#695 21 - 27 February 2014 20 pages Rs 50

NOT AGAIN amilies of the victims of the Nepal Airlines F9N-ABB Twin Otter crash on Sunday, gather at Tribhuvan Airport to collect the bodies of their loved ones. The plane that crashed at Masine Lek, Arghakhanchi with the loss of 18 lives was flying from Pokhara to Jumla. Nepal has a notorious record for aviation safety and the EU blacklisted Nepali operators last December. 114 people were killed in eight aviation disasters between 2007 and 2012. TWIN OTTERS IN THE NEPAL SKY BY KUNDA DIXIT PAGE 4

BIKRAM RAI 2 EDITORIAL 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 COMATOSE GOVERNMENT n apocryphal anecdote doing the rounds in The country is al had no authority to do that. The Kathmandu these days goes like this: a Nepali other issue is that Gautam is not Aman fell into a coma for 14 years and was kept exactly where all that popular within his own alive on life support. He came back to life, but refused to party and after his tactical alliance believe he had been unconscious since 1999, insisting it was 14 years ago with strongman KP Oli, the other that he had just been asleep overnight. To prove he was two ex-prime ministers (Madhav right, the patient asked the nurse a few questions: Nepal and Jhal Nath Khanal) are The NC and UML are in a tussle wary of Gautam becoming too Patient: How many hours of load-shedding is there? over the Home Ministry for all the powerful within the UML. Nurse: 12 hours. wrong reasons. The UML knows How these various equations Patient: Has the Melamchi Project been finished? that the Congress knows that the play out in the days to come will Nurse: No. ministry is of critical importance determine how soon we will have a Patient: Who is the prime minister? because of its control over the complete cabinet and a functioning Nurse: Koirala. state security apparatus during government. But for now, we Patient: See? I told you, I have just been asleep local elections if they are held later can only rue that the country is overnight. this year. Bam Dev Gautam was exactly where it was 14 years ago. Home Minister during the 1998 In an editorial in this paper It has been three months after elections and two local elections and engineered a from issue #18 of 20 November weeks after Sushil Koirala was sworn in as prime resounding victory for his party, 2000, we had written: ‘The Unified minister and the haggling goes on. Koirala may have which dominated village and district Marxist-Leninists see the Maoists moral stature, but doesn’t have the charisma and councils and municipalities across stealing their thunder so they leadership qualities needed to whip the coalition into the country. That was the very reason Deuba scuttled half-heartedly put forward their own bright ideas for shape. He has partially surmounted internal pressure, local elections in 2002 when he was prime minister, constitutional amendments. Then there are the people but has had to confront the stalemate with the UML citing the insurgency as an excuse. The other reason the on the hard right, who are furious that their masters over the Home Minister’s post. Home Minister is such a sought-after job is that more than lost power, and now want a new constitution that will Frustrated, the prime minister is said to be thinking any other portfolio, it commands a budget which is at the set right the ‘wrongs’ of the Janandolan ... The snowball about putting off the nomination of a UML Home discretion of the minister and for which he doesn’t have effect of public cynicism about the state of the country Minister and is cobbling together a partial cabinet. to account for like other members of the cabinet do. has little to do with flaws in the constitution. It has to But even for that there is bound to be a tooth-and-nail NC ministers Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Minendra do with short-sighted, narrow-minded, and self-serving tussle over juicy ministries and Koirala has to appease Rijal have been trying to sort things out with the UML politicians who don’t deserve to rule. Blame the driver, the UML as well as the rival camp within his own party and it has now emerged that they were instrumental not the car. Blame the carpenter, not his tools.’ led by Sher Bahadur Deuba. The three-time prime in assuring Bam Dev Gautam and the UML that the It is a travesty for Nepal that this paragraph is as minister is obsessed with keeping Water Resources for Congress would have no objections to offering him relevant today as it was when the country went into a one of his cronies. Home. Koirala has now said that Messr Sitaula, Rijal et coma 14 years ago.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

ANOTHER CROSSROAD Nepalis are bleeding and weeping. after we have fed them to the gill. Dambar Shrestha, #694). They Judging by the condition of retired The new prime minister is from the What kind of leadership is that? The Shame on you date expired politicians. should have lobbied for equality in Gurkhas in the UK, the four men Koirala clan and so far no one from saga over portfolios proves that our Kishor Dahal pension fi rst, rather than residency mentioned in the article seem to have that family has shown any capacity politicians are selfi sh and immune to rights in the UK. made the wise decision of staying for ‘personal sacrifi ce’ starting from the sufferings of the people. It was silly I was embarrassed that our new Although I understand why most back in their own land. If only other Matrika Prasad (‘Another crossroad’, of us to vote for these same men and prime minister, Sushil Koirala, is almost ex-Gurkhas have succumbed to the former Gurkhas had chosen to do the Editorial, #694). Why should we expecting them to solve our problems. three quarters of a century old. Then I lure of the UK, life is not easy there same and fought for equal pension expect anything different from this Narayana Prasad checked Wikipedia and was happy to and prices and living costs are high. rather than jumped at the chance of new installation of the same old learn there are several heads of state Yes, there is free healthcare and moving abroad, one could imagine corrupt lineage which has and will Once again the fools who who are 90 plus. Septuagenarian? No education, but many families have the wonders it would have done to keep on ruining Nepal? When will lead our country have shown zero big deal. problems integrating and living in Nepal’s economy. the Congress party wake up? Even foresight. When the NC and UML were Mote cramped accommodation. Racial Aakash Tamu months after the election results formulating their seven point deal, why tension is on the rise and resentment are out, the NC still can’t agree on couldn’t they include an eighth clause Ladies and gentlemen, here from little Englanders is also growing Gurkhas are like creative yeast: sharing ministries, how pathetic. clearly spelling out which party would we have our 37th joker (38 if you as Nepalis fl ood into the same areas wherever they go, they prosper. For BNS get what ministry? We would have count Khil Raj Regmi). Let’s see and put local resources under strain. instance, they are doing great in been spared this nonsense. Now these how strong the Koirala blood is. May The proud name of Gurkha has been Hong Kong. By choosing to settle in There maybe somebody in loathsome politicians will waste another Pashupatinath protect us all. diluted. the UK, the ex-servicemen are giving the blind spot ready for the kind of month in accusations and counter- J Sharma It would have been cheaper for their children the kind of opportunities politics Nepalis would welcome. accusations. I can just imagine Pushpa the British government to allow for that would not have been possible in Somebody we know little about, Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai COUNTRY’S CONSCIENCE parity in pensions and backdated Nepal. Besides what would they have a scion of the Koirala family who giving each other an evil smirk Thank you Professor Chaitanya Mishra this to the beginning of service. This done if they had stayed back home? actually seems to be quite different Roshan for your timely article on Dr Govinda would have afforded a nice lump The state has just thrown them out to from the unchanging old echelon KC’s fi ght against corruption and sum for ex-Gurkhas who could have rot in the dump. the public is used to. I am referring Nepali politicians cannot do politicisation within the medical sector lived like kings in Nepal rather than ‘Whatever’ to Bhaskar Koirala. He is not yet consensus politics, the past 24 years (‘Carrying the country’s conscience’, paupers in a foreign land. Their in the spotlight, but his upbringing have proved that amply. Can we #694). Each of us should embody the income would have had a multiplier and personal quests can eventually change the laws so that whichever ideals of KC and become agents of effect on the local economy and they

make him a proper candidate for party wins the most number of seats change by doing whatever we can to could have contributed to making the Weekly Internet Poll #695 becoming a PM. We need somebody in elections, gets to make unilateral challenge the rotten system. Little by country better. with young blood and a sensitive decisions? This will save us a lot of little when people with similar beliefs Anonymous Q. Which leader should be the new home minister? soul, somebody whose heart can time since there will be no need for fi ve come together, the nation will begin to Total votes: 821 resound with the electorate. point deals and seven point deals every transform. As the daughter of an ex-Gurkha Kathkat other week. Neeti Aryal Khanal soldier, I am happy that my father Elina Pant chose to settle in the UK. Yes, we WHOSE HOME NO PLACE LIKE HOME had to face a lot of challenges, but Both the NC and UML’s behaviour It’s frustrating to see the downward Those who fought for equal treatment I have a far better future than my is utterly disgraceful (‘Whose Home spiral of Nepali politics. Even dogs are of the Gurkhas, including activist cousins in Nepal. Besides whenever is it anyway?’, Trishna Rana, #694). faithful to their food givers. Our leaders, Joanna Lumley, have been ill advised I read news from back home, I can't They are acting like dogs, fi ghting on the other hand, come back to bite by various unnamed parties with help but feel dejected. for Home Ministry while Nepal and us repeatedly, demanding more bones vested interests (‘No place like home’, Prashanti Chamling Weekly Internet Poll # 696. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Are you happy with Subash Nembang's appointment as CA chair?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Editor: Trishna Rana | Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Editor: Bhrikuti Rai | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Nepali Times on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 OPINION 3 The architecture of democracy

