hats book arch-enemies were willing to this president is powerful, cost-effective. But besides with collaborate for higher economic insensitive and uncaring, and it economic reasons, there was the Kunda Dixit’s purpose. Indeed, the backward was obviously too much to expect overwhelming need to use it to Greatest Hits. and forward linkages of the gas sensitivity to peace, economic buttress peace between India and pipeline would lock India and progress and poverty-reduction in Pakistan. “Don’t give this book to anyone, Pakistan in a tight embrace. It India and Southasia. Suddenly, there is a hiccup on make them buy it.” could be the mother of all There had been an eerie silence the road to the peace pipeline. Federation of Nepali Book Pirates confidence building measures, from the hawks in Islamabad and India, the Southasian superpower, and the political economy of our New Delhi as the gas pipeline seems to have blinked in the face At all leading book stores. region would be transformed. proposal gathered steam through of the world’s superpower. One To order: But something seems to have last year. Harbouring deep distrust would have expected India to be [email protected] gone awry in Washington. There of any kind of rapproachment, made of sterner stuff. 10 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS “FM stations aren’t allowed to broadcast news even in the most democratic countries” Government Spokesman and Communication Minister to move ahead according to the people’s sentiments. In Tanka Dhakal in Nispakshya, 19 July democracy, people are centre stage. Since election is the best medium for the people to express their opinions, The government has done a couple of important things in politics will lag behind if they remain detached from the the last five months. It has been moving ahead with the elections. If they believe in democracy and wish to see the objective of liberating Nepali society from terrorist beginning of a democratic process, they will have to take activities and establishing peace in the country. We have part in the elections. They have no alternative. also made the administration more efficient. The RCCC If talks about an alliance between the seven political has been formed and actions taken have been made parties and the Maoists is just to scare the government, the public. The people have begun to receive government idea will not work. It must be remembered that the same services and facilities. After the historic royal move of political parties declared the Maoists as ‘terrorists’ when February First, the country is moving in a positive they were in power. Interpol too has issued a red corner direction. The government is doing its best to fulfil the notice against the Maoists. I do not believe that the parties desire of His Majesty. will move ahead with such a group. If they do, it will be very Local elections will be held soon because His unfortunate for them. One needs to be clear about the fact that FM radios Majesty has clearly stated it in his speech. The election We have been conducting studies on ways to make the never had the permission to broadcast news. FM stations commission is an independent body and the government communication sector effective. The FNJ has alleged that aren’t allowed to broadcast news even in the most is ready to extend any cooperation the commission the government is making amendments in the broadcasting democratic countries. Even in neighbouring India, the would need. Polls would be free and fair, everybody law. I am the communication minister and I am saying that government doesn’t allow FM stations to air news. So it is should be assured about that. The political parties need the issue is still under discussion. It has not been finalised. wrong to ask us to allow news on FM here.

Federation has been set up led by P Kharel, who Widening gap corruption? This decision can

○○○○○○○○○○ was the communication coordinator for the king ○○○○○○○ jeopardise the regime. Fake federation during his Jakarta, Boao and Doha visits. Editorial in Nepal, 31 July Understandably, this federation will serve as the Son-in-law

UML leader Pradeep Nepal in royal mouthpiece. The king is The king’s decision to expand his ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Dishanirdesh, 24 July trying to set up a barrier between ministerial cabinet has mocked Desantar, 24 July monarchists and democrats. civil society, democrats, political Democracy and the press nurture Through his yes men he has given parties and the international The government has been each other. That is the experience of everybody a choice—the king or community. With six months of endangering Nepal Telecom’s our country. We don’t have to look democracy. As if the two can’t his direct rule almost over, there business by backing the king’s at other countries’ histories to coexist. But few had guessed that were hopes that he would fulfil son-in-law Raj Bahadur Singh to know that autocracy takes the press the king would even try to divide his commitment to restore launch his mobile service downhill while democracy ushers civil society into democratic and democracy and the multiparty company Spice Nepal. The future in development. If we count the monarchist camps. The king has system that he had declared at of Telecom’s prepaid and Code- date since the first publication of proved the thoughts of even such a international fora. This seems Division Multiple Access services Gorkhapatra, journalism in Nepal is minority right. even more remote. The cabinet are uncertain. It is clear that by a century old. But 90 of those 100 Since the Federation of Nepali expansion took place on the same restricting its services the years remained under autocracy and Journalists and those affiliated day that UN Secretary-General government is doing everything to the press stagnated. with it raised their voices for peace, Kofi Annan’s special adviser destabilise Nepal Telecom just to Journalism in Nepal spent the democracy, press freedom and Lakhdar Brahimi met the king. benefit said son-in-law’s first 45 years appeasing the Rana human rights, the king went ahead Less than a few hours after company when he launches his regime and the remaining years of to set up his own federation with Brahimi suggested to the king that service. Due to government the same duration in the service of sycophants who would help him he allow the return of the negligence and vested interests, Shah kings. It was the 10 years of hide the present conditions in the constitutional process and restore Nepal Telecom has already democracy that fostered the growth country. Except for the capital, the the multiparty system, the Royal suffered a loss of Rs 110 million. of broadsheet dailies, community rest of the country is reeling under Palace Press Secretariat released a But even after Spice Nepal is radio stations and television violence and conflict. The Nepali statement announcing the launched, the question of Nepal channels. It was the same press is now facing a challenge. expansion of the cabinet. This Telecom’ s uncertainty remains. democracy that raised the sense of This new fake federation of only proves that the palace either

