www.nepalitimes.com #138 28 March - 3 April 2003 16 pages Rs 25 Third force? The RPP did it, the Nepali Con- gress did it, the Sadbhavana has just done it, and now it looks like ‘Patch up and move on’ the UML is on the verge of splitting too. Bamdev Gautam calls War jitters his UML bosses “a bunch of

dictators” and threatens to form BHAGIRATH○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ YOGI estimated at up to $100 billion and Nepalis his own party which will be a epal may be 4,000 km away, but the would be well-placed to benefit from their broad alliance of “patriots, demo- impact of the Iraq war is ironically experience with working in Kuwait, crats and communists”. Tenta- Baharain and Saudi Arabia. tively called the Democratic Nbeing felt more acutely in Nepal than Socialist Front, the new party will in the Gulf countries where Nepalis work. Back at home, a serious cash-crunch at try to bridge the rift between One week into the war, there is already the Nepal Oil Corporation forced the royalists and the Maoists and may a drop in tourist traffic, inflation, and panic government to use the war as excuse to raise emerge as a third force in Nepali buying of fuel. Now, we have to brace oil prices Tuesday (see p 5). The move was politics. ourselves for long-term indirect impact on greeted with street protests in Kathmandu the national economy of a prolonged this week.“There were long lines for conflict. “A lot will depend on the duration kerosene for the past month,” says Maiya

Weekly Internet Poll # 78 and intensity of the war,” Shanker Sharma, Tamrakar of Bhedasingh. “Now there is in THIMPHU KUNDA○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ DIXIT Q. Has the government done enough after the ceasefire vice chairman of the National Planning kerosene, but we can’t afford it.” to revive the tourism industry? t’s not quite yet a thaw, but the governments of Nepal and Bhutan seem to be Commission (NPC) told us. “But tourism, In Thamel, which had started seeing a trying to quickly resolve the 10-year-old Bhutanese refugee crisis that has trade and remittances from Nepali trickle of tourists after the truce, there is I strained bilateral relations. workers abroad will be hit.” All this will gloom again. “We haven’t yet seen a big A Nepali delegation led by Foreign Minister Narendra Bikram Shah returned to have a negative impact on the balance of difference in load factors to and from the Kathmandu Wednesday after meeting with his Bhutanese counterpart, Jigme Y payments, raise inflation and dampen Gulf yet, but if this war goes on, interna- Thinley. At an airport briefing, Shah sounded upbeat: “We have agreed to meet again growth. tional travel will be hit,” predicts Joy on 11 May, and the repatriation of refugees will start after that.” By far the biggest impact on the Dewan, who represents Doha-based Qatar In Thimphu itself, senior Bhutanese officials appear to have overcome previous economy could be remittances from the Airways in Nepal. reluctance to talk about the refugee issue, admitting privately this was a Total votes:561 estimated 300,000 Nepali workers in the Last week, the government stopped humanitarian crisis that shouldn’t be prolonged. Bilateral friction was holding back Gulf who send back Rs 30 billion to Nepal Nepali workers going to Kuwait where development in both countries, one said, and it was time to “patch up and move on”. Weekly Internet Poll # 79. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. No war in Iraq: Agree, Disagree, Don’t know every year. There are 2,000 British Gurkha there are an estimated 6,000 workers. “All Welcoming the largest-ever Nepali delegation to visit Bhutan last week, Foreign soldiers deployed in Iraq. “Remittances have the Nepalis in the Gulf are safe and we Minister Thinley said: “Nepal and Bhutan share bonds of culture and religion, we also become the major source of revenue in haven’t got any requests for evacuation so share the same fears and vulnerabilities. recent years and the Iraq war will have an far,” Foreign Secretary Madhu Raman There is a mutual desire to put this adverse impact on receipts,” says economist Acharya told us. Officials also said that they festering problem behind us and get on In Bhutan, a new sense Minendra Rijal. were making arrangements for emergency with the business of business.” The 20- of urgency to resolve Once the war ends, however, Nepal services including evacuation. “We are member FNCCI delegation visited Bhutan to expedite a draft bilateral trade treaty. could benefit. Says Rijal: “Nepal can cash in waiting and watching and staying put,” Tara refugee crisis. Bhandari from Damam in Saudi Arabia told Indeed, this air of optimism seems to be on the increasing demand for migrant cautiously shared by the Nepali camp after this week’s meetings in Thimphu. workers for post-war reconstruction.” The BBC Wednesday. “But we are prepared to go back home if the war gets worse.” Some 100,000 refugees have been living in camps in Jhapa for the past 11 reconstruction budget for Iraq has been years. In 1993 then-home minister Sher Bahadur Deuba agreed to a Bhutanese proposal to categorise Bhutanese into those who left voluntarily, who were forcibly evicted, those with criminal records and “non-Bhutanese”. It has now been two years since the first batch of 12,000 refugees living in the Khudunabari camp were processed by a joint verification team (JVT). The “categorisation and harmonisation” process is taking place in an office in Thimphu, and one Nepali JVT member admitted to us here last week that “things are moving slowly”. But he had detected a sense of urgency in Bhutan to

MIN BAJRACHARYA resolve the issue. Despite the war, Nepalis are still Foreign Minister Shah said Wednesday the JVT had been instructed to going to work in the Gulf. And finish the Khudunabari verification by the 14th ministerial meeting next month so they could benefit from a post- repatriation can start. A decision on verification of refugees in other camps will war reconstruction boom. also begin after that, he added. continued p6

#138 NT PEPC.p65 1 3/30/03, 3:15 PM 2 EDITORIAL 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 NATION 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 3 Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL COMMENT by RAM S MAHAT Desk Editor: Trishna Gurung, Design: Kiran Maharjan Webmaster: Bhushan Shilpakar [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki [email protected] Sales: Sudan Bista [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-5543333/ 5523845 Fax: 01-5521013 The war dividend Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hattiban: 01-5547018/17

This war is not about weapons of mass destruction, but oil for mass consumption. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ NEPAL'S PEACE ROADMAP ○○○○○○ IncrementalThe foundation of good negotiations is a fair exchange. appeasement he king goes on a pilgrimage and the country grinds to a halt. The political ingha Darbar’s unqualified support any war must satisfy at least seven option of last resort. It wasn’t. The CIA parties play brinkmanship. The Maoists are trying to overcome internal for the Iraq war is unwarranted. Like conditions in order to be called just. First, was still working with the UN arms T vulnerability to make a lunge for power. The people, as before, are nowhere in S most small countries, Nepal should the war must be waged for the protection inspectors when the Pentagon pulled the picture. have kept its faith in the United Nations and preservation of commonly shared them out. At least the ceasefire has brought respite from Maoist safaya and the heavy hand of system. Any attempt to undermine the values. The war must have a just cause. The sixth criterion that there should the state. But the people are still traumatised by past violence, and fearful of the future. world body should have been condemned If there was any strength in the be reasonable hope of success is also They need quick rehabilitation, and the service infrastructure needs immediate by Shital Niwas. argument that the West Asian war is being suspect. Nobody knows the long-term reconstruction nationwide. Faced with the diplomatic dilemma of waged to advance the cause of democracy impact of this Anglo-Saxon Crusade. These immediate needs are not being addressed. Politicians exhibit no tension either deserting a just cause or inviting the and the rule of law, George W Bush and Unintended consequences can never be about leaving their constituents without protection or support, and the Maoists are too ire of the most powerful nation on earth, Tony Blair should have first aimed for a fully worked out, but when the intention busy protecting their flanks. Parliament is a distant memory, but it is the lack of a local keeping mum would have been the smartest regime change in Saudi Arabia. It is itself is suspect America may well have to government that has left the people to fend for themselves. Government and bureaucracy is nowhere to be seen. Gun-toting Maoists continue to thing to do. But, no, we had to shoot our therefore quite logical to conclude that this reap the whirlwind. walk the trails, rural party activists continue to live in roadhead towns and district The seventh and the last criterion of headquarters. Two months after the ceasefire, one would have a just war is that its aim must be that of expected a groundswell movement to deliver the peace dividend establishing international stability and to the population, but there is only deathly silence. peace. Washington’s intention is being Kathmandu is too busy following the tripolar jousting at the top read in completely different ways all