literally forced them to agree at model for achieving MDGs in gunpoint. In short, the second child survival and maternal Constituent Assembly like the mortality reduction. first is based on lies, blackmail, In these and other similar and perversity which is why it institutions, it is people’s is highly unlikely that it will own participation in decision fulfil its mission. making that has assured What is worse, while Nepal’s transparency of management polity has always remained the and accountability of fiefdom of the few politicians leaders. These two essential in power, a domestic driving attributes of a genuine force to make a difference democratic practice have has been conspicuous by been achieved even against its absence all along. Most Nepal’s unchanged feudalistic countries allow their presidents, backdrop. Such experiences however ceremonial, to assume show that our democratic extraordinary powers to put architecture can and must be their democracies back on track. specially fabricated if it is to In Nepal it is a case of double deliver goods to the people for jeopardy though. The president whom no known regime has has acted when he shouldn’t provided any respite so far. have and hasn’t acted when he should have. Bihari Krishna Shrestha If members of the CA2 care is an anthropologist and to listen, indigenisation of our was a senior official in the democracy is what is needed. government. India had faced the problem of lack of accountability of her politician as early as the 1950s and the then ascetic, erudite, and highly respected socialist politician, Jaya Prakash Narayan advocated the “reformulation of India” based on the five- Indigenise Nepal’s polity by addressing the tiered Panchayat system, each such tier linked birth defects this Constituent Assembly has organically to the one inherited from the previous one immediately below. Given the fact that Narayan was in ast year, when the first process. of the people, the Election Kathmandu at the Constituent Assembly Despite all attempts to Commission had tried to invitation of King Lwas dissolved, it was reduce the size of the new CA, introduce a threshold of five Mahendra, before he widely perceived to have been this time it was the Madhesis per cent of votes for a party to replaced multiparty inevitable because it was born who threatened a boycott unless be represented in the second system in Nepal with with many birth deformities. there were 585 members. It was CA through the proportional his own version Some of these genetic defects up to the self-styled messiah channel, thus limiting the of the Panchayat seem to have been inherited by of ethnic rights, the Federal parties in the chamber to a system, it would be the second CA. Socialist Party (FSP), to jack up more manageable number. fair to maintain that the total back to 601. But the same politicians, the Narayan model did While the four-party addicted as they already influence the shift in syndicate initially put up the were to sharing in the spoils, political dispensation in pretense last year of nominally successfully ganged up against Nepal at the time except GUEST COLUMN reducing the total membership the commission thus ensuring for one basic difference. Bihari K Shrestha to 491, it put up no resistance that the CA2 would have an While Narayan’s at all to the Madhesi Janadhikar unwieldy number of parties prototype provided for Forum Nepal and FSP’s represented. For all practical an elected executive Among the many fatal flaws blackmails because this parasitic purposes, therefore, the CA2 president at the top, of the first CA, one stood out: it embellishment benefitted all is a genetic clone of the CA1. Nepal’s version was was just too big and unwieldy. and sundry. Having 601 seats There is only one difference: led by the king. As chief architect of the in the new CA meant that all the Maoist and Madhesi Though Assembly, the UCPN (Maoist) parties could auction off their parties have been cut down to limited in scope, bears most of the blame for the proportional representation size for their many sins of the Nepal already problems associated with it. seats to the highest bidder. past. And the FSP has been enjoys genuine But the NC-UML combine were Despite their democratic nipped in the bud. grassroots either willing accomplices or garb, the parties have been But the tragedy for us democracy in at gave in to all the demands from exacting their pound of flesh hapless citizens is that despite least two sectors: forestry the Maoists in order to appease from long-suffering Nepalis. such a resounding verdict and health. While forest them to adhere to the peace Given the extreme frustration in the election, the NC and user groups have been UML, otherwise the principal instrumental in restoring beneficiaries of popular the country’s natural disenchantment, remain wealth in record time, mysteriously wedded to the Mothers’ Groups have federalisation agenda that was made Nepal the imported by the Maoists, who international role 4 NATION 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695

on precarious runways like in Lukla or Talcha. However, the fact that so many of the crashes have happened on takeoff or final approach shows that the training and experience 9 2006 pilots should have to fly in 25 2000 Yeti, Unstable landing 0 the challenging operating JUMLA 9N-AEQ 2013 environment of the Himalaya RNA, Hit mountain RNA Unstable landing need to be re-evaluated. DHANGADI 9N-ABP JOMSOM 9N-ABO 0 1970 Except for the crash on Royal Flight,Takeoff a flight from Pokhara to JOMSOM 9N-RF9 Kathmandu of a Necon Air HS- 0 18 0 1991 1973 748 in 1999, there have been no 4 1996 RNA, Skidded off runway major mishaps on trunk routes 2002 Lumbini Hit mountain RNA,Unstable landing LUKLA 9N-ABG Skyline, Hit mountain GHOREPANI 9N-ACC 2 LUKLA 9N-ABA to and from Kathmandu in the SURKHET 9N-AGF 1995 RNA Takeoff past 30 years. It is the extreme 18 2000 KATHMANDU 9N-ABI difficulty of flying in the Shangrila, Hit mountain 3 2002 mountains in bad weather that 18 makes travelling to remote area 18 POKHARA 9N-AFR Yeti, Hit mountain 2008 2014 LAMJURA 9N-AFD airfields so dangerous. Nepal Airlines Twin Otter crash site RNA, Hit mountain Yeti, Hit mountain ARGHAKHANCHI 9N-ABB LUKLA 9N-AFE Aside from topography 10 and weather, there are other Other Twin Otter crash site 1999 Skyline, Hit mountain 22 2010 factors that have contributed to BAGMATI 9N-AFL 15 Fatalities Tara, Hit mountain 1984 Nepal’s dismal air safety record. LAMIDANDA 9N-AFX RNA, Hit mountain Overloading aircraft due to BHOJPUR 9N-ABH corruption of ground staff has been the reason for at least one Twin Otter crash and has been cited in crashes of other aircrafts in remote areas. But it is not just flying that is dangerous in Nepal, the country’s rate of highway accidents is one of the worst in the world. Modern technology Twin Otters down needs a strict adherence to rules on operational safety and The rugged Canadian plane has been the workhorse of Nepal’s maintenance, something that is glaringly lacking in Nepal. Rules domestic aviation for four decades, but has suffered terrible attrition are routinely broken, shortcuts are the norm, bravado and KUNDA DIXIT Otter with registration 9N-RF9, macho-ness are on open display which came to grief less than a on the roads. These traits can be year after entering service. Later, disastrous when manifested in he hardy Canadian-built the Nepal Army also bought a the cockpit. DHC-6 Twin Otter was Twin Otter (RAN 26), which also Combined with other factors Tdesigned for flying in crashed in Jomsom in 1983. like ageing equipment, cash the challenging environment Much has been made of the starved airlines cutting corners of countries like Nepal with fact that the plane that went on spares, and cut-throat rough and short airfields carved missing this week was 43 years competition, it is not surprising out of mountain sides. Pilots old. But Twin Otters are so that Nepali operators have been say the plane handles well, sturdy that the unpressurised blacklisted by the EU. needs minimal maintenance, plane can fly safely as long as its Given that so many disasters is built to last, and can take maintenance and flight protocols are due to pilot error and CFIT, a lot of punishment. Which are strictly followed. Some of the it should now be mandatory must be why Twin Otters are fleet of amphibian Twin Otters for all domestic planes to only affectionately called ‘Land flying for the Maldivian Air Taxi, fly VFR (Visual Flight Rules) Rovers with wings’. for instance, are more than 45 without exceptions. Planes must However, even a plane like years old. be required to have Enhanced this doesn’t tolerate careless and Of all the crashes of various Ground Proximity Warning OTTER TWINS: The fi rst two Twin Otters of Royal Nepal Airlines in happier reckless flying. Because it has times at Lukla Airport in 1972. Both have crashed. models of aircraft in Nepal since systems on board, de-icing been built to operate in difficult 1955, 90 per cent have been equipment, and weather radar. terrain and extreme climates what is technically known as But even with these like the Canadian Arctic, or the operated in Nepal of which 16 has been leased to Yeti. CFIT (Controlled Flight Into additional safety measures, high mountains of Papua New have crashed. Nepal Airlines The plane that crashed Terrain) in which a disoriented nothing can save us from Guinea it has seen more crashes (formerly known as Royal Nepal on Sunday on Masine Lek of or careless pilot flies a plane into carelessness. There is no excuse than other types of planes. Airlines) has lost 70 per cent Arghakhanchi district with the a mountain hidden in clouds. In anymore for the criminal Of the 844 Twin Otters built of its Twin Otter fleet since it loss of 18 lives was registered fact, none of the Twin Otters that negligence and the loss of more since 1965 by de Havilland started operating the aircraft in 9N-ABB and was one of the have crashed in Nepal have gone lives. Canada, 263 have crashed 1972. The state-owned airline two first Twin Otters that Royal down primarily because of a with a total of 1,423 fatalities has owned 12 Twin Otters in the Nepal Airlines introduced in technical malfunction. Nearly all nepalitimes.com among passengers and crew. last 43 years, of which only one 1972 to replace its World War II have been due to human error. CFIT, #3 For comparison, of the 673 is airworthy today. Of the other vintage DC-3 Dakotas. Nepali pilots have won Flight safety in the monsoon, #203 Beechcraft 1900s built, 33 have four that haven’t crashed, three Even before Nepal Airlines, international praise for A safer sky, #625 been written off. are sitting engine-less in the the Royal Flight service had effortlessly landing short Once is not enough, East West Blog Gallery and video In all, 25 Twin Otters have hangar in Kathmandu and one bought an older model Twin takeoff and landing aircraft 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 BUSINESS 5

SPEAK UP: Demonstrators in BIZ BRIEFS New York protest against HSBC in February 2013 for the bank’s involvement in money laundering for Wooden delights drug cartels and alleged terrorists. Kunal Furnishing has unveiled a new range of home décor which includes curtains, sofas, wallpaper, carpets, home and offi ce furniture. Established in 1989, the furnishing store houses both locally manufactured products as well as recently agreed to share tax imported goods. information. Governments have started to close loopholes and force companies to disclose full Home shop ownership information. The Salesways Group opened its latest United Kingdom, for example, outlet Salesberry at Satdobato in Lalitpur. “Spread over 10,000 sq ft, the recently approved the creation department store offers more than 30,000 products,” reads the press release. of a public registry of company owners. At the same time, banks found guilty of assisting money One more laundering now face record NMB Bank inaugurated its new branch in WWW.MATHBABE.FILES.WORDPRESS.COM penalties. HSBC, accused of Putalisadak on Monday. With the recent addition, laundering Latin American drug the number of NMB branches operating in the country has reached 26. money, was fined $1.9 billion. Britain’s new financial- crime investigators have also Hearty celebrations Dirty money Close Up Love Fest, the annual Valentine’s Day event managed to repatriate $1.2 managed by the toothpaste company, saw thousands of billion of the missing $4 eager participants. The celebrations, which took place ERIK SOLHEIM governed countries are unable to billion that former Nigerian over two days in various locations in the city, included see the full picture. dictator Sani Abacha hid in live music performances, couple games, and tarot card 27 of the 34 OECD countries Switzerland, Luxembourg, reading. he world is now less do not have sufficient corporate Jersey, Liechtenstein, Belgium, than a year away from ownership information and and the UK. Tthe deadline to meet none is fully compliant with Such successes may deter Hashtag Qatar the United Nations Millennium the Financial Action Task crime, but only up to a point. Qatar Airways recently launched its fi rst Development Goals set in Force’s recommendations on An estimated $1 trillion international Instagram contest ‘#destigram’. To compete, visitors have to 2000. Extreme poverty has preventing money laundering. in bribes to state officials share photos taken from any of the eight new Qatar Airways destinations and been halved, as promised. But The priority for tax and legal continues to be paid every year upload them using Destigram hashtag and the name of the corresponding city. Prizes for winners include fl ight tickets and Qatar Airways Qmiles. more must be done to meet the authorities must therefore be to by companies and wealthy health, education, environment, discover who owns what assets individuals. Half of OECD and gender-equality goals. and where they come from. member states have yet to see Branching out One way to speed up the This is best achieved a single prosecution. If such Global IME Bank inaugurated its progress is to limit the large through global governance crimes are not prosecuted and branchless banking service in amounts of money illicitly and cooperation. But there severely punished, dishonest Khaplung VDC in Taplejung on flowing out of developing are other potholes too. For companies will continue to Sunday. “Along with Khaplung, 17 countries, where it could be example, efforts to improve flout the law, while responsible other VDCs will now be able to enjoy invested, into assets and bank tax collection – a key problem companies, having lost business banking services,” read the press accounts in the OECD. for many struggling economies after refusing to pay bribes, statement. An interaction program An estimated $1 trillion, – will achieve little if corrupt may start to rethink whether was also organised where locals put forward their queries regarding the services. almost one-third of Africa’s officials can simply siphon the ethical approach makes GDP, leaves less developed revenues. Similarly, improved commercial sense. countries (LDC) annually, tax collection will not prevent Corruption corrodes trust in though the true size of hidden multinational companies from our financial institutions, brings transfers is, by definition, using their complex global out the worst in even the best almost impossible to ascertain. shareholding structures to of us, and, when one considers One obvious cause of these transfer profits to lower-tax its impact on ordinary lives, is outflows is poor governance jurisdictions. morally repugnant. We must in developing countries. But Fortunately, there is growing thus take our own rules and recent OECD research suggests political will to tackle these responsibilities more seriously. that rich countries are also at issues. The G-8 and G-20 www.project-syndicate.org fault for failing to devise and enforce adequate laws to track and prevent illegal money transfers. Governments are concerned mainly with two types of illicit financial flows. The first involves cash from criminal activities such as human trafficking, drugs, smuggling, and corruption. The profits are laundered via intricate webs of shell companies into foreign banks and property, emerging in the form of respectable homes and legitimate businesses. The second involves legitimately-earned money seeking to evade taxes. In either case, the illicit cash requires access to the global financial system in order to find a safe hiding place. It is not in a country’s interest to allow that. For starters, illicit financial flows deprive governments of tax revenues to fund health care, education, and other vital public services. Worse, once legitimised, illicit money is often used to fund further illegal activities, including civil wars and terrorism. Money launderers and tax evaders can be stopped if they are exposed to the harsh light of financial transparency. Unfortunately, even the best- 6 NATION 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695