duty and responsibility of media journalists will be churning out does not recognise the credibility Whose side? persons, and free journalists are propaganda. All journalists need to of Brahimi or does not respect his ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ now being singled out for pressure. remain vigilant against these efforts position. At a time when unity Prakash, 25 July A Nationalist Journalists to subvert press freedom. and harmony is supposed to reign, the cabinet expansion has Until four years ago, the security only created more obstacles. Even forces did not have a camp in some royalists expressed their Arughat, a market town dissatisfaction over the sandwiched between Gorkha and expansion. Despite political Dhading. At the time, the Maoists demonstrations on the street used to walk about openly and against the king’s rule, there is constantly intimidated the local also a consensus among leaders to people by extorting them and work towards a dialogue with the asking for free meals and lodging. king. But now all possibilities for But when the security forces such a positive move remain arrived, the Maoists took refuge in remote. This has, on the other secure places and started hand, only helped pave the way for the Maoists and seven political parties to unite and protest against the king. Many new faces inside the new cabinet are controversial. They include politicians who were ousted from parties, staunch royalists and criminals. Cabinet berths are only a reward for those who support every move of the king and those Samaya, 28 July who have no genuine political ambition. The royalists claim that QUOTE OF THE WEEK February First was initiated to end corruption and criminality “Without a resolution of the crisis and a quick return by the palace to constitutional the people suffered during the 12 norms, there will be growing civil unrest and discontent in Nepal with the institution of years of multiparty governance monarchy.” but what message is the king trying to give by including in the Former US Senator Thomas Daschle at a press conference in Kathmandu on 27 July. cabinet people with records of criminal involvement and MIN BAJRACHARYA SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 11 harassing them. Last month, National Human Rights October 2002, the palace needs to Maoist militants killed two army Commission but they also fear approve all senior appointments soldiers in cold blood while they that in its absence, the army in the army and civil service, the were shopping for groceries. Four might resume its harassment. The palace can increase its allowance other soldiers who were nearby commission has to pay careful by itself. The palace had wanted Ex-Maoists returned to their barracks instead attention to these incidents. to hold the coronation during the Drishti, 27 July of chasing the assassins. After a UML-Deuba Congress government, while, they came back to the but that wasn’t possible because Sirjana, a Maoist guerrilla fighter who had sustained severe injuries Coronation while fighting government security forces in Jarayotar of Sindhuli, market area with more soldiers ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of friction with the prime was arrested while undergoing medical treatment at Miteri Hospital in and started to mistreat and harass Jana Aastha, 27 July minister. The situation is much Kathmandu. Following her release from jail during the second local residents. The soldiers more amenable now. If the parties government-Maoist talks in 2001, Sirjana came in contact with her kicked and beat up everyone in Palace officials and the royal insist on talking with the party and went on to become a ‘regional platoon commissar’. These their way, even the elderly and regime want to put a stamp of Maoists, the palace could declare days, however, she works as a security guard in a company called children. The army accused the permanence on February First by them anti-national and ban them Group 4 during the daytime and sells slippers and shoes on civilians of doing nothing to after the coronation. The palace Kathmandu’s busy streets and pavements in the evening. beginning preparations for King Mandab Raj Karki, once a regional bureau member of the Maoist prevent the assassination of their Gyanendra’s coronation. The date does feel the international party, is presently learning Japanese at a language institute in soldiers by the militants and of hasn’t been fixed yet but four of isolation. After 1 February the Kathmandu. He started his political career with the Masal party and not capturing the killers. So the the five development regions have king has been to Jakarta, Boao and subsequently went underground at the start of the people’s question is, who is responsible already held traditional Doha but there have been no other insurgency. Popular inside the party as a capable and promising for security and protection: felicitation ceremonies after the invitations forthcoming. The young activist, Karki led an internal revolt in 2001 and even went on unarmed civilians or the armed king ascended to the throne. palace seems bent on using to set up a parallel outfit with the name CPN-Maoist Communist forces? Not only did they Nepal’s vote for India’s Security Centre. Cronies of the royal regime hope Maoist leader Mumaram Khanal was arrested in March 2001 and physically manhandle the locals, the coronation will give the king Council seat in exchange for then released from army custody during the second peace talks held the young soldiers closed the legitimacy and will allow them to recognition of the February First the same year. Active inside the party since the year 1986, Khanal market for a month and cut off hold their own heads high as move and also to use the king’s was elected as a central member at the second national conference in electricity for three days. Now the well. Mandales who had been visit to the United Nations in 2000. He emerged recently after a long silence to say he had left the local residents feel relieved due to sidelined after 1990 have got a September to meet US President Maoist party and is currently working as a freelance writer. the arrival of a team from the new lease on life. After all, since Georoge W Bush. Raj Bikram Rai, former Bhojpur district secretary of the Maoist party, has left the outfit and gone abroad. Yadab Bista, a former member of the Okhaldhunga district committee, was arrested at Tribhuban International Airport while trying to board a plane. He is now said to be in the central jail. But his family members have complained there was no reason for him to be arrested as he had already left the party and that he is a victim of personal vengeance. Education vs education The number of those who have left or defected from the Maoist Himal Khabarpatrika, 16-30 July and Rolpa has issued its curriculum for Grades 1- party is in the hundreds, if not thousands. Rajesh Thapa, a former 3 in which students will be asked not to recognise central member of the student wing of the party is now confused about After February First, the Ministry of Education’s the king and queen of Nepal, but the portraits of his future and doesn’t know what to do after having quit. Others are Janak Educational Materials Centre has started Marx, Mao and Prachanda. relatively more fortunate. Former Maoist leader Pushkar Gautam, in including pictures of the The Social Studies addition to working with an NGO, writes about the Maoists in different king, queen, crown prince curriculum for Grade 1 says: magazines and is widely read. and crown princess on the ‘Students should be able to Due to various kinds of accusations levelled against them by the first page of all textbooks. recognise the flags of the Maoists and security forces, many who have defected from the party The cost of putting these communist party, the prefer to keep their surrender a secret, fearing reprisals. One such additional pages in the tens people’s council and former Maoist district leader says, “The decision to surrender comes from one’s soul. We didn’t surrender ourselves in front of the radio or of millions of textbooks has fraternal people’s tv but it is true that we have left the Maoists.” not been publicly debated, organisations, to recite the Maoist leaders and activists from the ranks of the district or nor has the relevance of full names of the party and central leadership, who have first hand experience of leading battles having the portraits in people’s government and from the front, are seen leaving or severing ties with the Maoists in textbooks. Even remember the names, place three ways. First, by waging an ideological rebellion. Second, parliamentary parties and date of births and creating scandals inside the party like financial misappropriation, haven’t made an issue out of deaths of Marx, Lenin, Mao sexual harassment or exploitation. And third, by letting themselves be it. However, the Maoists have and the date and place of arrested by security forces and later surrendering to them. taken notice and have birth of Prachanda.’ In According to sources, even though those leaving the party might launched a campaign in some Grade Three, teachers are have been compelled to leave or stripped of party membership after tarai districts to go to schools asked to make sure that being involved in some kind of scandal, they often say that they had and tear out the pages students know the life rebelled within the party. And those who did in fact leave after containing the royal portraits story of Prachanda. revolting are not only dismissed as liars by the Maoists—who say in front of school children. The head of the Maoist that nothing of the sort happened—but the party makes an entirely They have also ordered Regional People’s different accusation against them. teachers not to use books with Education Division, Mandab Karki, who claims to have split with the Maoists because the royal portraits saying they Comrade Tufan Singh, of ideological differences, says, “No matter what they say in public, in are symbols of feudalism and a personality cult. says: “We are proud that the students will be reality they cannot tolerate multiparty society and ideological Paradoxically, the Maoists’ own people’s learning about the proletarian class struggle and contention.” Party defectors sometimes get into criminal activities, education curriculum doesn’t seem that different its leadership and martyrs.” He says the new others engage in minor jobs to survive, and some former party from authoritarian monarchists. The rebels’ curriculum will be required in schools all over the members are still ideologically Maoists even though they are not active. Regional Peoples’ Education Division’ for Rukum country. 12 REVIEW 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258