to demand a rural Nepali Marshall Plan. Donor agencies are over the Islamic world, and it has DHRUBA ALE unable to deliver support to the grassroots. They have tried to fight already exacerbated anti-American the apathy by making direct appeals to Singha Darbar, whereas the feeling worldwide—especially among buck now stops at Narayanhiti. Muslims. We are not asking that Singha The royal palace is supposed to be above the fray, but that is THE ECONOMIST Darbar oppose the war for these ancient where power is now centralised. The government will not rules of combat. Even national t has been almost two months since the cases against their leaders are withdrawn. good negotiation is “fair exchange”, All these steps help legitimise Maoist by absenting themselves from the countenance any Maoist involvement in delivery of services at the ceasefire was announced. We were told This is all very reminiscent of the last where both sides gain something of value violence. As far as ordinary citizens are all-party meeting called by the prime grassroots, and the rebels who still retain the power to intimidate considerations should have inspired the and defy will not allow the government to function. This has put good minister to say nothing. This war Ithat the government accepted three ceasefire when they insisted on new in exchange for something tangible. It concerned, the only consolation is the minister. national recovery in limbo. is disastrous for Nepal. First, the pre-conditions of the Maoists so peace demands even during the talks, a period should be a win-win exchange. Maoist agreement to stop extortion and It is one thing to call the political Rather than confront this immediate deadlock in delivery, 300,000 Nepalis working in West Asia talks could start immediately and also they used to consolidate their positions This phenomenon of incremental intimidation, facilitate the safe return of parties to a meeting to brief them about would-be interlocuters, one special representative and donor are directly at risk, there are six allow the Maoists to come above ground and ultimately back out from talks. The appeasement is the other extreme to what displaced people to their homes and political developments, but quite another agency heads have decided to focus on sorting out the long term thousand in Kuwait alone. Gulf like any other constitutional political prime minister is now mulling a general Sher Bahadur Deuba was doing during freedom of movement without fear. to take them into full confidence and ills of the Nepali polity. It is easier to talk about transparency and economies will be hit, reducing the need party. As a result today they can move amnesty for all Maoist detainees. the latter part of his premiership. Under However, there is no proper mechanism to seek inputs on issues of vital national corruption, criticise the political parties, and propose tinkering with for migrant workers. The fuel crisis has the political structure. But someone has to give the people around the countryside to propagate The Maoists are once more cleverly pressure from the army, the Maoists enforce these provisions. Intimidation and importance. In all major decisions taken already affected Nepali consumers. The their views freely, build and expand manipulating the situation by extracting started sending feelers for talks. But extortion are not likely to stop as long as one so far—the ceasefire, the peace code, immediate hope. tourism industry across Asia has been Nepal doesn’t need a regime change. Democracy hasn’t failed their organisation, while still retaining concessions and benefits one after the Deuba, stung by their earlier betrayal, side with a history of unparalleled violence is release of detainees and other here, the politicians have. Those who believe that the political devastated. For small countries like ours, no arms. other in the name of “confidence- said “No talks until you surrender armed and roams freely. understandings—the political parties parties cannot be trusted with democracy will have to tell us who it The Maoists have the best of both building”. These concessions should arms”. Desperate to restart talks, Maoist The peace code, of course, talks of a have not been involved, except for can can be trusted with. For all their faults, as we have often argued good can come of any war. It’s just that in this space, the political parties present the only credible interface this particular war in West Asia worlds: this is a unique arrangement. normally be on the agenda for top leaders met GP Koirala in New mechanism to monitor its invitations to perfunctory meetings. between the king and people. mouths off. There was really no reason for war is not about weapons for mass couldn’t have come at a worse time for Meanwhile, the talks have not started. negotiations. For its part, the Delhi and expressed their desire for implementation. This is easier said than The government didn’t even respond What the donors can do is something that tragically our own institutions, exalted or us to support open aggression so blatantly. destruction, but oil for mass consumption. Nepal. The only silver lining in the dark The Maoists have added new demands: government has not demanded any talks. Afterwards, they wrote to the done, given the topography and the to a written request by the Nepali plebian, have shown themselves incapable of: devote themselves to a immediate mass- But there seems to have been a slight The second condition requires that the war clouds may be that the Maoist release of comrades, withdrawal of court concessions, making the whole process political parties to propose lack of a tangible civilian authority Congress for a draft of the code of scale reconstruction package for the country, a campaign so dramatic that it should make attempt at cushioning the impact of our right authority must wage war. Since the comrades may now have to rethink the cases, agreement on a code of conduct, a one-sided affair. negotiations. The Maoists need a safe where the real problem exists. As long as conduct while it was being prepared. up for the neglect of the past decades. For this it may be time to appoint an words. It wasn’t Foreign Minister Narendra Americans have chosen to ignore “objective conditions” of regional international coordinator, preferably from the UN system, to ensure that all donors, aid confinement of the army to barracks, The general perception is that the landing as much as the restoration the Maoists hold arms, the exercise of Curiously, the code did not form part of Bikram Shah who welcomed the coalition international law, this war is illegal. Third, geopolitics. repealing the anti-terrorist and anti- government is bending over backwards powers-that-be need peace. the freedom of movement without fear the agenda even in the all-party meeting agencies and NGOs are rowing in the same direction. invasion, but the self-proclaimed foreign the intention of aggression is power, and So, as long as the Iraq war lasts, The work is vast: psychological rehabilitation, rebuilding of government subversion laws, etc. Now, a code of to appease the Maoists. It does not even The recently signed code of conduct will be theoretical. which the NC and UML did not attend. infrastructure, arrangement for those returning to their villages, a plan of action to relations guy in the Chand government, the hence it fails to meet the criterion of Comrade Prachanda perhaps will have conduct hugely favourable to the Maoists have a commitment from them to treats the Maoists as a rebel group, An even more important aspect of the Every thing was done secretly between publicise peace so that the tourists return, rehabilitating Maoists cadre so they are not redoubtable Information Minister, Ramesh right intention. to cool his heels in a neighbouring has been announced. renounce violence, a timeframe for recognising the existence of their army, peace code is that it is supposed to the two sides. Full transparency may not Nath Pandey. Perhaps he was just returning The criterion of proportionality of ends country. And it’s going to take a while tempted to take up the gun again, rebuilding VDCs, compensating families of those Still, the peace talks seem elusive. The surrendering arms or confinement of promises fair coverage of Maoist news in represent an agreement between the be possible on every sensitive issue, but killed by state forces and the Maoists. A human rights monitoring capability must be the favour for Assistant Secretary of State holds that the harm caused by the war must before Matrika Yadav can get to don his ‘embedded’ in any rehabilitation package so that it becomes difficult for Maoists and the for South Asian Affairs, Christina Rocca, not be more than its positive effects. labeda-suruwal and grey coat. Dr Maoists maintain that the government has cadres to their homes during the ceasefire the government media, and gradual government and the Maoists—amended informal consultation on matters of security forces to act again with impunity. speaking approvingly of the Nepal ceasefire Television images of devastation of Baburam Bhattarai can remain not done enough to create appropriate period. The government has so far failed release of their detainees. Although the or terminated by the two sides. Clearly, national importance is necessary. And all this should be done while we wait for a political opening to be found between to the House of Representative in Baghdad on the very next day of the air fashionably hirsute for a while longer. conditions for talks, which could be to take action against Maoists still code speaks of releasing prisoners from the present ceasefire does not yet involve the party leaderships and King Gyanendra which will open the way for a long-term Washington last week. raids are enough to show that this is a And Krishna Bahadur Mahara may get delayed. The Maoists won’t even sit for carrying weapons openly, intimidating both sides, the reality is that only the the political parties, making a mockery of (Dr Ram S Mahat is a senior Nepali resolution with the Maoists. The longer we sit on our hands, the less likely will be the According to the ancient doctrine of jus grossly asymmetrical war. The fifth time to deliver more homilies on the “goodwill talks” unless five of their central and extorting from people in the government will release detainees, since the government's charge that the political Congress leader and former finance prospect of long-term peace. ad bellum (When is it right to make war?), condition is that the war must be the supposed merits of the free market. leaders are released from prisons, and court countryside. The foundation of any the Maoists say they have no prisoners. parties are not helping the peace process minister.)