whereabouts, he lied and said they were at HHN’s hostel. Later (Un)happy homes he admitted that Pemba and Dolma were at Pokhrel’s house. But Phurlamu was still IN SAFE HANDS: Pemba (left) and his followed in 2008 and 2010 missing. Again Acharya tried to sister Dolma (centre) testify to police after respectively. The owners mislead the investigators and the CIB rescued them from a house in promised to not only feed and claimed she was with his wife Dhapakhel last Friday. educate the children, but also Puja in Pokhara. He retracted help with the treatment of his statement minutes later and (CIB) raided their home after Phurlamu, who suffers from a said Baluwatar. Police eventually Lojung Kippa Sherpa reported disability. found her near Nawakiran that her three children were “The last time I saw them Ashram in Hattiban. missing. Earlier in the day, she was when I went to drop them The Sherpa children have been had filed a case against Bishwa off at the airport in Tumlingtar,” living in HHN’s different hostels Pratap Acharya, president of Lojung, 43, told Nepali around the Valley with at least 70 SUNIR PANDEY Happy Home Nepal (HHN), an Times ahead of the rescue. others. All of them are registered SUNIR PANDEY From the outside, the orphanage in Dhapakhel. “When I came to Happy Home as orphans or abandoned and Pokhrels seem like a typical In 2006, upon her sister’s last year, I was told my children donors from Czech Republic, t the edge of Kathmandu modern family. The daughter insistence, Sherpa agreed weren’t there.” Slovakia, and United Kingdom Valley’s urban sprawl in is a dance teacher, the son is to let her eldest daughter CIB had been interrogating have been funding their education ADhapakhel, new houses still in school, and father Paras Phurlamu travel from Makalu, workers at HHN since the and upbringing. In January stand adjacent to vacant farming owns a restaurant. But on 14 Sankhuwasabha to Kathmandu early hours of Friday. When 2013, however, the same donors lots. One of them belongs to February, officers from the and stay at Happy Home. Son the police first questioned accused Acharya of fraud and Paras Pokhrel. Central Investigation Bureau Pemba and daughter Dolma Acharya about the children’s child abuse and asked the Central Child Welfare Board (CCWB) to investigate. Since Acharya’s first brush with the law, testimonials from former donors, volunteers, and teachers have poured in. Seven months ago, another complaint was filed against him for hiding children from parents. It was then that Sano Paila, a Birganj-based organisation that works against child-trafficking in partnership with UK charity Freedom Matters, followed up on HHN’s activities. Kanchan Jha of Sano Paila insists that most of the children at HHN have parents back home. “He has been using Phurlamu’s disability to milk well-meaning donors for treatment money,” says Jha. When Lojung was reunited with her children at the District Police Headquarters in Jawalakhel on Friday, she found out that only Phurlamu could speak Sherpa. However, that was the least of her problems. Subsequent medical check-ups revealed the children were malnourished and suffered from body lice. Phurlamu was diagnosed with TB and is under antibiotic medication. The youngest girl told counsellors she had not been to school for two months. Police eventually arrested Bishwa on fraud, kidnapping, and child-trafficking charges and he is now in custody. Since the investigation is still ongoing, the extent of fraud and abuse remains to be discovered. Puja Acharya is still on the run and it hasn’t yet been confirmed if Paras Pokhrel is also an accomplice in the crimes. On Sunday, police rescued another girl from HHN. The home is currently being run by a management committee that, without the Acharya couple, is struggling to take care of the children. SP and CWISH (Children-Women in Social Service and Human Rights) are now seeking permission from the National Human Rights Commission and CCWB to rescue and rehabilitate the remaining children from Happy Home.

www.sanopaila.org.np Hotline: 1660-01-33033 www.cwish.org.np www.freedommatters.co.uk

nepalitimes.com Long way home, #573 A far away rescue, #571 Juggling with young lives, #405 Just like the waves of storms that have lashed UK and Europe this winter, Nepal is also getting one westerly disturbance after another. KATHMANDU After last weekend's blizzard and rain, there is another low pressure front headed our way. By Friday there will be cloud buildup with rain affecting western and central Nepal by Saturday. This will bring down the maximum temperature, but things should get warmer and drier by Monday. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 20° 17° 18° #695 21 - 27 February 2014 7° 10° 9°

NT ARCHIVE IN THE NAME OF THE DESTROYER Devotees prepare yourselves for yet another kooky Shiva Ratri celebrations GLOBAL COOL rom the cement we use to build our Fhomes to the dhoops we light for hivaratri is upon us and so are hundreds But a better and less often heard story perfect husband. aartis, Shiva is an omnipresent force in of bearded, naked, marijuana-smoking is about how Shiva came to be the main Come Thursday, things are likely to the subcontinent. Half our family and Sincredible feat-performing ascetics. man of the trinity. It all started when get a little kooky around Pashupatinath. friends are named after him. Now this Shiva: creator, destroyer, Lord of all Lords, Shiva was asked to arbitrate a dispute The sadhus with the huge tika, tridents, fiery-eyed destroyer of worlds is and patron saint of all stoners. between Brahma and Vishnu about who and orange-red robes are to scare the becoming something of an international Every year, on the 14th day of the Krishna was stronger. Our hero transformed himself children with. The heavy duty ones are cult figure as well. Paksha in the month of Falgun, thousands of into a gigantic linga and posed the fighting the ash-covered, bearded, dreadlocked, He was on the cover of Newsweek devotees flock to Pashupatinath. Most go parties a challenge: to find its beginning naked babas. The chillum is a standard magazine as US President Barack to pay their respects, but there are those and his end. They didn’t figure it out, of accompaniment, but the other odours Obama in 2010. His inked avatars adorn who are lured more by the offer of Shiva’s course, and in the end the massive column and the greasy, sinister black tika on countless bodies and he spawns several prasad, ganja and bhang, than by devotion. slit open, revealing Shiva reclining inside. the forehead make them even more parody accounts on social media. And No one is entirely sure why we celebrate A little strange and certainly anatomically forbidding. with the help of Indian writer Amish Shivaratri: it is Shiva’s honeymoon, the impossible, but he did strike awe-and If you come across a group of nanga Tripathi’s best-selling Shiva Trilogy night he performed the tandava, or dance of modesty-into the hearts of the other two babas chanting, getting high, or wielding the dance loving, ganja smoking, bhang destruction, or the day he drank the churned and they gave up their little discussion. And their weapons, stand back. Unsuspecting consuming, moody Hindu deity is out poison from the ocean of the gods, thus this, readers, is why the various babas who and overly curious onlookers have been boosting his global cool and mesmerising gaining his distinctive blue throat, or neela congregate around Pashupati do the things known to be cursed heartily. a new generation of bhaktas. kantha. they do. And why Shiva is regarded as the PR 8