Researching Studyingkuire Nepal is aresearchers labour of love for UK academics here are three ways to describe recipient of development aid, Onta aims to informal dean. other countries for fieldwork. Pratyoush Onta. By training he is an understand the typology of recent and But if, as per the Marxist scholar David This book provides a window to T historian. Ten years ago, for his PhD contemporary British social science Seddon, ‘the investment is greater and the understand some of the personalities and dissertation on Nepali nationalism, he scholarship on Nepal in a who-studies- potential returns are smaller’ in Nepal institutions that are shaping research on examined how Bhanubhakta was anointed what-where-why-and-how manner. studies, what pushed these scholars into it? Nepal in British academia today. It also a Nepali language icon by Darjeeling- His methodology was to email 20-odd Some were nudged in Nepal’s direction by gives a sense of the relative diversity of based activists in the 1930s, by using the questions to a sample of 19 UK-educated advisers in graduate school. To others, Nepal-related work that those with then available printing presses, literary non-Nepali academics, comprising of Nepal offered a classic anthropology interdisciplinary and even non-academic magazines and newspapers to disseminate recent PhDs, active scholars and retired experience to study ‘non-literate and pre- career paths are exploring today. nationalist ideologies. professors whose disciplines range from industrial’ ethnic groups such as the Researchers will find the bibliographies That work set Onta off on the path to anthropology to sociology to literature to Tharus, Tamangs or Gurungs. And for that accompany the interviews handy become a media specialist. In the last five history and languages. The book is a younger researchers, the year between high references. years, compilation of their detailed answers. school and college spent working or My only quibble is that since the book BOOK together And the picture those answers paint is travelling in the hills turned them into adopts a checklist approach to asking with depressing. Nepal studies—like Nepal lifelong Nepalophiles. questions, it does not give us controversies Ashutosh Tiwari Martin itself on the global stage—is on the margin However they entered the field, their and disagreements that surround various Chautari of even South Asian Studies. It is a level of engagement with Nepali scholars’ theories and interpretations. Even after colleagues, he has produced 11 books on discipline with no institutional money, no work appears split along generational lines. reading all the interviews, the image of the state of Nepal’s media, including a disciplinary recognition, no formal Recent PhDs tend to be fluent in one or Nepal Studies as an academic field is that history of Radio Nepal. When I asked why academic home, no flagship journals and more of Nepal’s languages and familiar with it is still in its cataloguing phase–not yet he studies media, Onta replied that he with hardly any influence on other scholars research papers coming out of Nepal. As intellectually bubbling over with ideas and wants “to help lay social science and mainstream theories. The British press the standards of social science research insights that would attract the most foundations in what is still a little studied hardly cites these scholars’ work in its rise here, it’s safe to say that we are seeing ambitious graduate students. discipline”. reports about Nepal, and the functionaries the last days of kuire academics As such, the book is not likely to be of Onta’s other identity is that of a of Her Majesty’s Government and of parachuting in to shoehorn locally collected interest to laypersons. But to those questioning public intellectual who is development agencies rarely draw on their interview files into ready-made theoretical interested in the minutiae of scholarly life, interested in how knowledge is created and expertise when designing Nepal-specific templates. Indeed, as Rhoderick Chalmers Onta has provided a usefully detailed shared, and what that process means to us interventions. and Mark Turin imply, it’s become scenario of how knowledge about Nepal as Nepalis. He has hosted programs on While those scholars who obtained jobs increasingly important to study what native continues to be mapped, produced and radio, written newspaper columns, when British universities were expanding in scholars are publishing and to engage as shared in the UK—almost 200 years after moderated discussions at Chautari and the 1970s consider themselves lucky, equals in critical dialogues with them. William Kirkpatrick first published his given public lectures inside and outside of others say that they do not see prospects All interviewees agree that in peaceful Nepal report in 1811. z Nepal. for university-based jobs improving any times, a ‘high per capita cultural diversity’ It is Onta’s third identity that is on time soon. As David Gellner puts it, made Nepal an attractive, safe and easy display in this 210-page book, which he “studying Nepal has always been a place to conduct field work. In post-conflict conceived as a visiting scholar at the vocation, never a direct path to a job.” Nepal some day, some of them hope to Nepal Studies in the School of Oriental and African Studies Indeed, what sustains the field appears to obtain funds to do research on conflict UK: Conversations with (SOAS) in London in 2002. Explaining that be the energy of its geographically management, forced migration, war