LETTERS

MORALLY BANKRUPT infrastructure, economy and their violence and senselessness. treason. We should be grateful tamper with the constitutional GASP! 10,000 feet. But the cause is not register annually. The simple out a way for the petroleum reduces the ability of the accurate profile. Maya Mansion SICK PORTERS I found the letter “Peace at Any human life that was reminiscent of Thank god in this hour of that in Narayan Singh Pun we controls over the army by Thanks to Hemlata Rai for her 20-year-old petrol powered step of actually enforcing these products industry to make a catalytic converters to trap was built by Balaram Shumsher Recently, a porter died in Pheriche Cost?” by “Anil” (#137) muddled, Kampuchea under the Khmer desperate need the king had the finally have a politician who has future governments should be incisive and investigative report automobiles. regulations would alleviate most profit without adulteration. benzene. Rana and is actually only 35 after returning from Gorak Shep confusing and dangerously Rouge. Far from pushing back the vision and courage to take what the patriotism and selflessness to very carefully examined in on air quality in Kathmandu Valley, Your investigative report and of the problems often Raising the price of petrol to Upendra Kumar, email years old. The veteran engineer, near Sagarmatha base camp. As it naïve for one who has evidently Maoists militarily, the army, lacking he knew would be an unpopular put the needs of the country this light. (“Gasp!” #137). What I liked about editorial (#137) both imply that associated with older cars, and allow a profit might help, but the Kumar Narsingh Rana, in fact built was before the Himalayan Rescue had the benefit of a good in manpower and resources, was move to save his kingdom from before his own and to go out on a Anil is also sadly correct in it is that, unlike most people in banning 20-year-old cars will help eliminating the institutional and real solution is spot checks on How long do we have to Kathmandu Guest House in Association post was open for the education. I recommend that he stretched to the limit and largely further destruction. Such action is limb, at considerable risk to his alluding to the army’s faults. It Nepal, she doesn’t just criticise reduce air pollution. There are retail level fuel adulteration fuel quality and huge fines or jail wait before we can start Thamel. Sakya’s new concept of season, he was taken in by a lodge returns at once to Nepal to reduced to guarding key points statesmanship, not dictatorship. own safety, to establish contact is no coincidence that his letter the authorities but also offers existing pollution standards that all would take care of the rest of sentences for unscrupulous breathing clean air? In my mind starting alternative tourism by where he died in the night. The experience the feeling of relief, and military barracks. The rank He had no option but to take the with the Maoists and achieve a appeared on the same page as them solutions: electric vehicles, cars must pass in order to these problems. If a car can’t merchants. May the green there is only one logical way out converting heritage buildings police charged the lodge-owners hope and optimism that has been and file were under constant action he did. Indeed, it could be cease fire desperately needed by others referring to a protection an activist judiciary, and also be tuned to pass the test, then groups and the Supreme Court for Nepal: electric vehicles. As a deserves recognition and wider Rs 10,000 rupees to take the body markedly apparent since the stress in the field. As a result of argued that had he not waited so both sides. It is now incumbent racket being run by the army shows them lessons from New it should be rebuilt or taken off focus on the real problems. hydropower-rich nation we replication. away. This extortion seems to have led to many lodge owners ceasefire came into force. seeing their comrades killed in long, many of those police lives upon the citizens of this country company commander in Bardia Delhi. If India can do it, there is no the road. Charles Gay, Kathmandu should take the lead in the region Purna Hari Amatya, by email throughout the Khumbu refusing front of them, they would on that Anil mourns in his letter might to support him and the Maoists (‘Major injustice”, #137). If we reason why Nepal can’t. After all, We own two European and the world in moving away It was clear that the country to let sick porters stay with them, occasions commit atrocities that have been saved. leaders in their search for a just are ever going to get back to cars, one 37 and the other 45 In Hemlata Rai’s otherwise from fossil fuels with incentives BIOLOGICAL could not take much more of the our problems are on a smaller fearing that they might die and wanton destruction of rivalled those of the Maoists in The main political parties of and lasting resolution to the any kind of peaceful civil scale and much more years old. Both handily pass excellent report on air pollution, for electric cars and applying the Thanks to Kunda Dixit “An offer they would be charged that this country are now conflict. society it will be important for manageable. the emission test every year there is a mistake that needs to polluter-pays principle to gas you can’t refuse” (#137). If exorbitant sum too. This puts acknowledged as being morally I do agree with Anil that the such crimes committed by both Tek B Thapa, Kathmandu and do not deserve to be be corrected in the interest of cars. And then, move on to Saddam had so-called chemical already sick porters at extra risk as bankrupt. I would remind Anil that army is perhaps the only sides to be resolved, either banned from the roads, not to accuracy. It is true that benzene pedestrianise the historic core and biological weapons that he lodge owners are often their first it was they and not the Maoists, institution in the country, with the through some form of peace There are indeed numerous mention be rendered worthless. is a serious carcinogen, but the areas, and the municipality supposedly uses on his own place of refuge. We call on the the king, or the army that gave exception of the monarchy, to and reconciliation committee, causes for Kathmandu’s The 20-year-old vehicle ban is direct source of it is not should start planting trees people why hasn’t he been using Nepal government to put a stop to birth to the “people’s war”. have come out of the crisis with or through the civil courts. It is increasingly unhealthy and a red herring. The real problems adulterated kerosene. Benzene instead of chopping them down it on his enemies? As mentioned this unacceptable behaviour Even in this political vacuum, any moral standing. This is only my fervent and staunch belief visually poor air quality. They are the shameless adulteration is added to diesel and petrol like it has done with the stately in Under My Hat, I believe the only immediately. the king has been reluctant to because they were under the that we will only be able to put include extremely adulterated of petrol and diesel with to improve the octane value, eucalyptus at Battisputali. biological weapon that Saddam Dr Jim Duff, www.ippg.net seize total power. He has direct control of the king as the past several years of diesel and petrol, brick kilns and subsidised kerosene, the brick and is supposed to be Rabina Dachalica, posseses is his own flatulence. CORRECTION appealed to the political parties to Supreme Commander rather than bloody conflict behind us the carpet wool dyeing industry. kilns and the dyeing plants. eliminated from the emission Bhaktapur Forget weapons of mass set aside their differences and the corrupt and selfish politicians when such issues have been On top of everything else is the I respectfully submit that the through catalytic converters. destruction, Saddam will fight “Something in the air” (#137) come together for the good of the who controlled their unfortunate resolved. They have not been increasingly prevalent north Indian concerned authorities, if there Most cars in Kathmandu don’t KARNA SAKYA with his tooth and nail against about Radio Swargadwari in country. In refusing this request brothers in the police. That they resolved through violence, so sub-continental haze which are any, should turn their have proper converters. Nice to read “Karna’s karma” the Yankee bulldog and British Dang was written by Ram Hari the erstwhile leaders of the main chose to remain apolitical is to let’s give peace a chance. extends into all Himalayan valleys, attention to enforcing existing Additionally, kerosene (#137). I would like to correct poodle. Rijal and not as cited in our hardcopy edition. -Ed MIN BAJRACHARYA SAGAR PANDIT political parties are guilty of their lasting credit. Any attempt to Ishwor Gurung, Kathmandu including Kathmandu, up to 9- emission standards and figuring vapours in the exhaust two mistakes in your otherwise Ashish Aryal, Melbourne