Climate+Change exhibition. among Nepalis and foreigners alike. Runs till 24 February, Nepal Art Jhamsikhel EVENTS Council, Babarmahal DINING MUSIC Pizza Delight, imagine a pizza and Dual worlds, an exhibition of the eat it too. 21 February to 9 March, works of artists Anil Shahi and Sujan Alfresco Restaurant, Soaltee Hotel, Dangol. Runs till 7 March, Siddartha Rabibhawan Art Gallery, Babarmahal K-too, go in for the best steak in Noodling, stake your claim as Nepal's Thamel, a warm dining room, live top graphic designer and win up to sports on TV, and free Irish coff ee Rs 25,000 and a spot at an exhibition with every main course and seasonal in prizes. specials. Thamel, (01)4700043 Send entries to events@ thecitymuseum.org by 20 February GHAR‐E‐KABAB, serving the best of north Indian cuisine, with live Sarod Touch wood, the famous Edo- recitals on some days. VULTURES WILL FEED, party with period woodblock print artist Hotel Annapurna, Darbar Marg Jugaa and other Nepali thrash and Toshusai Sharaku is given a hardcore bands. Rs 200, 1 March, modern interpretation by Japan’s Saigon Pho, spacious interior 11am onwards, Fluid Bar, Thamel contemporary artists. with authentic Vietnamese dishes. 1 to 11 March, 9.30am to 4.30pm, Lajimpat Starry Night BBQ, catch Ciney Embassy Hall, Japanese Embassy, Gurung live as you chomp on your DAY OF THE DESTROYER, fl ock Panipokhari Mulchowk, the blend of culinary meat stick. Rs 1,299, 7pm onwards, to Pasupati with thousands of other expertise and charms of a bygone Fridays, Shambala Garden Café. devotees and sing praises to the Lord era. Babarmahal NEW TUSHITA RESTAURANT, Hotel Shangri-La, (01)4412999 that taketh. 27 February relaxing ambience and good food. (Ext. 7520/7515) Chilly Bar and Restaurant, quality Don’t miss out on its penne with In conversation, leading political food and wide selection of drinks creamy bacon and mushroom sauce. Kripa Unplugged, young Nepali scholar Lok Raj Baral talks to with great views of Phewa Lake. Lajimpat, (01)44432957 musicians and seasoned veterans journalist Sudheer Sharma. Lakeside, Hallanchok, Pokhara, give an acoustic rendition of their 21 February, 4pm, Nepal-Bharat (061)463614/463163 favourite songs. http://www.youtube. Library, New Road com/user/KripaUnplugged Chopstix, savoury Asian food cooked Gyalpo Losar, the Tibetan and in true Chinese fashion sure to charm SHASTRIYA SANGEET, dabble in Sherpa community celebrate the new and impress. Try the famous drums of the magic of Hindustani year. 2 March BORDERLESS, watch MSF heaven. Kumaripati, (01)5551118 classical music. (Un)limited, a fi lm shot in Lebanon, 1 March, 3pm onwards, Kirateswor Trading paint, an exhibition of the Congo, Rwanda, Serbia and Lal Durbar Restaurant, authentic work by artist Julian Parker-Burns. Montenegro about the Doctors Nepali dinner with cultural shows. Runs till 21 February, 10am to 5pm, without Borders’ work with HIV/AIDS Hotel Yak & Yeti, Darbar Marg, PAGODA CHINESE Image Ark Gallery, Kulimha Tol, patients and its Campaign for Access (01)4248999, RESTAURANT, Head to this jade Patan Darbar Area to Essential Medicines, and meet Dr [email protected] palace if you are in the mood for Unni Karunakara, former president of Chinese with clean, green and Go green, a week-long festival the organisation. Backyard, incredibly reasonable peaceful environment. showcasing viable green technologies 24 February, 6pm, Alliance Francais, prices and modest and simple food Park Village Resort, Budhanilknatha, and practices, at the ongoing Teku have made this restaurant a favourite (01)4375280, [email protected] 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 9 GETAWAYS Kickabout DEFROST Mango Tree Lodge, culture walks, he ongoing The rafting in the Karnali, wildlife TClimage+Change exploration, and jungle safari at the exhibition brings exciting better Bardia National Park. Bhetani, Bardia, programmes this week: [email protected] 21 February, Plastic Free half Himalaya, panelists will Celebrate the power of women at 5:30 pm, Eszter’s Inheritance, Hungary, 87’ discuss the repercussions of the upcoming European Union Business as usual for Europe’s top plastic disposal in Nepal’s Film Festival. 22 February football teams as they hope to avoid national park and protected 11:30 am, Kuma, Austria, 88’ upsets, recover home form, and areas. Followed by a session 20 February 1:30 am, Lora from morning till evening, prepare for European outings. on sustainable mountain 11:30 am, Applause, Denmark, 83’ Bulgaria, 94’ architecture in the Hindu 1:30 pm, After fi ve in the forest, 5:30 pm, Eccentricities of a Blonde-haired EPL Kush and Himalaya. Day Germany, 94’ Girl, Portugal, 63’ 22 February, Chelsea vs Everton, Man ends with screening of Solar 3:30 pm, The fi rst assignment, City vs Stoke, Arsenal vs Sunderland. Mamas, a documentary on Italy, 86’ 23 February SHANGRI~LA VILLAGE RESORT, 6.30pm, 8.45pm, 8.45pm rural electrifi cation. 1 to 3pm; 5:30 pm, Viper in the fi st, France, 90’ 11:30 am, Take my eyes, Spain, 102’ set amidst peaceful surroundings 4 to 5.30pm; 5.30 to 6.30pm 1:30 am, The Dark House, with a breathtaking mountain view, La liga 21 February Netherlands, 101’ landscaped gardens, water bodies 22 February, Real Madrid vs Elche. 22 February, workshop for 11:30 am, Princess, Finland, 98’ 3:30 pm, Beyond, Sweden, 95’ and a relaxing ambience. Gharipatan, 8.45pm children between 7 and 15 1:30 pm, House, Slovakia, 90’ Pokhara, (61)462222, (01)4410051, 23 February, Real Sociedad vs with artist Sujan Dangol who 3:30 pm, Back to your arms, Celebrating women, 20 to 23 February, [email protected] Barcelona. 00.45am makes artwork out of waste Lithuania, 89’ QFX Kumari – Hall 2 24 February, Osasuna vs Atletic material. Followed by a Madrid. 1.30am concert by Kutumba featuring local artists from Janakpur, Bundesliga Helambu, and Kathmandu. 22 February, Hamburger SV vs 12 to 2 pm; 6 to 7.30pm Dortmund. 8.15pm 23 February, Hannover 96 vs Bayern 23 February, a special edition Munich. 10.15pm of PechaKucha Kathmandu featuring practitioners, artists ATITHI RESORT, a perfect place to Serie A and innovators of sustainable stay, nearby pool, massage, sauna, 23 February, Sampdoria vs Milan, living. 5pm to 8pm and delicious food of your choice. Juventus vs Torino. 7.45pm, 11.15pm Shantipatan, Lakeside, Pokhara, Climate+Change (61)466760, (01)4002077 Champions' League Runs till 11 April, closed on 25 February, Zenit vs Dortmund. Tuesdays, Nepal Art Council, Buddha Maya Gardens Hotel, add 10.45pm Babarmahal value to your travel in Lumbini with 26 February, Olympiacos vs Man 9849519933, a stay at probably the best hotel United. 1.30am [email protected] in the area. Lumbini, (71)580220, 27 February, Galatasary vs Chelsea, 9801033109, [email protected] Schalke 04 vs Real Madrid. 1.30am 10

hen Udaya Rana announced he was didn’t appeal to him and he found himself joining politics, many mocked him drawn to politics once again. Wfor his naivety. Some called his In 1999, Rana was elected as the president decision ‘amateur’, while others termed it of the Lalitpur chapter of Tarun Dal. Years of merely a ‘hobby’. He was, after all, sacrificing hard work and perseverance finally paid off a lucrative job and a career in international in 2012 when he took top post of the youth development. But his family knew better wing. and extended support. Today, Rana wields Although breaking into mainstream a fair degree of influence within the Nepali politics was fairly easy for the 42-year-old, Congress in addition to being the president he admits it is often a challenge for young of the party’s youth wing, Tarun Dal. leaders to find a place for themselves in the His victory in last year’s November party. “Because there is no retirement age in poll not only helped cement his position politics, senior leaders don’t want to leave at as an upcoming leader, but also provided all. But if you are dedicated to the party cause Rana much needed relief after his defeat and remain sincere, then nobody can stop in 2008 CA elections. “If I had lost again, you from fighting your way up,” he says. things would have looked quite grim for Like fellow CA member Rajeev Bikram me politically,” he admits. The victory was Shah (see below), Rana didn’t let his first even more special because Udaya’s father, time loss deter him from working in his Sagar Rana who is long-time NC member, had constituency. His development efforts in the failed to win previous polls from Lalitpur-1. area have been much lauded and this is what Although Rana’s political career began he believes made the locals vote in his favour. when he joined Nepal Student Union in “I joined politics because it was 1985 and formed its Delhi chapter during challenging and I like being the underdog. the Janandolan I, politics took a back seat I think I have proved my mettle over the once democracy was restored in the country years and that is why I have been able to in1991 and college became a priority. After sustain so far,” he says. A self-confessed graduating from Cornell University with a dreamer, Rana’s ultimate dream is to build a Master’s degree in International Relations, prosperous Nepal so that the youth no longer Rana returned home and worked with several have to leave home and slog it out in foreign development agencies. But that life, he says, countries. BIKRAM RAI LEADING THE YOUNG Rajeev Bikram Shah and Udaya Rana have a lot in common. Both come from a family of influence, spent much of their youth studying abroad, and ventured into politics despite having promising careers elsewhere. Both members of the Nepali Congress, Shah won in his home district of Jajarkot-2, defeating UCPN (M) candidate Bhakta Bahadur in the party’s heartlands, while Rana sealed his victory in Lalitpur-1, traditionally a UML stronghold.