trauma, Practitioners Nepal has long been studied by British scattered yet academically close-knit coping with violence and healing and by Pratyoush Onta academics as a geographical curiosity, as members, who cobble together occasional psychotherapy. Most are concerned that Martin Chautari, 2004 a potential trading partner, as home of ‘high quality’ seminars or bulletins, with Nepal has become risky as a site, giving Rs 300 ‘martial bodies’, and, in modern times, as a Michael Hutt at SOAS serving as an them no choice but to send students to SPORTS 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 13 Four-ball Golf for these brothers is a family game hat’s a four-ball? you might ask. The answer is pretty straightforward: four people playing golf together. But four W brothers in a four-ball? Believe it or not, we have such a group here in Kathmandu whose members play together now and then. I can assure you it’s not at all common to find a four-ball comprising of brothers. Three brothers of this family religiously visit the course almost every day. Yeshe Tsering (60), Lobsang Tenzing (58) and TEE BREAK Lobsang Tashi (52) not only golf MIN BAJRACHARYA Deepak Acharya together, they go out in the evenings as a group as well. What’s humbling is to see their genuine respect for one another, the way they inspire each other and how they are bound together. In Nepal, joint families are common but it is not often that we see Getting a kick out of it them sharing interests and circles of friends. This group of brothers sure look like an encouraging exception to the social rule of discord August has kickboxing, karate and hapkido championships that is so prevalent nowadays. Eldest brother Tenzin Choegyal (62) who is not in the photo below, is known to be a workaholic. He plays just occasionally and AARTI BASNYAT Friendship Karate and distract players. Kickboxing gold sometimes joins his kin on Saturdays to complete this dream four- Kickboxing Tournament it will medallist of the 10th Asian ball. When I caught up with them recently, Tenzin was once again lamourised by the likes of highlight karate, kickboxing and Games, Narendra Maharjan, 24, is away on a business trip. I cornered the ‘younger’ threesome over a Michelle Yeoh and Jackie hapkido. not worried about money. “Right cup of tea after their daily round and gleaned some reflections of their G Chan, youngsters all want Kickboxing, in Nepal, became now, my problem is training. As golfing experience. to learn karate. There is a special popular as a sport in 1985. Many long as I get good regular training Introduced to this sport about five years back by their cousin, magic in being able to say ‘haii- players since then have chosen from my gurus, I am not bothered Lobsang Tenzing reflects wryly, “I originally thought golf was a boring yaaa’ and exhibit a picture perfect to learn both kickboxing and about money,” he says, adding, sport. I never imagined I would catch on to it until that day in the flying kick. Those childhood karate. Hapkido, on the other “maybe later.” millennium year when my cousin brought me over to Gokarna Golf Club. Once I was here I actually first fell in love with the natural dreams can now come true– all hand, is a South Korean martial Maharjan is keen to showcase surroundings; so clean and green that I felt at one with nature. I you have to do is join a karate arts technique that came to Nepal his hapkido talents as he adds, started hitting the ball and as soon as I could get it airborne, I was class. in 1998, initially practiced only “The only complaint I have is hooked to the sport as well.” It is hard to explain Nepal’s in the club circuit. NRKA’s that the government should fascination with the martial arts, tournament will be the first to recognise sportsmen. After all, we but it has something to do with host a hapkido event in Nepal. come from all corners of Nepal to the four karate associations– Though karate as a sport has play and it would be nice to Nepal Karate, Nepal Wa Do Kai been quite popular in Nepal, lack receive credit for our hard work.” Karate, Shotokan Karate and of tournaments and sponsorship Mamita Shrestha, 28, has been Nepal Goju-Ryu Karate-do that in the two decades have into karate for 10 years and has have been promoting the sport. hindered it’s development. Says won a pile of medals. “Yes, In 2004, the Nepal Renbukai Prabhajan Singh, president of players face money problems,” Karate Association (NRKA) was Renbukai, “The biggest hurdle is she says, “some don’t even have established to bring together all the bad reputation karate as a money to pay for transportation, karate clubs and dojos in Nepal. sport has earned, thanks to and it is only after they take part As Rajendra Chettri, general corrupt officials who asked for in international tournaments that secretary, says, “Our mission is to sponsorship but never they receive recognition and get establish them within the Sports conducted tournaments.” hooked on karate.” Council to make sure that players Vice-president of Renbukai, Shrestha, one of the first few play by international rules.” Anil Neupane, adds, “We need to Nepali women to learn karate Aiming to start work as soon provide players with better adds, “There weren’t many as possible, NRKA has scheduled earning opportunities and if women then so we got special a tournament for 10-11 August as possible, an alternative attention and opportunities. I part of the Birthday Cup profession.” But not everyone earned my black belt within a celebrations. Called the First agrees: some think side jobs will year.” z