#138 NT PEPC.p65 2-3 3/30/03, 3:16 PM 4 NATION 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 NATION 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 5 th KMD:We could use the 50 DOMESTIC BRIEFS Traffic jam on the south summit ridge of anniversary for this refocusing as

Sagarmatha in May, 1996. well as to remind the world that Nepal’s oil crisis ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

there is a ceasefire, and Nepal is ○○○○○○○○○○ safe. It is also important because If you thought the government’s odd-even restrictions on fuel and the climbing and trekking employs price hike announced Tuesday night were related to the Iraq war, “If you do more with less, large numbers of porters not just think again. in the trekking areas but also in The real reason is that Nepal Oil Corporation is bankrupt. Mis- non-tourist areas. There used to be management, corruption and past political interference have significant cash income for hill contributed. But the main factor behind NOC going belly-up is the villagers. In the last 3-4 years that subsidy on kerosene and diesel that the state-owned enterprise has

the benefits are long-term.” DAS SHRESTHA GYANENDRA has been blocked off. The Maoists to foot. By an across-the-board increase in the price of petrol, diesel, never deliberately targetted kerosene, LPG and aviation fuel, the government hopes to reduce The Himalaya put Nepal on the mountaineering map, but the mountains have also come which the local economy benefits, peaks besides the eight- wildlife, the ecology and the birds. tourists, which was our saving NOC’s deficit from Rs 700 million to Rs 100 million. to be associated with pseudo-nationalism, personal ego, glory and money. and at the same time sees the thousanders. It also seems to me So instead of jumping on a plane grace. Nevertheless, the world still Government officials explain that the price hike is aimed at aesthetics are restored to some climbers are coming, but the and getting off at Lukla, if you thinks there is a Maoist thing stopping smugglers from selling cheaper Nepali kerosene in India The Nepali people would benefit from more and smaller flexible, club-type climbing extent. demand is for these high-end, walk all the way there and eat dal- raging in Nepal—even after the because of the 20 percent of the lesser peaks. MT:I don’t mean to say that exotic, guided-climbs of Everest. bhat in little places along the way, ceasefire. So we could use, perhaps price differential across the The 50th anniversary of the first ascent of Sagarmatha people who are not of the highest MT:Partly it is because Nepal you are getting much, much more. cynically, the 50th anniversary border. In addition, they hope calibre can’t go climbing. But has not being able to market event to tell the world to come here to make it less lucrative to mix may be a good time to go back to the basics of the they’d start to say, okay, what can I itself, and partly it is the KMD:What Nepal could do is and have a look. kerosene with diesel and aesthetics of climbing where you can do more with do? What is within my ability? function of the market not having challenge the spirit of adventure. MT:One thing different about petrol and curb rampant and less. Kanak Mani Dixit (pic, right), the editor of Himal The smaller mountains for developed itself in the West to The world of adventure has shrunk Nepal from a lot of poor open fuel adulteration. South Asian magazine talked to noted British alpinist- instance. And there are of course a come and holiday or club climb because everything is packaged and countries is a tremendous The price of petrol is up lot of small mountains. So then in Nepal. Maybe there are so people are not reaching out. Nepal is amount of people out there in from Rs 52 per litre to Rs 56. turned-anthropologist, Michael Thompson (pic, left), you get away with much more many things to do in the world meant for people who can do that. the world who have spent their Diesel has gone from Rs about climbing ethics, nationalism, mountaineering exploratory climbing. Not of adventure that mountaineering We may have the highest mountains formative years in this country. 26.50 to Rs 35.50. Kerosene is up nine rupees to Rs 28. Aviation fuel and the market. Excerpts from the conversation: desperately hard, but exciting. gets proportionately fewer people but we also are the most-populated Members of the Peace Corps, has taken off to Rs 34, prompting domestic airlines to raise air fares Another thing is not actually the excited: you can go scuba diving, mountain region in the world, climbers and all sorts of people by Rs 350. Bus costs went up by 30-40 percent. Subsidised cooking mountains but crossing the passes, rafting, caving and hand gliding. which gives us tremendous care very much about what gas, which was being used by public transport vehicles has gone up which seems as exciting as I think the world of adventure diversity, not to mention bio- happens to Nepal. They worry from Rs 650 to Rs 700 per cylinder. official Nepali attitude to Himalayan and ice at 27,000 ft. That was doing the west of Everest, he tried Everest don’t allow any expedition on climbing the mountains. has expanded and climbing is diversity. Where else on earth do th about Nepal and would like to climbing. What I know of the 50 much, much more with a fair-sized from the north and then actually Everest where they’ve got more than not catching up commensurately you have a country like this? know things are normal over here.

anniversary is that the celebration is expedition. achieved the summit with Hillary one member. And don’t allow any KMD:Because of all the climbing with the rest of adventure sports. MT:Oh, you’re right, nowhere. Pro-Govinda rally in Tokyo