TSERING DOLKER GURUNG

riving back home after being sworn 2008 CA, the timing couldn’t have been more in along with 564 other CA members opportune. Dlast month, Rajeev Bikram Shah had Shah failed to make the final cut to the a moment of epiphany. The 45-year-old assembly floor, but continued working businessman turned politician pondered actively in his home district of Jajarkot. In on his career change and wondered, “How 2009, he spearheaded relief efforts after a did I end up here?” After all, joining politics cholera outbreak, for which he was widely was never a part of the plan. His goal was to appreciated. He set up the Jajarkot Cholera make his real estate business a success and Disaster Coordination Committee, chartered dabble in tourism. private helicopters to rush doctors and “I wanted to open a resort in Kakani and medicines to those in need, and lobbied in even though I had the resources, the plan Kathmandu for a more substantial relief failed because of the Maoist insurgency. I package. It is these efforts and not his lineage became wary of politics,” recalls Shah. “If the (Shah is a descendent of the rajas of Jajarkot) conflict was affecting me so much, I could that he believes helped him claim a victory not even imagine how those who were less here. privileged than me were faring.” Inspired by party founder BP Koirala But even then he was more inclined and other senior leaders including Krishna to work as a civil society leader than a Prasad Bhattarai, Sher Bahadur Deuba politician. That feeling, however, changed and Sushil Koirala, Shah hopes to make with time. “I didn’t want to talk about the significant contribution to his district and country’s problems at cocktail parties and not let the people who voted for him down. social gatherings. I wanted to become a “Dividing time here to fulfil my duties at the part of the solution.” So when senior NC parliament and my constituency is proving to leader Sher Bahadur Deuba nominated him be a major challenge but I will do my best for to a proportional representation seat in the my people,” says Rajeev. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 11 OUR HEROINES BHUWAN CHAND Nearly 50 years ago, Bhuwan Chand made her silver screen debut as the lead heroine in Ama, the first film produced in Nepal. Although her family was supportive of her from the beginning, Bhuwan says it was difficult facing harsh criticism from society. “After every performance, we used to sneak back into our homes like thieves to avoid the neighbours’ taunts,” recalls Chand of her early days in theatre. The 66-year- old, who still follows Nepali cinema, is appalled by the vulgarity BIKRAM RAI and nudity that have crept into the industry. Says Bhuwan : “No matter how modern we become, we still need to maintain our LIGHTS, CAMERA, COPY PASTE Nepalipan in our movies.” KARISHMA Nepal's film industry needs to step out of Bollywood’s shadow MANANDHAR More than two decades after the release of her debut movie SARALA GAUTAM preference has evolved, it’s the violence to sell tickets with little Santan , Karishma Manandhar’s makers who have fallen behind,” work put into script, acting, or effervescent beauty and hen Nepal’s first feature laments Yadav Kharel, director of direction. compelling performances on film, Ama, released in the seminal movie Prem Pinda. “We “Nepal is a treasure trove of screen continue to leave her WOctober 1964, only a are still trapped in Bollywood’s wonderful stories and yet we have admirers in awe. However, she handful of countries had their own grip and as we scamper to break a chronic shortage of innovative is disappointed by the quality movie industry. The current pop production records, we have ideas,” admits comedian Hari of work in Nepali movies. culture powerhouse of Asia, South sacrificed quality.” Bansha Acharya, who in his four “The script these days aren’t Korea, began its film revolution in While the influence of decade long career has always appealing enough for actors to 1987 at the end of military rule. Indian films is felt elsewhere provided social messages through bring them to life,” she says. “It Yet the two industries’ couldn’t in the subcontinent as well, his films, TV serials, and plays. is unfortunate that the level of have charted a more different Nepal has unfortunately never Movies are not just products filmmaking has stagnated.” path: last year Korean movies been able to break free from its to be sold in theatres. They form raked in $860 million just in ticket neighbour’s shadow. Bollywood an integral part of our culture sales. Nepal’s filmmakers, on the has undoubtedly played a huge and literature and provide a other hand, are caught in a time role in building our tinsel town window into our country. As we warp of the 80s and 90s. from scratch: it was in Mumbai get ready to mark 50 years of REKHA THAPA Directors and producers here where the first Nepali-language Nepali cinema, both the state and The Nepali film industry may still be waiting for its watershed say clichés of Bollywood-style film, Satya Harishchandra, was filmmakers need to step up their moment to step out of Bollywood’s influence, but Nepali heroines movies – four songs, four fight produced in 1951. Even today, efforts. Lifting restrictions placed are already taking a step away from being mere arm candies. sequences, boy-meets-girl love our actors, directors, producers, on foreign investments in Nepali Leading this movement is Rekha Thapa, the local beauty pageant story, family drama – still work technicians all look up to movies, improving our presence runner up from Morang, who came to Kathmandu with big very well because the audience’s their counterparts in India for at international film festivals, dreams. With over a 100 films to her name, Rekha is defying ‘taste’ hasn’t changed much in the inspiration and direction. introducing filmmaking classes stereotypes and changing how actresses are perceived in Nepali past five decades. “We are giving Says Veteran actor Rajesh in universities and colleges, and cinema. From fighting the bad guys to taking the bullet, viewers what they want,” admits Hamal: “Our industry is lost, we building a national archive are Thapa is not afraid to take on traditionally masculine director Chhavi Ojha. don’t know where we are headed.” good places to start. Directors and roles. As a producer, she has given numerous Critic Prakash Sayami, however It’s a big travesty that our producers, on their part, have to budding actors their first break and is creating her disagrees and points to how even films fail to reflect the ethnic, show more honesty towards their own women-centric brand of movies. the Hindi cinema industry is lingual, and cultural diversity of art and not underestimate the “Today’s heroines are perfectly capable of undergoing a tectonic shift where Nepal and neglect the stories intelligence of their viewers. carrying movies on their shoulders, filmmakers are experimenting of millions of ordinary Nepalis it’s just a matter of giving them with difficult, non-mainstream who lived through a decade long nepalitimes.com more opportunities,” subjects like communal violence, war. And whatever technological says Rekha. revolutions, and politics. progress we have made, we have The queens of drama, #646 “Nepali viewers are more squandered it by serving formulaic Selling sleaze, #608 Lights, camera, censor, #608 sophisticated now and their films that rely solely on sleaze and 12

this couple’s relationship and the portrayal of that disintegration is one of this film’s strengths. For the most part, melodrama is unbearable to me, hence my hesitance to sit through the majority of the three- hour prolonged Bollywood confections. However, when a story is so strongly anchored with believable character, real anguish, and, I must add, however skeptical you might be, truly great bluegrass music, it is hard not to continue watching despite one’s growing realisation THE BROKEN CIRCLE that one’s own heart might break a little along with those of the characters’. HAPPENINGS BREAKDOWN The Broken Circle Breakdown – named after a famous bluegrass he Academy Awards this year as their lead singer. song titled Will the Circle Be will take place on the 2nd of The film’s structure jumps Unbroken- is an unexpected TMarch which leaves me with back and forth in time, showing us but beautiful hybrid of a film two more weeks to bring to your how Didier (Johan Heldenbergh) out of Belgium, refreshing in its attention some of the lesser known and Elise (Veerle Baetens) first willingness to take on an overly but nonetheless quite brilliant meet at her tattoo parlour. He familiar subject but addressing it foreign language films that have invites her to his show later with sincerity and real skill, both been nominated in that category. that week, and thus begins a in its directing as well as in the This year there are five, but in the beautiful but doomed love affair acting. interest of space, I will not list that lasts seven years and leaves Felix Van Groeningen’s film them all. pretty much everyone in the film (which he also co-wrote) may not heartbroken. win the Foreign Language Oscar Differing from most this year. There is another rather

melodramas, in The Broken Circle obvious front runner- Italian ANANDA RAM DANGOL Breakdown it is not just the love Paolo Sorrentino’s La grande HEAR ME : UML leader Subash Nembang (right) leaves Constituent Assembly MUST SEE affair that disintegrates, leaving bellezza (The Great Beauty), hall after being elected the Speaker of the Legislature Parliament at New Sophia Pande everyone bereft. Rather, through which I will review next week, but Baneshwor on Tuesday. the flashback narrative, we learn regardless of this if you have a of the tenderness in Didier and chance and the inclination, pick ne of these five films is a Elise’s relationship, their humour up the film and watch it for a Belgian melodrama that when they deal with each other, few hours of great bittersweet Ocenters around the love and their obvious connection. cinema. affair between a bearded bluegrass Tragically, it is the birth and death musician (yes, bluegrass in Belgium) of their six-year old daughter nepalitimes.com and a stunning free spirited tattoo Maybelle (Nell Cattrysse) from Watch trailer artist who eventually joins the band cancer that irrevocably shatters

PREM NARAYAN ACHARYA UNSAFE SKY: Security forces undertake a rescue operation at Masine lekh in Argakhachi where a Nepal Airlines twin otter crashed on Sunday.

PAWAN POUDEL DARING LEAP: Students of Himalaya Secondary School in Tanahun compete in high jump during the school’s sports day celebrations on Monday.

HARIZ BAHARUDIN ROCK ON: Amrit Gurung (right) woos the audience at Nepathya’s first outdoor concert in Pokhara on Saturday. 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 13 Dance with abandon

adenza sure know how to have fun. to underscore their point, twice, with Anyone familiar with Nepal’s first exuberance as they go from Fela Kuti to Cconsistent jazz band will testify to bhajan mode and back at the drop of a hat. the group’s ability to concoct the sublime Part Afrobeat, part Nepali, the album out of the ordinary. It is their energy that is a return to material the band is most has conceived a jazz scene in Kathmandu comfortable with. Gig-goers may say most and given Nepalis opportunity to be within of the stuff on it has been played live at touching distance of greats like Trilok concerts over the years, but the plus side Gurtu and Ari Hoenig. is the band’s live verve permeates this But besides organising international studio outing with ease. jazz festivals and performing live every The album is available on CDs at weekend, Cadenza have also, once in a leading music stores in Kathmandu and while, recorded albums that instantly for fans around the world, the band plans become collectors’ items. Nine years after to release it on major online audio outlets their last album, the exceptional Groove in the coming month. Get your copy and for Shiva, the band has finally released dance with abandon. another – Back to the Roots. Sunir Pandey Opening the proceedings is Namaste , a song that evokes the chaos and Back to the roots by Cadenza Collective, futility that has come to resemble Long time listeners will notice the REVIEW Bhailo will bring back memories. 2014 Kathmandu. Momo Funk is another jocular, band goes back to old material on Nepali Others will have to simply console CDs available at Nepa Music Records, upbeat treatment of our national staple. Happy and Hip Break. The original themselves, Dasain-Tihar being a world Thamel, (01)4382460 The band channels some Purbeli folk versions were lively pieces in an earlier away from foggy February mornings. in Hey Saili, calling its heroine to forget album, but the band has chosen a sleeker The band skips from Deusi to Chyangba Cadenza Collective: the toils of Arabia for the oasis of home. sound in the current renditions. As the twin hoi Chyangba with consummate ease. Navin Chettri on drums and vocals Running at 8 minutes, Aisha’s Dream is saxophones prompt each other, the album Improvisation is everyone’s middle name. Pravin Chettri on saxophone and keyboards drummer and bandleader Navin Chettri’s gains a balanced feel. The remaining two tracks are Baja Samir Chettri on bass and vocals tribute to his daughter – I’m in love, he For those who were present at 2013’s Gaja at number 5 and its spaced out Rajat Rai on guitar and vocals declares. Jazzmandu concert in Patan, Deusi reprise as closing piece. Trust Cadenza Inap Raj Shrestha on saxophone and vocals

I have tried. The portions served at Busy Bee are larger than most other BUSY restaurants so do go in with an empty tummy and a large appetite. Even though, the place as usual was packed to the brim, our server BEE was quick and attentive and that’s one reason I will be paying another visit soon. While Busy Bee fails to nail CAFE all its food orders with equal consistency and finesse, it is easy to see why the place is so popular. or a long time, Busy Bee The place has this palpable buzz has held the crown for which is further accented by some Fbeing the ‘hippest’ joint of Pokhara’s best live bands that in Pokhara’s lakeside. From plays here. European backpackers to Indian So, if you are in town, why not honeymooners, the place sees head over for live rock and pop itself packed to capacity, most performances in English, Nepali nights of the week. An evening of and Hindi. drunken reveling here will explain Toh EE Ming why the café cum bar cum lounge continues to reign over host of How to get there: Busy Bee is other establishments that line the cut down the sweetness perfectly. located next to Bollywood dance bar Lakeside’s dining district. Furthermore, the meat tasted fresh and base camp trekking shop in The two-storey café is spread and being the optimist that I am, I Lakeside. across a wide area, and offers both would like to believe that the fish indoor and outdoor seating. The was caught that very day from the ambience which is definitely the lake. bar’s USP gets a facelift after sun- Ordering steaks has been a down when live music fills the air. risky venture in the capital so A blazing hearth in the centre, and while a bit nervous, I decided to colourful paper lanterns strewn sample the Busy Bee Special Steak all along the rafters add to the (Rs 530) which turned out to be laid back feel of Busy Bee that has PICS: HARIZ BAHARUDIN surprisingly good. Moist and soft, made it such a hotspot. unbeatable, its menu however After the initial let-down, our order and filled with flavours, it was a As the in-house band belts drew mixed reactions at the of grilled fish (Rs 535) brought our joy just watching my knife cut into out one old-school hits after table. appetites back. Grilled to a mouth- the steak so smoothly. The piping another, and young travelers begin The only ‘special’ thing watering hue of red, the fillet was hot cheese laden on top of the thin to trickle in after 9, it is easy to about our first main Busy Bee cooked tenderly, and the fish crust and oregano garnish makes forget you are in Nepal. While Special Chicken (Rs 495) was the crumbled perfectly in my mouth. the cheese tomato pizza (Rs 300) at Busy Bee’s live music experience is creamy sauce it was drizzled in. The smoky flavour from the grill Busy Bee’s one of the better pizzas 14 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695