BAND OF BROTHERS (l-r): Lobsang Tashi, Yeshe Tsering and Lobsang Tenzing.

Lobsang was a runner-up in the recently held Gokarna Open Golf Championship and has dropped his handicap to 21. After a smile and a pause Lobsang adds, “I know that I can’t be a champ after having started this game so late, however I am so pleased to get some exercise daily.” Says Yeshe, “I know I have added 10 more healthy years to my life after having started this sport. I play nine holes five days of a week and 18 holes two days. These early morning nine holes rejuvenate me and help me stay in high spirits at work.” Yeshe plays off a 19 handicap and has won senior titles a couple of times. He is very particular about being punctual with everything he does. The best golfer and the youngest of the brothers, Lobsang Tashi, plays off an 11 handicap and aims to be in single digits by the end of this year. Very rarely does he miss winning a prize in any tournament that he competes in. He recalls, “When I just started golf, I lost about 10 kg in two months and Yeshe dai suggested I see a doctor. After being tested, the doc handed me a clean chit when he realised I wasn’t sick but just getting fitter! I used to play twice each day— morning and afternoon.” When I asked these brothers how they were so intact as a unit, Yeshe replied, “Principally, we respect seniors. We hold a great deal of value for seniority in our family. We’ve been together and very close for many years now. It’s not only just us brothers, our cousins are also close to us and we are all good friends, and it feels great.” Their wives reacted the same way, very positively. They are delighted that their husbands play golf and no longer waste valuable time playing cards and Mahjong late into the night. z

Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Golf Director at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected] 14 CITY 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258

ABOUT TOWN ‘Viruddh’ is the story of a person (John FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS Abraham) who accidentally witnesses a criminal Brief Encounters Photos by Holly Holzer at Siddhartha Art act and in an attempt to intervene loses his life. Gallery, until 30 July, proceeds go to KVPT. 4218048 It is also about an ordinary 60-plus couple, Human Dust Paintings by various Nepali artists at Gallery Nine, Vidyadhar Patwardhan (Amitabh Bachchan) until 4 August. 4428694 and Sumitra (Sharmila Tagore), who are forced Our Limbu Culture and Peace Paintings by Limbu children at to search for faith in human values and society NAFA, Naxal. Opening on 30 July, 2PM, until 5 August. 5209349 after the death of their only son. They are faced Perceptions of Time Paintings by Sunila Bajracharya at Lajimpat with the most testing time of their lives. Gallery Café, until 16 August. 4428549 Art walk Traditional artworks at Hotel Yak and Yeti. 4248999 Call 4442220 for show timings EVENTS Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment www.jainepal.com Feel the Drizzle Monsoon mela at Hotel Yak and Yeti on 30 July, 10AM-8PM, free entrance. 9851043268 Hip Hop 101 at Gurukul, Old Baneswor on 31 July, 3PM. 4466956 KATHMANDU AIR QUALITY Charlie and the Chocolate Factory Play presented by Rato Bangla Last week, depending on the rains, Kathmandu’s air quality fluctuated School on 6-7 August, 11AM, 2.30 PM, 5.30 PM at St Xavier’s significantly in various places. Though the concentration of PM10 School. 5522614 particles that are less than 10 microns exceeded national standards Introduction Tibetan Buddhism Talk by Ivy van Eer, 6-7 August along roadsides on most days, the air quality in residential areas was from 10AM to 4PM at HBMC, Thamel. 4414843 fairly good. The average PM10 level in the Valley rose by 37 percent Teej Festival at Radisson Hotel, on 12-13 August, 9AM-7PM. from the previous week. Intercultural Exchange Program Every Wednesday at Goethe Zentrum, Thapathali, 4.15 PM. 4250871 17-23 July 2005 in micrograms per cubic metre. Source: www.mope.gov.np Tai Chi Demonstration at Swayambhu. 4256618 Fun in the Sun at Club Sundhara, Hotel Shangri-la. 4412999 Hazardous >425 Art Workshop for kids at Buddha Gallery. 4441689 Rugby Practice Saturdays. 4435939, [email protected] Harmful 351 to 425 Sanibar Mela Saturdays at Bakery Café, Dharara, 2PM and Unhealthy 121 to 350 Chuchepati, Boudha, 3PM. O k 61 to 120 Go od < 60 MUSIC Paleti Number Sat Aavaas sings songs of Manjul and Srawan on Putalisadak Patan H Thamel Kirtipur Bhaktapur Matsyagaun 29 July, 6PM at R-sala, Manbhawan, Rs 500. 5552839 WAVE Tour 05 on 6 August at Public High School, Dharan, 2PM- NEPALI WEATHER by MAUSAM BEED 6PM, Rs 100. The monsoon is slackening off when it should be hitting us hard this time in July. This month is going to be the third month with deficient rainfall, with Kathmandu Valley recording half the normal precipitation quota for July. This satellite picture of South KATHMANDU Asia taken on Thursday morning shows an over-active monsoon from the Arabian Sea but a weak arm from the Bay of Bengal. The low pressure Classical Music Concert Tuesdays at Hotel Vajra, 6PM. 4271545 system that would bring us moisture JCS Trio Saturdays, 8PM at 1905, Kantipath, free entrance. from the southeast has drifted The Duo Live at the Jazz Bar, Hotel Shangri-la, Lajimpat. southward allowing incursion of drier Tibetan air. However, a breakaway The Good Time Blues Band at Rum Doodle, 7PM. 4701208 faction of clouds from the Bay will Ladies Nights Wednesdays at Jatra, Thamel. 4256622 succeed in bringing temporary Fusion Mondays at Jalan Jalan Restaurant, 7PM. 4410438 showers like those seen in the Valley Jazz at Upstairs, Lajimpat, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7.45 PM. last week. But not quite enough.