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Mind you, many of these people ○○○○○○○○○○ being presented in an absence of the Then you’ve got Reinhold from the south in 1953. There isn’t oxygen. That would stop that you and others have done, the Mountaineering is not just When tourism picks up again in are in very influential positions. TOKYO — A rally proclaiming the innocence of Govinda Mainali, who aesthetics of mountaineering. They Messner who climbed Everest solo anyone more Himalayan than oxygen shop. You can have oxygen Himalaya is seen as a place for climbing up the mountains. You Nepal, the opportunity exists to There is a huge audience of is currently serving a life term in a Japanese jail, was held in Tokyo are proposing to give all the people without oxygen. That was a fantastic Tenzing, yet he did not fit our down below at the Himalayan extreme climbing and for extreme have to appreciate the landscape, do niche tourism. People can well-wishers out there and, yes, it this weekend. Nearly 100 laywers, human rights activists and Nepalis who have been to the summit free achievement. Since then you have definition of Nepali nationalism. Rescue Association for medical heroics. People tend to forget that the people, how the farming come up here for an amazing range would be worthwhile sending in Japan took part in the event which was organised by the pressure Kanak Mani Dixit: It’s been 50 so many peaks of great variety visas as if getting to the summit was these huge expeditions. People book Likewise, we regard our mountains purposes. there are hundreds of smaller system affects livelihoods, the of activities. across that message. group, “Justice for Govinda”. Mainali, 36, has been kept in detention years since Tenzing and Hillary got nearby, could emerge as one. a uniformly worthy achievement. Or the mountains and then sell space as if they were proof of our despite an acquittal by the Tokyo District Court and is accused in the to the top of Everest. Tenzing was a drawing up lists of summiteers and on their expeditions, and actually achievement. Tectonic factors made KMD:Or maybe a moratorium rape-murder case of a Japanese woman in Tokyo in 1997. Himalayan and a climber at heart. If KMD:But we haven’t even reached how many times they got there and end up doing less with more. In the them high, not our hard work. until the mountain is clean, or to Mainali’s lawyers say the Nepali worker who was overstaying you read his writings, even those the stage, people haven’t even started so on. forthcoming anniversary Nepali children and adults and even have a limitation on the number of his visa in Japan was framed by the police, and have appealed to the translated autobiographies, he was hiking to the ridges along the Valley The essence of climbing is celebrations, what is missing is the our political leadership exhibit pride teams. But can you enforce Supreme Court. A final decision by the court is expected soon. somebody with that fire in the belly rim. always doing more with less. So for essence of mountaineering in this that Sagarmatha is ours forgetting adventure on people? Isn’t it like Japanese activists like Kenzo Akiyama, a former judge and lawyer, of a climber, the sensibility, the MT:Well, it will happen when the first time 50 years ago, the thing theatre of summiteers. They have that only half of the mountain is in saying “Okay, I hereby decree only says there are many cases of police and prosecutors cooperating to broad-based understanding of the people start saying, “Wow! What a was to climb the mountain. It was a even set up a shop selling oxygen on Nepal. Nationalism has overwritten the adventurous shall climb ECONOMICS OFFICER falsely convict illegal migrants in Japan for crimes they didn’t commit. whole idea of climbing. It’s been 50 fantastic country we’ve got.” And it’s big expedition. They had oxygen the mountain. nature and mountaineering. And Everest”. The respected human rights group, Peoples Aid and Relief years, but we are still looking for a kind of middle class thing as well. and everything. The technology, proof of that is the lack of genuine MT:It’s not so much enforcing Nepal Resident Mission (NRM) Association of Japan (Kyuenkai) recently put its weight behind the climbers like him in the Himalaya. knowledge, techniques and KMD:Then there is the fact that empathy and understanding among adventure on people, but taking Pos. Ref. No. 03042 campaign to get Mainali released and returned to Nepal. There are few climbers in Nepal that KMD:Clearly, we have a middle equipment were a lot different from we’ve let our nationalism run away our public of the Everest 50th away the non-adventurous. It is an The ADB-Nepal Resident Mission (NRM) was established to assist its Headquarters in the implementation of projects and programs, in project processing, Govinda Mainali’s wife Radha is currently in Japan, and visits her come out of the urban milieu. I class but our middle class doesn’t today and they really pushed with our mountaineering. It started anniversary. But all is not lost. extreme measure but it’s well worth country programming, and economic and sector work. It also coordinates ADB’s activities with other resident diplomatic and donor missions, NGOs, husband in jail to keep his spirits up. “I am very glad and appreciate can’t say whether this is a plus or a even climb Phulchoki, Nagarjun or themselves to what was unknown right off the bat when Hillary and Hopefully, we can use the thinking over. The other thing is academic institutions, local think tanks, private sector and other members of the civil society. the efforts by our Japanese friends to get my husband released,” minus, but we haven’t evolved Chandragiri. and they got up there. That was a Tenzing came off the mountain and celebrations to inform the Nepali mobile and satellite phones. You she said. Mikiko Kyakuno of the Justice for Govinda group said, “We mountaineering as a sport in Nepal. MT:That will come. I think it’s got terrific achievement. Then, later it was all murky—who was Tenzing? public about what these mountains call up and say I’m stuck. That sort will continue our struggle until Govinda is released. This case has Michael Thompson: If you look at to come. People will get bored. people tried to do more difficult Was he Tibetan? Was he Nepali? mean to us. of destroys things. In the best and tarnished the image of Japan’s judicial system.” how it happened in other Young people with a bit of money routes with the same-sized And in the process, of course, the MT:If somebody asked me what I the most congenial restaurants and mountaineering countries, there is a will get bored if they are just going expeditions on the west-ridge climb. Nepali state took him over. We think should be done with the 50th clubs in say, London, you’d have strong base of climbing. People start around on motorbikes. And you’ve And it came to the south-west lionised him, but the moment he anniversary, I’d say just look at all to leave your mobile phone in a with hiking and then rock climbing got a fantastic country full of face and we got to that in 1975 after decided to go back to Darjeeling we these big expeditions to Everest. basket. In the wild west you had to and can even join numerous beautiful mountains. It will happen. several attempts had failed. The just dropped him like a stone. We They are pulling the mountain put your gun away before you went climbing clubs. That’s how I climb was so much harder than what still haven’t appreciated Tenzing as a down to their ability, they are into a saloon. Well, maybe we started. You do some basic climbing KMD:Then would people have to the Sherpas call the “Yak Route”, the climber, our nationalism took over. dragging it down instead of could do something like that or at home and go for your first trip to get more bored before they become Tenzing-Hillary route by the South When Tenzing chose to live in India climbing it. Everest has become a make expeditions walk all the way the Alps. One thing leads to another more interested in hiking and Col. We could look across from he suddenly became persona-non- terrific honeypot. Well, one idea that either going or returning, right and then you say, “Hey! We can go climbing? where we were at the south-west face grata to us. He is a true Everest man. crossed my mind, though it is a from Kathmandu to the Himalaya.” So you need to MT:Perhaps, and there might be and it was this gentle slope whereas He’s seen the east of Everest, since rather extreme measure, is to really have this base and Kathmandu, with something impeding it which is the the south-west face was vertical rock he was born there, he’s worked in try enforcing the aesthetics. I’d say KMD:Or Jiri. A proactive way in

HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK George’s gift to Osama

n American magazine, Harper’s, carries a strange graphic on its front page brutal and incompetent—could itself be toppled by Muslim anger over America’s this month. The illustration takes the form of a recruiting poster for the behaviour in the region. The Iraq war benefits A United States army but instead of Uncle Sam extending his forefinger A television report from Jordan showed a collection of art students in the outward and ordering the reader to join the armed forces, it’s Osama Bin Laden capital, Amman, sketching in class. In flawless, British-accented English, a young extremists. No one else. with “I want you to invade Iraq”. A grim reminder, as if one were needed, of the woman said Saddam Hussein was her “hero” and she expressed a chilling immense gamble that the American government is making at the moment. satisfaction with the Iraqi resistance to the American-British advance. A Christian Iraq but the “street”—inflamed by bearded opportunists once derided as marginal For it is surely self-evident that the invasion of Iraq is a gift to the Bin Ladens crucifix dangled from a chain around her neck. No stereotypes here, just a proud and out of touch with popular sentiment—doesn’t believe Islamabad truly of the world. Even those who support the idea of America Arab seething with resentment. The same reporter opposes Operation Iraqi Freedom. and its allies remaking the Fertile Crescent in their image visited café’s where men puffed hubble bubble pipes In truth, Musharraf has little choice but to play the game as he does but would have to agree, at least on the surface. Those who and cheered at images on Al Jazeera television of Washington’s latest adventure helps him not one bit. Neither has it escaped notice argue the moral case for intervention in Iraq say the benefits American prisoners-of-war. among the audiences for Al Jazeera that the US soldier who ran amok last week and outweigh the risks, a world without Saddam Hussein will “It’s simple,” said a newspaper editor, “someone hurled grenades at his own comrades was a recent convert to Islam, an African- justify a temporary upsurge in support for extremists who invades your country, you capture them, you kill American who felt he was being discriminated against. I’m sure that situation claim to operate in the name of Islam. But they do admit them.” This is Jordan, remember, an Anglophile king was more complex than this, but America’s enemies are presenting it as a that the upsurge is taking place. ruling a land that’s more than half Palestinian—one of religious issue and the message is hitting home. How could they not? BBC television is showing almost only two Arab countries to recognise Israel—but a Bin Laden and his evil colleagues are winning the war for Muslim EASYEASYEASY TIMESTIMESTIMES daily images of angry protests in Muslim countries. From place where popular sentiment tends in exactly the public opinion. Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say that America is losing it. It’s never been easier Jakarta to Cairo, Muslims are marching and often even opposite direction to the pro-Western feelings of the This invasion, the treatment of Muslims in the United States, unrelenting to subscribe to without their government’s tacit support. The riots in the ruling elite. support for Ariel Sharon in Israel, plans to invade or pressure Iran into a Nepali Times Egyptian capital have shaken the deeply unpopular Hosni Let’s look closer to home. Pakistan, a place that “regime change”, for the conspiracy theorists of the world, it all adds up. Just dial this number Mubarak government to its core. Fears that popular should be a proud repository of tolerant Barelvi Islam Not to me. I happen to think that there is no grand conspiracy, just Asian Development Bank and leave your address. movements instead of armies could replicate “regime and Sufism, is becoming ever more militant and angry, short-termism: reactions to events without due consideration of history, change” in Iraq are growing. Even George Bush Sr is said in largely because its president, General Musharraf, context and lasting impact. It was ever thus, and the many mighty empires of www.adb.org private to have counseled his son against this invasion, with supports Washington’s war on terror. Ostensibly, the the past largely collapsed accordingly. 5543333 warnings that the Saudi Arabian government—corrupt, Pakistani government does not back the invasion of