GIZMO by YANTRICK EASING UP Acer’s solid Liquid t is natural to be worried or a treatment strategy needs to be the US basketball team Boston here was a time when the only thing which men boasted “Mine fearful every now and then, planned. There is some evidence Celtics, used to be so nervous is smaller than yours” was their mobile phones. But that is so Ibut sometimes these feeling to show that people who live in that he vomited profusely before 2010. As the mobile platform grew bigger to accommodate all become persistent, overwhelming, developing countries are less almost every game he played in. T the cool new multimedia features that 3G and 4G make it possible and interfere with daily life. Often anxious than in the West. However, On nights he did not vomit, his for us to have in our pockets, tablets became all the rage. The there are feelings of intense panic this difference is shrinking teammates worried about the smartphone industry responded to the competition by making its and perhaps even a sense of rapidly. Although the environment outcome of the game. Charles mobiles bigger. Today, looking at macho men talking into palm-size doom. we grow up in definitely shapes Darwin, the father of the theory phones in their SUVs it is clear that size, after all, matters. our thought processes, there is of evolution, also suffered from These hybrids between phones and tablets are called (what strong proof that anxiety disorder social anxiety and found it very else?) phablets and phone hardware companies are trying to woo is genetic. difficult to leave his house. customers with features not found in mobiles for customers who find DHANVANTARI While medications for anxiety Famous British actor, Hugh tablets too unwieldy. Buddha Basnyat, MD disorders and depression are Grant, suffers from so much The most affordable Phablet we have seen often the same, they are two very stage fright that he has often so far in Kathmandu is the newly arrived Acer different illnesses. Sometimes strongly considered quitting Liquid S1 Duo and we took one for a spin this Some start hyperventilating depression is so debilitating that films altogether. week to see if we could ever get used to having (rapid breathing) accompanied patients cannot lead regular lives However, there are ways to a clunky phone the size of a Cadbury chocolate by sweating and trembling with without treatment. Those with cope with anxiety disorders and it bar (and weighing nearly 200gm) in our palpitations (being aware of the long-term anxiety disorder, on the is important for family and friends pockets. We didn’t. So, if you are one of those heart beating), while others feel other hand, are not as constrained to reassure their loved ones, who small-is-beautiful types this one’s not for you. like they are reliving traumatic and can continue being active and suffer from the disease, that they But if you usually store your phone in your events of the past, which may contributing to society. In fact can keep going. Broad treatment shoulder bag and not your pocket, you travel have triggered these symptoms in there are many people with anxiety plans include psychotherapy also a lot and don’t want to hold an iPad in your the first place. Patients may feel disorders that lead very successful known as cognitive behavioural hands through a five hour flight, or you need an irresistible urge to perform lives. therapy or psychological larger fonts because of advancing years then certain rituals (for example Bill Russell, the star centre of counseling. this one’s for you. constant hand washing) without Lifestyle changes such as So let’s look at the bright side. First, the any purpose and though avoiding alcohol and price. At Rs 45,000 (excluding VAT) the S1 is they might be aware of their coffee may be helpful a steal compared to its competitors in the irrational behaviour, they are especially if these are market. It is the only one in its size class unable to help themselves. clear triggers for the that has a double SIM, becoming really All these symptoms can problem. essential in Nepal because our two telecom be categorised under a broad Quitting companies are still not on speaking terms. umbrella of anxiety disorder smoking The 5.7” screen is about the same as the which include phobias (for is also competition, although the 1280 x 720 example, acrophobia, the beneficial pixel definition is not as fine as the others. The Samsung and HTC are fear of heights), obsessive as the nicotine in the friskier and niftier, but for its price the Acer’s speed is adequate. compulsive disorders (for cigarette can increase But what really blew Yantrick’s mind was the Swype keyboard example the constant hand the heart rate and blood which allows users to slide the finger across the keyboard and not key washing described above) pressure and cause in letters. Swype is available in other phones as well, but on a Phablet or post-traumatic stress anxiety. Relaxation it increases the speed and accuracy of texting. Typing as we know it disorder. Although there techniques such as may become extinct. is no blood test to confirm meditation and regular The S1 Duo comes with standard apps (weather, wifi hotspot, an anxiety disorder, it is exercise are also highly FM radio, LiveScreen, a double camera that can click with a “cheese” important to rule out certain recommended. With voice command etc). There is an apps shortcut page that can be common medical problems- the advice of a doctor customised and minimised so you can work on something else while heart and lung diseases, anti-anxiety medication it is open. thyroid diseases, asthma, may help. And what is drug abuse, and alcohol not emphasised enough Yantrick’s Verdict: Phablets are a work in progress. If you don’t withdrawal - which simulate in the management of care about good looks, want an interim technology to get used an anxiety attack. anxiety disorders is to the size and weight of outsized phones that are smaller than Once it is clear that the importance of tablets, and don’t want to splurge, the Acer S1Duo is for you. these medical problems restful sleep in a quiet And it’s a great way to practice your Swype. are not triggering anxiety, environment. 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 REGION 15 Fact-fudging in Gujarat New book exposes Indian prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi’s involvement in 2002 communal pogrom

ournalist Manoj Mitta’s investigative book, The JFiction of Fact-Finding; Modi and Godhra, deserves more than just a book review. The author has clinically revealed the convoluted process through which Chief Minister Narendra Modi of the Indian state of Gujarat was declared to have not been culpable in the communal riots of 2002.

The Fiction of Fact-Finding: LOOK OUT Modi and Godhra By Manoj Mitta Ajaz Ashraf Harper Collins 2014 284 pages Modi is now the BJP’s prime Price IRs 599 ministerial candidate in India’s HT general elections. To prove that the fact-finding in the 2002 riots Survivors of 2002 post-Godhara was: could a junior officer the dots and get the big picture unknown stories about was a sham is tantamount to violence look at photos of the victims have given the custody of the of Gujarat as it stood on the eve investigations into the 2002 riots expressing deep worry about at a programme to commemorate them bodies to a non-government of the post-Godhra carnage …’ which provide an extraordinary Modi’s style of governance on the 10th anniversary of the killing, person without instructions Ramachandran wanted rich material for the Indian and suitability for the post he in Ahmedabad. from a person high in the the SIT to further investigate media to report and debate. covets. administrative hierarchy? Modi, but it balked at calling Are we then to assume that the This is why the media’s No, thought Raju the chief minister afresh. The media, including The Times of silence on Mitta’s charges is guilty of dereliction of duty as Ramachandran, who was an contradictions between Modi’s India, is either too apprehensive inexplicable. Shouldn’t it have he had been? amicus curiae in the cases the replies and the evidence of writing against Modi or been questioning the clean chit It wasn’t a surprise, SIT was investigating. The SIT collected as well as narratives has decided to back his prime given to Modi by none less than therefore, that the SIT created thought otherwise, prompting of other eyewitnesses were not ministerial ambitions? Either the Supreme Court-monitored an elaborate smokescreen to Mitta to note, ‘The SIT’s explained. Modi’s answers were way, Mitta names and shames Special Investigation Team conceal Modi’s controversial exoneration of Modi owed simply accepted as true. them all. (SIT)? Should it not be asking role in the 2002 riots. Thus, much to its reluctance to link The book is full of hitherto [email protected] the man who chaired the SIT, when Modi claimed he had RK Raghavan, to account for described the burning of a his pronouncements? These train coach by Muslims on 27 questions haven’t been asked February as only a pre-planned even by The Times of India, conspiracy, the SIT didn’t where Mitta works as a senior confront him with the official editor. press release which quoted To begin with, Mitta him saying that it was a “pre- questions the suitability of planned inhuman collective appointing Raghavan as SIT violent act of terrorism”. His chairman. Reason: Raghavan characterisation of Godhra as an was responsible for the security act of terror, as is well known, at Sriperumbudur, near provoked the Hindu backlash. Chennai, where former Prime Again, Modi told the SIT Minister Rajiv Gandhi was that he came to know of the killed. An inquiry commission massacre at the Gulberg Society, disbelieved Raghavan’s a Muslim residential complex affidavit, which claimed Gandhi where former MP Ehsan Jafri had beckoned a group people to was brutally killed, five hours come near him, thus allowing after its occurrence. However, the LTTE suicide bomber to slip Mitta says Modi’s claim is into the sterile zone. highly improbable given that the Raghavan’s ‘beckoning’ state’s top police brass knew of theory was dismissed because the tragedy unfolding nearby. photographs of the site, Really, how could they have fortuitously discovered, not communicated to the chief showed the bomber had been minister the massacres in the present in the sterile zone long city? before Gandhi arrived there. In a damning chapter, Worse, Raghavan, wasn’t near Shifting Bodies, Shifting Facts, Gandhi at the time he was Mitta demonstrates how the SIT killed, having ‘turned around’ strained itself to ensure Modi to make arrangements for his wasn’t linked to the contentious return journey. He couldn’t decision to hand over the bodies consequently have witnessed burnt in the Godhra train fire Gandhi’s gestures. Mitta asks if to Vishwa Hindu Parishad it was appropriate to appoint as (VHP) leader Jaydeep Patel and SIT chairman a man who tried bring them to Ahmedabad for to save his own skin through cremation. Unfortunately for a plainly absurd story in the the SIT, this decision had been past, particularly as the Gujarat recorded in a letter issued by administration he was asked to the revenue officer of Godhra probe was, to say the least, as to Patel. The question to ask 16 NATION 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 Cholera in the time of peacekeeping Haiti’s cholera epidemic may have ebbed, but the controversy over its links to Nepal refuses to go away