FOOD KATHMANDU VALLEY Monsoon Madness Special at K-too! 4700043 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Kilroy’s Annual Wine Festival at Kilroy’s of Kathmandu. 4250440 Summer Special Cocktails this July at Rum Doodle. 4443208 Saturday BBQ for Rs 888 at Le Meridien, Gokarna. 4451212 6 Culinary Fare of Game Food at Hyatt Regency, Boudha. 4491234 27-196 27-19 6 28-20 27-196 25-18 6 The Chimney Restaurant Signature dishes at Hotel Yak and Yeti. Mango Masti Tropical treats at Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 cgzf;g' / gltstfljxLg} JolQm Daily Delite Lunch at Hotel Shangri-La, Lajimpat. 4412999 / ;dfh cGttfuTjf] ktg eP/ Crosskitchen Cuisine at Lajimpat. 9851083806 hfG5g \ . To;}n] /fli6o« hLjgsf Boire and Manger at Vineyard, Baber Mahal Revisited. x/s] cfofdx¿df pbfx/0fLo Bawarchi The Restro Bar for Nawabi cuisine at Lajimpat. 4436673 cgzf;g' / gltstf} sfod BBQ Lunch at Le Meridien, Gokarna Forest Golf Resort. 4445550 ugk5'{ { . / To;sf ] ;?cft' Barbeque lunch Saturdays at Club Himalaya, Nagarkot. 6680080 Special Combo Burmese and Thai Menu at 1905, Kantipath. cfkmaf6}+ u/f }+ . Momo Revolution Saturdays at the Tea House Inn. 6680048 Krishnarpan Nepali restaurant at Dwarika’s Hotel. 4479488 >L % sf ] ;/sf/ Delicacies Pastas and snacks at Roadhouse Café. 5521755 ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno Earth Watch Restaurant at Park Village, dine with nature. 4375280 ;"rgf ljefu Café Bahal Newari cuisine at Kathmandu Guest House. 4700632 The Tharu Kitchen at Jungle Base Camp. [email protected]

GETAWAYS Spa seasonal rates valid till 21 October at Le Meridien. 4451212 Go Karting at Tiger Karts, special monsoon offer. 4361500 Overnight Stay at Godavari Village Resort. 5560675, 5560775 Malaysia Dream Holidays Introductory offers for first four flights of Air Nepal International to Kuala Lumpur. 2012345 Star Cruises Available in Nepal. 2012345, [email protected] Get one free night at Shangri-la Village, Pokhara. 4435742 Shivapuri Heights Cottage Best time to be in Shivapuri. [email protected] Special Summer Package at Tiger Mountain Tharu Lodge. 4361500, [email protected] HAPPENINGS 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 15 Tuki-free country

abu Raja Shrestha does not environmental protection 1998 when he was asked to give up easily. Nearly a initiatives. Besides bringing rescue the city of Biratnagar from B decade ago, when he started solar electricity to thousands of a mismanaged waste disposal his solar tuki (lamp) project, homes in villages, he also helped plan. His initiative has encouraged everybody told him to drop the design a three-wheeled electric- citizens’ participation in waste idea. It was not feasible they said, powered vehicle for use on clean up and reduction efforts. For especially in the rural Kathmandu’s streets as part of his remarkable achievement in communities where he wanted to an initiative to combat pollution waste management, Babu was replace kerosene lamps with solar caused by gas-powered awarded an Ashoka Fellowship to

KIRAN PANDAY tukis. vehicles. continue his work towards “I was positive this idea would Babu’s involvement in solid promoting a clean environment. z MOCKERY: Members of the Upper House and House of Representatives work,” says Shrestha, who waste management began in Naresh Newar participating in another mock- parliament session at BICC on Tuesday installed his first Solar Home where they debated the Maoist proposal for negotiations. System in Pulimarang VDC of Tanahu. Today, Babu and his Centre for Renewable Energy project have been able to reach 80,000 households in 72 districts. He says, “There is more demand now as people realise this is cheaper than kerosene.” Babu is now steering a ‘light for all’ campaign to completely eradicate the use of kerosene- based tuki. Nearly 2.4 million of the country’s population still do not have electricity at home; they burn about Rs 8.1 million worth of kerosene every day just to light their lamps. “We have to