#138 NT PEPC.p65 4-5 3/30/03, 3:16 PM 6 NATION 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 ECONOMY 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 7 SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL BIZ NEWS STRICTLY BUSINESS by ASHUTOSH TIWARI

Mini Carlsberg ○○○○○○○○○ “Drink○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the way the world does” is the slogan for the new smaller 330ml bottle of Trainer, train thyself Carlsberg. The smaller size follows the international trend for easy-to-carry bottles. Also sold in 650ml cans, Carlsberg is popular in urban areas, especially among trendy consumers, the company says. The beer, a leading brand in the …in experience, specialisation, marketing and after-sales servicing. JIPC’s 2,000 premium category, has been available in the Nepali market since 1995. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ow big is the business training Nepali “development training” market in Nepal? No one seems market, the days of being just another

of the community of nations, we ballot boxes may fall under the transfers and scholarships to Nepali rug makers to US ○○○○○○○○○ How many of us want the list made public ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ H to know for sure. But that Janardan are numbered. Only experts must play our part to ensure that law-and-order category. Paying off clients becomes the shortest route A 13-member Nepali delegation from the Nepal Carpet Exporters’ Association is participating in the New doesn’t matter because no matter how will survive and excel. so we can rate the accuracy of our all governments have sufficiently competitors to stay out of the race to disenfranchisement. York Home Textiles Show to be held in New York from 28-31 March. The United States is the biggest market vast it is, the training market remains a Marketing: To woo private sector personal rosters of sleaze-bags? strong laws to criminalise corrupt and dispensing the precise mix of It’s no coincidence that things for Nepali carpets after Europe. growing one: a testament to Nepali clients, trainers have to learn the practices, to track down and patronage and persuasion to carry started going downhill for the businesses looking for ways to make rudiments of marketing. A Janata confiscate ill-gotten gains and to swing constituencies require hard mainstream parties once Nepal and Bhutan to trade staff more productive. Mukti Kendra may buy a six-day

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A few Nepali ex-bankers with program in Dhulikhel on, say, “how protect witnesses. However, we must cash. And we haven’t even started prominent entrepreneurs began THIMP–Businessmen from Nepal and Bhutan met last week in Thimphu to discuss a new bilateral trade think locally and concede how talking about pampered warning politicians not to count years of experience recently offered a to motivate community organisers”. treaty. A memorandum of understanding on a Joint Economic Commission, signed by the Bhutanese and series of short-term training to staff of But a Shiva Shakti Pvt Ltd needs to be money pumps life into our liberties. supporters supposed to run the on their money in the next Nepali Chambers of Commerce, was the first formal step to foster business links between the two banks in eastern Nepal. The trainers convinced of the positive effect that Some politicos have warned us campaigns. elections. The Maoists, described countries. The minister for trade and industry, Khandu Wangchuk said he hoped the private sector in the later ended up, laughing their way, similar but shorter programs are going that the JIPC report may become Moreover, considering that no as one of Asia’s wealthiest rebel two countries could work together to expand trade markets. FNCCI’s Suraj Vaidya, led a 20 member Nepali well, to the bank. Just last week, a to have on their bottom line. Yes, it’s a another tool in the arsenal against MP elected in the last dozen years movements, have begun business delegation which included manufacturers of noodles, beer, vegetable oil and respresentatives of business college in Kathmandu truism, but businesses are interested the airline, construction and dairy industries. Nepal and Bhutan agreed to identify products on which they charged fees to offer day-long training in training so far as they save or democracy. This time they could has succeeded in serving a full five- interacting with the captains of could cut tariffs so as to bolster trade. Bhutan already has similar treaties with Bangladesh and India. be right. The panel’s cut-off date year term, budgeting becomes commerce. In a new book, The on the basics of negotiation and export make money. Nothing else matters of 1990 doesn’t mean the panchas riskier. From a macro-economic Future of Freedom, Fareed management to businesses. So much. Trainers who understand this, and then adapt accordingly are were paragons of probity. So the standpoint, when the internal rate Zakaria attempts to address some Qatar to Kuala Lumpur profitable were these stints that the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ college is now considering short-term more likely to find clients in the sneers from that side don’t of return is so unpredictable, can of these dilemmas by making a Everyone seems to be scrambling for a share of the traffic of Nepali workers between Kathmandu and programs for Nepal’s business private sector than those who sit amount to much. We should be our politicians be faulted for distinction between democracy Malaysia. Royal Nepal Airlines is starting bi-weekly flights via Singapore on 31 March, with Qatar Airways community—over and above regular training budgets anyway. The trainer’s around, pining for the good troubled by the clear disadvantage considering corruption a and liberty. His assertion that also using its fifth freedom rights to fly the route direct twice a week. Discussions are ongoing about code- full-time academic schedules. (True, a dominant experience was what they old days. the report puts our multiparty compulsion? democracy is now spreading at the sharing between the airlines. facilitating entity provided both parties offered did not depend on market Post-training servicing: This politicians at. True, the profligacy of the expense of liberty by feeding with promotional money but even after demand. As long as they came up with seems to be an embedded trend in