NARESH NEWAR the epidemic occurred, but Following the devastating it is dangerous to pinpoint a 7.0 magnitude earthquake on group of nationals,” said Babu 12 January 2010 that killed our years after the cholera Ram Marasini, Director of the more than 200,000 people, outbreak in earthquake- Epidemiology and Disease Haiti suffered an outbreak of Fdevastated Haiti, genetic Control Division of Nepal’s cholera for the first time in over analysis has traced the strain Department of Health Services a century. From 2010-2013, the of the microbes that caused (DOHS). total number of cholera cases the epidemic to Nepal, but The issue resurfaced late last reached 682,573, of which the authorities here continue year when lawyers representing 379,870 were hospitalised and to deny that Nepali UN families of the victims in Haiti 8,330 died. peacekeeping troops were filed a lawsuit in New York Scientists initially linked the responsible. against the United Nations, origin of the cholera outbreak “It is easy to blame Nepali charging the outbreak had been to a rise in temperature and soldiers as they contribute a lot triggered when sewage from salinity in a river in western to UN peacekeeping missions infected Nepali peacekeepers Haiti. This hypothesis was and they happened to be in was discharged into the water backed by cholera experts in a Haiti right at the time when system. 2012 epidemiology article. However, reports by international news agencies sparked debate among observers when they suggested the epidemic had links to unsanitary conditions and inconsistent medical exams at a NEPAL UN peacekeeping military camp, HAITI where 1,280 Nepali troops were living at the time. A cholera epidemic in Nepal’s Jajarkot district in 2009 killed 300 people, many of them children, but according to Nepal’s DOHS the epidemic Communicating about

ELINA PRADHAN these diseases remains inadequate. Only 1 Provide more resources to the NHEICC: Countries like Nepal will AND BIGYAN R BISTA 0.7 per cent of the government budget is National Health Education, Information, allocated for NCDs. and Communication Centre (NHEICC) bear the brunt of of the The first national survey into NCDs is the government entity responsible global cancer pandemic arlier this month, the in 2008 found 37 per cent of the people for prevention strategies, facility level International Agency for Cancer used tobacco and 28.5 per cent consumed dissemination of knowledge, and public unless we act fast EResearch (IARC) released the alcohol. Diabetes prevalence was at 10 health communication. Given the upward World Cancer Report 2014 with dire per cent and hypertension at nine per trend in NCD risk factor prevalence and warnings on global cancer burden cent. Sugar consumption, adoption of disease incidence at every level of care, National Research Council, the Ministry over the next 20 years. Sadly and western-style diets, and air pollution prevention must be the principal strategy of Finance and Department of Health predictably, nations like Nepal that are known risk factors for many NCDs in Nepal. The primary recipient of the Services, and pushed through legislation lack resources and effective health including cancer. A leading cause of annual tobacco tax revenue should be by the Ministry of Health and Population policies, will bear the brunt of cancer death among women is suicide, yet the NHEICC whose current budget is (MOHP) immediately. pandemic. The most impoverished will mental health issues remain the most a mere 1.8 per cent of that revenue. A be disproportionately affected due to stigmatised and least-addressed of health Health Education Officer post must be set 3 Create a surveillance system for NCDs inequities in access to health services. problems. up in every district hospital to provide and risk factors The burden of care on More than half of Nepal’s population preventative counseling and launch MOHP has conducted only one national Nepal’s health systems from non- is between 15-59 years and there is awareness campaigns through mass survey for NCD risk factors in 2008, this communicable diseases (NCD) is high, a decreasing dependency ratio. The media. should continue focusing on alcohol and causing 82 per cent of outpatient visits demographic dividend can provide tobacco use, diabetes, and hypertension and 89 per cent of hospitalisations. tremendous boost to economic growth 2 Approve and implement a national prevalence. The ministry needs to partner The National Living Standards Survey only if aligned with the right fiscal and NCD policy up with and mobilise health service (2010/11) reveals a rise in both health policies. A national NCD policy draft has been NGOs. chronic and acute illnesses. NCDs awaiting government approval since are responsible for nearly half of total The following policy actions should be 2009. It should be discussed among 4 Alcohol abuse prevention bill deaths, yet despite the overwhelming taken into consideration to deal with experts and stakeholders such as the Specific measures to reduce alcohol need, health infrastructure to deal with non-communicable diseases: Nepal Public Health Foundation, consumption like regulating existing 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 NATION 17

2012 A history 2012 BAJHANG DOTI of maladies 2009 RECENT JAJARKOT he fi rst recorded instance OUTBREAKS of cholera in Nepal was 2011 T BANKE 1823. And although it had probably happened before, the EVERY YEAR water-borne disease began KATHMANDU to be detected with regularity ever since. A British doctor in Kathmandu did a study of the 1885 epidemic, revealing there were worse outbreaks in 1831, however, preliminary genetic investigate the source of the 1843, 1856, 1861 and 1876. analysis indicate that the strains 2010 outbreak. ‘Nepali’ cholera became isolated during the cholera She said the outbreak infamous when an outbreak in outbreak in Haiti and those resulted from a confluence Haiti was alleged to have come from Nepali peacekeepers who of events, which included circulating in South Asia, were stationed upriver from including Nepal, at the same someone infected with major coastal settlements. time in 2009-2010, are similar. cholera being in Haiti, the Because Jajarkot had an “This kind of blame game is person’s faeces being disposed epidemic in 2009, it was dangerous because now again of inappropriately, and automatically assumed that the Nepali connection in Haiti’s cholera proliferating in the Nepali soldiers carried the epidemic is [being] published in environment, compounded by a disease with them to Haiti. media stories across the world,” lack of transmission prevention Although scientists are still public health expert Resam once the bacteria were in the debating, reports in the western Lamichanne from the DOHS open. “All four [factors] were media have questioned the said, pointing out that cholera required to start the current UN and its waste management contractor’s effi ciency in Haitian outbreak,” Lantagne has been successfully controlled disposing waste from the in Nepal and there were zero said. MINUSTAH camp. cases in 2013. Four years after the Sameer Mani Dixit of Centre But a 2013 report published outbreak, people in Nepal for Molecular Dynamics Nepal by the Global Health Justice are still reacting to the claims says it is impossible to establish Partnership at Yale Law against the country’s soldiers. three years later what really School in the US claims the Shiva Yadav, a community happened in Haiti. MINUSTAH/FLICKR cholera strain in Haiti has been health worker at a government “They could have found scientifically linked to a single health post in Banke district, out what happened and how was under control by the time spokesperson Brig Gen Jagdish origin in Nepal and that the 500km west of Kathmandu, if samples from Haitians were compared with samples from of the Haiti outbreak. Protestors Chandra Pokhrel said. troops ‘inadvertently carried the agreed: “I really feel sorry Nepali peacekeepers in 2011,” about the situation in Haiti and in Haiti blamed Nepali troops in But the UN’s position is disease [to Haiti].’ he says. “But to compare two 2010 for bringing cholera to the not quite so categorical, stating Citing deep anger over the we are ready to offer our help outbreaks that occurred two island. instead that the source of the outbreak among the Haitian because of our own success in years apart and affected two The Nepal Army, which outbreak cannot be identified public, the report calls on controlling the epidemic.” groups of people isn’t scientifi c, provides soldiers for UN with total certainty and that its the UN to ‘re-establish its According to Nepal’s let alone conclusive.” peacekeeping missions, denied development into an epidemic institutional legitimacy’ in Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Dixit says strains of cholera the allegations and insisted was caused by a range of Haiti by taking concrete steps to country is the seventh largest are very closely related and personnel were given regular factors including the poor apologise publicly,\ and ensure provider of peacekeeping troops mutate easily over a short health checks. Each soldier state of sanitation and health such outbreaks never occur in the world, with more than period of time. An upcoming is properly vaccinated while infrastructure. again. 4,000 soldiers active in 2012. research paper co-authored by his organisation reveals that serving domestically and when According to the UN’s 2011 “The world is not blaming IRIN strains found in Nepal in 2012 travelling abroad, officials said. Final Report of the Independent the Nepali peacekeepers,” said also matched strains found in “The UN has already made Panel of Experts on the Cholera Daniele Lantagne, a cholera nepalitimes.com Bangadesh and Haiti in 2012. it clear that our Nepali soldiers Outbreak in Haiti, ‘The precise specialist from the US, who They conclude that closely had nothing to do with the country from where the Haiti co-authored a report by an Keeping the peace, #570 Cholera choler, #543 related strains are undergoing independent panel formed by epidemic and that is also our isolate of Vibrio cholerae O1 Media coverage on the Haiti epidemic global dissemination. official position,” Nepal Army arrived is debatable,’ noting, the UN Secretary-General to non-communicable diseases

excise tax on alcohol, increasing public Vaccinations against Hepatitis B and awareness, rallying support around human papillomavirus can greatly creating a comprehensive anti-alcohol reduce liver and cervical cancers. abuse bill should be adopted until the Nepal has come a long way in the passage and implementation of the bill. last 30 years in reducing poverty, improving sanitation, and decreasing 5 Increase mental health-specific the total fertility rate. It is on track resources to meet most of the millennium The legacy of the conflict, the effect of development goals. However, the poor working conditions of millions country is facing an epidemiological of Nepalis, and the suffering of transition, which makes it critical to separation of their families need to be focus on high morbidity and mortality addressed. Neuropsychiatric conditions from non-communicable diseases are responsible for 10.2 per cent of across the socio-economic spectrum. total disability-adjusted life year lost The newly elected government in Nepal. Mental health disorders and Constituent Assembly must are underreported, so awareness, make health equity a priority prevention, and treatment programs are through legislative action and their a must. implementation.