MIN BAJRACHARYA discourage the use of kerosene tukis in our country,” says Babu, OFF TO JAIL: Sher Bahadur Deuba being mobbed by the media after the who adds that he won’t rest until RCCC sentenced him to two years in jail on corruption charges. Rishi all non-electrified homes have Dhamala is seen delivering a karate chop on Deuba’s bodyguard. solar lamps. Babu graduated as an aeronautical engineer from Russia and worked in Germany. He returned to Nepal from Japan in 1989 when the controversy of the Arun hydropower project was at its peak. Babu has applied his engineering skills to a range of MIN BAJRACHARYA

KUMAR SHRESTHA/NEPALNEWS.COM WOMEN POWER: Student supporters of the NC-D confront police outside Padma Kanya campus on Wednesday while demanding the release of Sher Bahadur Deuba and Prakash Man Singh.

KIRAN PANDAY DASHING OFF: Former US Senator Thomas Daschle addressing a press conference organised by the National Democratic Institute in which he was strongly critical of the king’s February First move and his new ministerial lineup.

KIRAN PANDAY TEN STARS: The Nepali Tara program announced its Top 10 in Bhaktapur on Monday after which the finalists performed live. 16 29 JULY - 4 AUGUST 2005 #258 Earning miles on Air Thrombosis ver since prehistoric man sat at his cave fidgety passenger who may get bored, drink too much entrance gnawing at a mastodon bone and and become unruly. The trick is to keep him E looking up to the sky at birds swooping and occupied so operators on long haul flights are frolicking high above the Rift Valley he has planning special post-graduate courses in marine www.nepalitimes.com wondered: can man ever do the same, can he one day biology and an option to pursue in-flight doctorates. also swoop and frolic like the birds? As it turned And if that doesn’t work, flight attendants are out, the answer was in the affirmative. provided cattle prods to zap rowdy passengers in Recent great strides in civil aviation have meant cattle class. Since these flights are so long, the plane that very soon also comes with a fully-equipped flying hospital there will be with diagnostic clinic to treat passengers who grow UNDER MY HAT multi-storey old enroute. Kunda Dixit aircrafts the size The other trend in aviation is no-frill airlines and shape of which have democratised domestic air travel in Soaltee Hotel equipped with casinos and jacuzzis Nepal despite regression. It is an unstoppable trend, where man can realise his dream to swoop and frolic and the wave of the future. The trick is for budget with co-passengers while flying from Point A to airlines to go for high volume and slim profit Point B. margins by dispensing with most cabin services like I don’t know about you, but I can’t wait for the food, drinks, in-flight entertainment, seats, tray Airbus A380 to come into service. The plane is so tables, overhead lockers and lavatories. spacious that manufacturers are offering an on-board I recently took a flight from Kathmandu to Delhi Pasmina gym, in-flight astro turfed jogging track along the on Rock Bottom Airlines (Mission Statement: ‘If you aisles, and an outdoor soccer field on each wing. pay peanuts, you are a monkey’) and I must say, I And that is just on a two-storey plane. Wait till they didn’t miss any of the amenities that I have come to roll out the 10-storey condominium megajumbo take for granted on normal airlines, like barf bags and with its own high-speed lift, penthouse suite, life vests. The plane takes off on full power and escalators and basement parking. climbs to cruising altitude after which the captain It’s not just size that matters, it’s also endurance. switches off the engines and glides to his They are now making ultra long-distance airliners destination to reduce cabin noise and save fuel. that can keep flying round and round the world The planes have no seats because hungry without landing anywhere. Airline operators know passengers ate all the foam padding, so even in that they lose money every minute that a plane is on economy passengers can relax on 180 degree the ground, that is why they will love this plane slumberettes on the cabin floor. Other cost-cutting because it never needs to touch down. This week Air measures include eliminating the cabin crew and co- Thrombosis and Fly By Night Airlines announced pilot, harnessing passengers with chutes and large orders for these new jets which they will use to dropping them at designated waypoints to save on carry that special breed of airline passenger like me airport landing charges, and providing oxygen masks who doesn’t really care where he is going as long as on a first-come-first-serve basis. he is earning air miles. But I don’t mind all this as long as they credit There is one small problem, and that is the my air miles. z ISSN 1814-2613 CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59