They won’t say so during on- political class, not the transparency ethnic hatreds, precipitating wars More beer accounting for that, what was left in the brochures and a few loyal contacts, the market. Clients who buy a set of ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ kitty was impressive.) And one could they could always count on a certain specialised training retain the trainer the-record sessions, but our leaders of fund-raising, is our primary or undermining the institutions of Popular Indian beer Haywards 5000, has been launched in Nepal with a technical cite further success stories like these. share of the pie. Everyone cruised for other customised services. One partnership between the Chaudhary Group and Shaw Wallace Breweries. In the past, have had a fervent plea since the concern here. You can’t tackle one liberty sounds pretty much like Despite profits in the business- along till “development clients” started firm, for instance, sold VAT Shaw Wallace sourced Haywards 5000 from Sun Gold Brewery, an enterprise of the he confidentiality probed and profiled personalities Panel member Gyaindra Bahadur Dhamija-scam days. If the people without tailing the other. We gave what the reactionary right has to-business training market in Nepal, slashing budgets and trainers were accounting training to businesses Chaudhary Group which upgraded the capacity of 1.2 million cases every year. Haywards surrounding the findings of who it believes have profited the Shrestha insists that naming names want political parties to live a up the luxury of blaming the been insisting since Saat Sal. the majority of Nepali trainers—many faced with the prospect of either going outside Kathmandu and was asked to 5000 sells over 14 million cases annually in India. T the Judicial Inquiry most from the restoration of would be a clear violation of the healthy life, they must help them system in 1990 and the ensuing Before you marvel at Zakaria’s of whom have devoted time and belly-up or innovating for new market design other solutions. The firm Commission on Property (JIPC) multiparty democracy. (By the right to property envisioned in the find ways of raising funds that years of deepening denial have mastery of the Nepali malaise, resources to form organisations such as segments. The latter is something they won more money and loyal clients makes you wonder how we’ve way, how many of us want the list constitution. Prime Minister bypass the realm of shadiness. For edified impunity. With each consider his verdict: Countries Little Italy the Trainers’ Association of Nepal are still finding hard to do. from these post-training suddenly become so good at made public so we can rate the Lokendra Bahadur Chand’s to-do a clearer perspective, let’s consider broken barrier, the fence between need a history of building liberty Elba,○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the Italian brand of household goods will now be available to Nepali consumers. Touchstone Sales (TAN) and the like—are not rushing Specialisation: Most Nepali consultancies than from the training some of the impediments to a public and private aggrandisement and a per-capita income of at least and Services are distributors for Elba products in the Kathmandu Valley and major cities around the to service private-sector businesses. trainers appear to be a Janardan of all programs. Training could be an keeping secrets. We’ve heard little accuracy of our personal rosters of list just seems to be getting longer. What’s holding them back? What trades, and master of none. Sure, such entry point to develop a base of big- from the authors since they sleaze-bags?) With the United Nations career in public service. The field has become fuzzier. When parties $5,000 if they are to begin kingdom. Products include a range of gas ovens, microwave ovens, washing machine, water pumps, refrigerators and colour televisions. stops them from targeting businesses a generalist approach may serve well money paying clientele. submitted the 878-page report to Commission chief Bhairab working on a global treaty to is off limits to those unable or become institutions that owe a sustaining liberal democracy. That as new clients? The answers lie in four up to a point in the “development” Not all Nepali trainers will find King Gyanendra over a week ago. Prasad Lamsal says he has made a combat corruption, the time is unwilling to make clear large part of their influence to may help explain why a third of areas in which, alas, the trainers market. But it doesn’t cut ice for private sector clients. Big businesses Enough, though, to understand strong recommendation for propitious for our own house investment decisions. Such tactics personal patronage networks, our tainted 2,000 are thought to Deepak at the Indian Open themselves need education and private-sector clients who are willing to will continue to send staff to India that the panel has carefully necessary action against the officials. cleaning. As a responsible member as capturing booths and stuffing failure to deliver contracts, jobs, be politicians. Nepal’s○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ leading professional golfer, Deepak Acharya is teeing off to play in the training: experience, specialisation, pay for expertise they can’t get in- and elsewhere, or fly in experts from Indian Open Golf tournament at the Delhi Golf Club 27-30 March. The tournament marketing and after-sales servicing. house. As development funds shrink outside. But there still remains a of international pressure and also concern that the has a purse of $300,000. Deepak, 27, is head professional at the Le Meridien Experience: Most Nepali trainers and private sector spending grows, wide swathe of businesses in Nepal camps may be radicalised by Nepali Maoists. There are Gokarna Forest Golf Resort and is invited to represent Nepal in this four-day seem to have started their careers, the only way these trainers can that are hungry to learn more. other long-term worries: even if Nepal and Bhutan mega golf event of the Asian Golf Tour—the first time a Nepali has been invited to usually in the 80s and the early 90s, expand is by specialising or hiring Serious trainers who make a agree on partial repatriation and the camps are closed, Bhutan-Nepal any major golf event in the Asian tour. by providing the usual run-of-the- experts in anything from knowledge successful transition to serving there will still be enough refugees who will not give up mill “development training” to NGOs management to market research. And private businesses could find the from p1 trying to go back to what they consider their homeland. Bhutan’s Minister for Trade and Industry, Khandu and INGOs—organisations that have then charging premium rates. Given other side of the NGO fence to be But Bhutanese in Nepal maintain the categorisation Wangchuk says the two countries should start trading to dutifully spend their annual the job-related uncertainties in the just as lucrative. process is an eyewash. “It is a farce,” said RB Basnet, more, and that would relax relations. “As two sovereign president of the Bhutan National Democratic Party, nations, we have to join hands to strengthen our himself a refugee in Kathmandu. “Bhutan’s strategy has sovereignty and economic development,” he said in always been to dilly-dally and to minimise the number it Thimphu last week. takes back to the maximum extent possible.” Nepal has sent a draft trade treaty with Most- The negotiations now seem to be settling down into favoured Nation provisions to Thimphu, but Wangchuk a “numbers game”. Bhutan realises it must take part of says Bhutan would prefer a free trade treaty. “If Nepal the refugee population back, while Nepal is so keen to is not yet ready for free trade, we can agree on a list get over this headache that it may decide to go along if of items of Nepali exports which will get preferential Satellite phones still stuck the proportion is substantial enough. treatment,” he added. Nepal and Bhutan signed a MoU

BHAGIRATH○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ YOGI a decision on satellite phone licenses will be phones now look like cellular phones and Bhutanese officials now say they will consider to set up a Joint Economic Council to push the treaty taking back those who were forcibly evicted and want to and to boost trade. Suraj Vaidya, the leader of the epal’s rugged terrain, its lack of roads taken soon. “We have already prepared work by sending signals to a swarm of low- return. But refugees here want to know on what basis FNCCI delegation told us, “We have been bogged down and telephones in remote areas and guidelines and only the final decision is to be orbit communication satellites. Calls can be Government that will be decided. “Let’s say Bhutan wants to take by the refugee crisis, but if we start trading it may be Nthe importance of adventure tourism made,” Kailash Neupane of the regulatory made from a satellite phone to another back 20 percent of the refugees, how are they going to easier to resolve the issue.” make this a country ideal for satellite Nepal Telecommunication Authority (NTA) satellite phone anywhere in the world, and indecisiveness is pick us? Are they only going to take able-bodied, young, But Bhutanese exiles in Nepal are skeptical. “We phones. told us. can patch to domestic telecom networks for good looking ones?” asked one refugee representative are deeply disappointed,” said RB Basnet. “Nepal has calls to fixed and mobile connections. The delaying a in Kathmandu. fallen into the categorisation trap and can’t get out. And So, you would think the government The Ministry of Information and The sense of urgency in Thimphu could be a result Bhutan, as usual, is just playing for time.” would be enthusiastic about making it as Communications is said to have already handsets come with dual mode satellite and easy as possible for people to get hold of the allotted the frequency for satellite phones, GSM, so it can be used as an ordinary communication instruments, and encourage competition so and NTA has fixed the license fee at Rs 1.5 cellular phone when there is a signal. tool best suited for prices come down. Not so. Just as with million which the service provider will have Unlike cellular phones, a satellite phone will everything else, the government seems to be to renew every five years by paying Rs 1.4 work anywhere in the world, and is Nepal’s terrain. House for unable to decide. million. Service providers are a bit worried especially applicable in wilderness areas. The unofficial explanation for the delay about the high license fee, but think the But what about cost? Service providers Rent in licensing satellite phones, it is whispered, market is big enough for them to launch say that the GMPCS (Global Mobile is that the government doesn’t want it to get the service. Personal Communications via Satellite) into the hands of the Maoists. But with the “Everything is set, all we need is the technology has made satellite telephony ceasefire, the huge potential in rural license,” says Rana. Potential customers handy and cheap. A handset would cost Rs telecommunications and the tourism include trekking agencies, mountaineering 80,000 with pre-paid SIM cards and an industry, the delay is now getting difficult expeditions, the Royal Nepali Army, and international call would cost $0.72-1.35. to defend. Kathmandu-based aid agencies. Handset to handset costs are 50 cents per “It’s been more than one year since we International mountaineering expedition minute. In comparison, making a call on the applied for the license and we are still teams in Nepal often bring in satellite NTC fixed line to the United States costs Rs waiting,” says Anudan Jung Rana of phones, but have to pay a deposit of $3,000 75 per minute with 26.5 percent tax. Constellation (pic, right), a service provider on each set. The restrictions and delays on Satellite phones also have a built-in in Nepal for Thuraya satellite phones. Rana satellite phones have encouraged smuggling Global Positioning System (GPS) in order was one of several private companies that of the machines and there are said to be at to find the user’s precise location. This applied for the license last year as soon as the least 300 satellite phones in use in Nepal at aspect would also be useful for Well finished house - 4 bedroom, 4 bathrooms (one attached), lobby, spacious living, dining, kitchen government opened the telecom sector for a present that have pre-paid SIM cards from mountaineering groups, and for search and MIN BAJRACHARYA with attached store, guardroom, ample car parking and garden. 24 hrs water facility, solar panels, number of value-added services. Thai and Filipino companies. Many more rescue in the Himalaya. “We conduct an 2 line telephone, cable tv line. Quiet and peaceful environment. The state-owned monopoly, Nepal satellite handsets with SIM cards are average of 100 rescue operations every year. Near Shahenshah Hotel, Dhapasi Telecommunication Corporation, is smuggled into India through Nepal, one Satellite phones would make our lives much Contact: Gagendra Gauchan Tel: 4264065 (Day time) Mobile: 981044369 preoccupied with meeting the growing source told us. easier,” says Prakash Adhikari of the demand for cellular phones, but officials say With technological advances, satellite Himalayan Rescue Association (HRA).