6 Expand early detection and screening Elina Pradhan is a doctoral student centres in the Department of Global Health One of the NCD policies currently in and Population at the Harvard School place in a few districts is screening for of Public Health. Bigyan R Bista is a

BIKRAM RAI breast and cervical cancer, hypertension, doctoral candidate in Cancer Research LINE UP: Women and children await their turn at a health camp and diabetes. This should be extended at the Department of Biology at organised in siddhi, Chitwan earlier in the year. nationwide as a preventive measure. Massachusetts Institute of Technology. 18 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 Dear Democracy Train a-comin’ Shankar Niraula, Kantipur, 19 February Madhav Nepal, BBC Nepali Service, DoR is pressing ahead with its plans in certain 14 February sections. “We have also begun to dig 5km of track I hope you are doing fi ne my friend. As for us, we from Simara to Bardibas,” says Nawaraj Bhatta, are managing to get by an engineer at the DoR. somehow. While political Officials have said work on the East-West After the DoR went on a site visit to Butwal turmoil, violence, and electric rail has already begun in different to survey the alignment, residents of Kalikanagar corruption have torn apart sections across the Tarai. According to the were terrorised by the prospects of having their several countries, we have Department of Rail (DoR) this includes homes bulldozed. They are now going from door been resilient so far and handing out compensation to landowners to door of local politicians and district officers have managed to cling to whose properties fall on or along the rail demanding that the government provide them the sliver of hope. wih clear and timely information about But why have you the railway. abandoned us for so long “The officials went around marking Democracy? Do you not miss Nepal and your dear Nepalis? I spent my entire school life memorising US off places while conducting the survey President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address: “Government of the people, by the and now people are confused and people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” But here in Nepal, democracy think their properties will be torn is only meant for top leaders and those who travel around in expensive cars. down,” says Ram Raj Pokhrel, a local of Dear Democracy, I have read so much about you in books, speeches, and on Kalikanagar. special days each year. They say you came in 1991 and then later in 2006, but when The entire line runs almost 950km will I actually get to see you my friend. I often hear that you have moved to the US from Kakarbhitta to Mahendranagar and Europe. But let me tell you, in your absence a lot of things have been going and laying down the tracks alone is wrong in our country. estimated to cost an average of Rs 200 I am waiting for that moment when people in remote and far fl ung corners of million per kilometre. Besides this Nepal will actually see you in their homes and daily lives. I have written to you many ambitious project, the government times asking you to come visit us. I hope you will not disappoint us this time. has already signed an agreement with track. According to the DoR, a Korean India to link five border customs points to the consultant conducted a survey and submitted East-West railway line. Currently, the country a proposal to build the 65km Tamsariya only has 29km of rail tracks from Janakpur to (Nawalparasi) – Butwal (Rupandehi) section Jayanagar. with links to Bhairawa and Lumbini via a station in Butwal. nepalitimes.com The state has already allocated funds Trespassing into nature, #691 for the railway in this year’s budget and the

“Reform in two weeks”

Interview with Krishna created loopholes in the that we can provide better service Hari Pushkar, the new system so that they can delivery. Starting this month, the director of the Department cheat service-seekers. Also department will be open from 7am to of Foreign Employment. if previous leaders had 7pm to renew labour permits. I can Himal Khabarpatrika, been honest, then most of assure that the ordinary Nepalis will 16 February the mess would have been feel the difference in two weeks. Up: Cheati ng Hospital cleared a long time ago. Down: Teaching Hospital You were part of a committee that Himal Khabarpatrika: How will you tackle had proposed a list of reforms for Rabindra in Nepal, 16 February After taking up interference and the department. Will you be able leadership at the infl uence from outsiders? to execute these changes? department, what do If the chief of Foreign Most of the recommendations QUOTE OF THE WEEK you see as the main Employment Department have already been implemented,

challenges? doesn’t seek personal for instance documents now get NC got our support for the PM electi ons Krishna Hari Pushkar: gains from anyone, then processed through a single desk, but now they are backpeddling“ on You often hear about how the the department will not be subjected to unlike earlier when it had to “ department is plagued by various unnecessary pressure and threats. be taken to 22 different places. agreements because they want to keep problems. But most of it is just rumours The department has already the Home Ministry. spread by those who want to take How will your tenure at the initiated two work shifts to improve advantage of the situation. There are department be different than your effi ciency. Now all that needs to UML Deputy Chairman Bamdev Gautam, many people within and outside the predecessors? be done is to mend some of of the Naya Patrika, 19 February department who have intentionally I will try my best to motivate my staff so technicalities. 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 19 Lease of life

Krishna Bahadur Budha talking us. When they did, we were all who actually got their families to Pradeep Bashyal, Nepal, lined up, searched thoroughly to send money to an account in 16 February and robbed of all our belongings. Dubai were let go. I lost 400 Dirhams and a watch. We couldn’t understand what From there we boarded a they were saying, but judging by Five years ago I left for Dubai to motorboat to cross the Persian their body language I understood work in construction. The little Gulf. The ride was rough and I they wanted to get rid of me savings I could manage from felt my heart jumping every time and Jabar Singh Darlami, the my salary of 800 Dirhams per the boat rocked. Later we learnt remaining two Nepalis. Five month went into paying for my that a man from Syangja died of days later we were driven in a wife’s uterus cancer treatment heart complications on the next red van to Minab and put on a back in Nepal. She died while I boat. The smugglers buried him bus to Tehran. After spending was still abroad. When my three- in the sand once we got ashore to 18 hours on the floor of a bus year contract ended and my visa Iran after eight hours. we reached Tehran. There we expired, I didn’t return home When we reached a camp were about to be picked by the because I was knee deep in debt. in the middle of a jungle, we smugglers’ contacts. Although I managed to met 200 others like us. Nepalis, As they tried to force us HOME AT LAST: Krishna Bahadur Budha, 41, who worked as a labourer in find illegal work in Dubai, my Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, into a van, we noticed a tap in Dubai, was traffi cked by agents on the promise of sending him to Greece. employer knew how desperate I Iraqis, you name it. Some of us a nearby garden. We told those was and squeezed every penny were taken away once in a while, men we were thirsty and sped off out of my pay-checks. A friend we couldn’t imagine why. without looking back. After half one roti cost 1,000 Rial. because we had overrun our told me about paying 1,500 One day five Nepalis, an hour of running through this We slept in a park for a week initial sentence and still didn’t Dirhams up front to go to Greece. including me, were moved to a strange city, we saw a policeman until we were told it was illegal hve the means to go back to I would need to pay $1,000 once two-storey house at midnight. at a park and tried to talk to him to do so. An Afghani man found Nepal. Isolated in prison, we I got there, but that was no big Five of us shared what was only in our broken English. He took us loitering and employed us at didn’t know what went on deal because he told me I could enough for two people to eat. The us to a police station and filed a his construction site, paying us outside. make that much in a month. following morning, they cornered report, and told us to come back in meals and sleeping quarters. One day some people from Departure was fixed for 15 us and told each of us to call in a week instead of putting us Twenty days later when an international organisation March 2013. There were other home for money. That’s when in prison. In the meantime, he we went back to the honorary came and took our interview, people, including 26 Nepalis we found we were duped and we gave us the phone number and embassy, the woman gave us and told us they would help us and others from Pakistan and would never reach Europe. address of Nepal’s honorary a written note in Persian and return home. And would you Bangladesh, who had signed up I only knew my in-laws’ ambassador in Tehran. and told us to take it to the police. know it, three weeks later Jagat for the journey. From Dubai, we number in Nepal. My captors advised us to seek its counsel. We were arrested upon arrival, and I were standing at Tehran were taken to Oman on the back found out I couldn’t get money When we reached the office tried twice, and jailed for 91 airport. I cried throughout the of a car. After resting for a night, off of them and they beat me with twelve hours later, a woman days because we had broken flight home, blessed with my we spent the next day walking a gas pipte. As I was crying to told us she would help us return immigration laws. Which wasn’t new lease of life. over dry, rugged landscape and my brother-in-law, asking him home and told us to return so bad because we had two reached a private beach the next to save my life, the smugglers some days later. She gave us square meals a day. nepalitimes.com morning. We spent two days looked like they were running 5,000 Rial for food but that Three months later, they The Sharia way, 691 here waiting for the others to join out of patience. Three Nepalis didn’t last very long because shifted us to immigration jail 20 BACK SIDE 21 - 27 FEBRUARY 2014 #695 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

PAST PRESENT FUTURE Unidentified floating objects DIWAKAR CHETTRI

his is what our democracy straw-colour with its effervescent has come down to: firing off bubbles. Very soft on the nose, rich Tcannons in Tundikhel at the and well-structured with a powerful break of dawn on Democracy Day. aftertaste of fresh gundruk. Maybe that is because we are now 2. Bishnumati at Teku: Deep green a Federal Democratic Gun Tantric and translucent, with an attractive country? nose and intense notes of semi-  digested gorgonzola. It is supple on the palate, round, velvety but well- There is now proof that the Ass is balanced, and very reminiscent of a not the only Jackass in town, we are vintage 1997 Jamuna Effluence. populated by other philistines. When 3. Tukucha at Rastriya Samachar Hariprasad Chaurasia, the famous Samiti: The anaerobic fermentation Indian flautist, completed Song of the of the sludge releases an olfactory River at his rain-soaked concert at the elegance conveying the nostalgic embassy the other night he said he memory of Accham district before it had seven more minutes and asked for streams, brooks, and creeks that gurgle was declared Open Defecation Free. requests. Someone shouted out for his through our great capital. Every ancient 4. Manohara at Pepsi Cola: Even famous raag Pahadi. There were guffaws civilisation is known by its rivers, a from the bridge, one’s nostrils are from the boorish Forum wallahs river is for a civilisation what a flush overpowered by the fragrance of at the head table who shall remain tank is for a WC. Take the Nile Valley this great river. There is slight hint nameless to protect them from national Civilisation, the Euphrates Civilisation, of roasted almonds superseded by a embarrassment. or in our own neck of the woods, the bouquet of buffalo innards. This robust  Tukucha Open Sewer Civilisation. river is not for the faint-hearted. After a brief inspection trip, I am glad to 5. Hanumante at Thimi: Among the It was a sight to see how the roar of report that fears of the imminent collapse reds, this one needs an honourable Baddie Chair Comrade Owesome has of the Kathmandu civilisation are grossly mention. It is a deep crimson since it now turned into a meow. His speech exaggerated and everything is hunky- is situated downstream from a carpet at the CA the other day, in which he dory in the boondocks. Unlike sterile dyeing unit. Against the light, it looks grudgingly accepted Subhas Uncle as European rivers, Kathmandu’s waterways full-blooded and is imbued with a racy House Speaker, was the kind of meek are a biodiversity sanctuary, teeming nose with a hint of licorice, a touch whining one hears from the leader of with microscopic organisms like the of gameyness, and the plethora of one of the 33 smaller parties. No one Vibrio cholera and the Salmonella typhi unidentified floating objects (UFOs) used pepper spray in our parliament, which we have rescued from the brink of giving it a full-bodied fruitiness. but sometime one wishes someone extinction. 6. Bagmati at Chobhar: This is a would threaten the honourable premium red with a purply hue and members with mace so they’d get on Sampling the aroma of Kathmandu’s a tangy whiff of over-ripe durian. with the job of constitution writing and rivers is an art, a bit like wine rating and There is slight sparkling effect due gobarment formation. is only for the connoisseurs. After my to incomplete enzyme  tour of the rivers, here is the Ass’ verdict: activity, giving it a rich and persistent Kathmandu Valley’s idyllic setting 1. Bagmati at Thapathali: Brut non- champagne-like finish. is enhanced by the bucolic rivers, vintage redolence, the light-golden The Ass

CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/069/70