#138 NT PEPC.p65 6-7 3/30/03, 3:16 PM 8 NATURE 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 9 When the rhododendron bloom in Tinjure this Kathmandu spring, it will Go be a true to arcadia. East Kuala Lumpur and Singapore

SAMUEL THOMAS in TINJURE ○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ And the place to see it is the t may not rank among the Tinjure Milke Jaljale (TMJ) ridge New bi-weekly flights on Royal Nepal Airlines starting 31 March. natural world’s most in eastern Nepal. In the coming I celebrated events like the weeks these scenic hills will be Departure Kathmandu Mondays and Thursdays 2330, arrival Singapore 0620 and Kuala Lumpur 0810. monarch butterfly passage, awash with red—not of political Departure Singapore Tuesdays and Fridays at 0720, Kuala Lumpur at 0910. phytoplankton blooms, fervour but of rhododendrons in Arrival Kathmandu Tuesdays and Fridays 1125. wildebeest migration, or the New full bloom. The junction of three Contact Royal Nepal Airlines on 977-1-4220757 or your travel agent. England fall colours. But the districts in the northeastern

annual flowering of the hills—Taplejung, Sankhuwa- IUCN NEPAL rhododendron in Nepal is well sabha and Tehrathum—is home worth travelling to see. to Nepal’s prime rhododendron RA in KL forests and a natural niche for aineering. You can fly to Tumling- More than any other spot in Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, or "KL" several rhododendron species. tar from Kathmandu, or to This is nature’s display case for Taplejung from Biratnagar, or as it is commonly known, is the focal point of new Malaysia. our national flower. 4WD to Basantpur from Dharan While the city's past is still present in the evocative British

If the regular in mid-hill or Gopetar from Phidim Depart RENE DE MILLEVILLE colonial buildings and the nightmarket, that past is topography is north and east-west Basantapur along the dirt track everywhere met with insistent reminders of KL's present ranging hills cut by longitudinal that leads to Chouki, past Tute valleys, the TMJ ridge is Deurali and its oak-rhododendron and future. different. It ranges north in one forests to Panchpokhari. Midway The city's bustling streets, its shining, modern office towers, long stretch and extends from on this stretch is the Pathivara and its cosmopolitan air project an unbounded spirit of Dhankuta to Basantapur and all temple, a replica of the main Sabhapokhari. even by the moderately fit. progress to symbolise Malaysia's unhesitating leap into the the way to the Jaljala and Lumba temple of Taplejung, where you The TMJ ridge is spectacular Basantapur to Guphapokhari is future. Sumba Himal and Tibet. The can have your first awe-inspiring eco-tourism country, and is quite all within 2000-3000m. run-off from the eastern flank view of the eastern Himalaya strategically located for nature Typically, very little money that As the entry point for most visitors and the meeting point of joins the Tamur river system, and good views of Basantapur tourists between two protected accrues from eco-tourism goes to the country's many attractions, Kuala Lumpur is a grand from its western flank, the Arun. and all that you left behind. areas. This is still arcadia, no pasta communities. TMJ is only getting gateway to a fascinating destination. The ridge is a recently peopled Onward, just before on the menu, no curio shops, no started, and with the ceasefire this Royal Nepal Airlines now links Kathmandu to Kuala frontier, as the mixed nature of Panchpokhari, is the Tinjure tiger balm, and no touts. The could be the spring of hope for the larger settlements will tell. hilltop, ideal for camping rhododendron trek can be done the east. Lumpur and Singapore twice a week with its Boeing 757 The more recent arrivals followed because the ridge offers very few aircraft. Nepal's national airline operates direct flights from the roads into the area and the other flat places to pitch tents. Kathmandu to Bangalore, Bangkok, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, opportunities that came with it— The top is the highest point on Kuala Lumpur, Mumbai, Osaka, Shanghai and Singapore. portering, inn keeping and petty the Tinjure stretch and is trade. The largest ethnic group reputed to offer a view of 12 here are the Kirat, predominantly districts on a fine day. Higher on Limbu, for whom this area is the horizon soars the Everest, historically home, followed by Makalu and Kanchanjunga Bahun-Chhetri, Gurung, Magar, ranges, up close and awe the Sherpa who came in from the inspiring. north, and other groups. Chouki is like a “Visit Nepal” The rhodo-trail stretches from poster: it is surrounded by Basantapur to Sabhapokhari via rhododendron trees, the people Tute Deurali, Panchpokhari, are friendly and you can get IUCN NEPAL Tinjure Deurali, Chauki, clean, good food, comfortable Mangalbare, Lampokhari, beds and spectacular views of Guphapokhari and the eastern Himalaya. Onward Sabhapokhari. There are buses from Chauki to Guphapokhari RENE DE MILLEVILLE that run from Dharan to the road leads to Mangalbare, a TMJ for beginners Basantapur, or, if a fairly large small hamlet of some 25 homes, Tread easy, manage your impact. group, you can hire one of several which also offers fairly decent People depend on rhododendron forests for fuelwood. If you Off the rhodo trek have porters or engage the services of a mule, carry kerosene Land Rovers, relics from the lodgings. From the sacred lake stoves and fuel. Depart from the main trail at Guphapokhari toward Taplejung Dharan British Camp days, that are some of the best views of the Pathivara via Gorja, Change and Dobhan. Do not litter. Carry non-degradable waste back. Even Basantapur come fairly steep. Basantapur is a Everest, Makalu and has no facilities for recycling. Take the trail from Dobhan to Olangchung Gola (trail leads all the friendly town, sleepy and oddly Kanchanjunga ranges that the way to Tibet). Bury human waste, at least 30m from any water source. Carry some drinking water supplies. The ridge has its limitations. Visit Hyatrung falls, reportedly the largest in Asia, which can be reminiscent of Asterix’s village in ridge can offer. If you have reached via Guphapokhari, Srijung and Pauthak. the comic book series. Everything enough time go to Mench- Spread tourism money around. Purchase goods and services from little people. Guphapokhari to Srijung, Morahang, Jirikhimti, Myanglung and revolves around the hearth. The hemdhap, the highest point on Lahsune before returning to Basantpur gracious hospitality, large this stretch that also offers a 12 Yak caravans: step aside and let them pass, especially on (considered a culture trek). narrow trails. amounts of tongba and generous district view on a fine day. Hailstorm: take shelter, hailstone size matters. Guphapokhari to Makalu Barun base camp servings of red meat adds to the From here, take the trail to via Nundhaki and Khandbari of Chainpur. warmth. Food and accommoda- The latter can also be reached via Mude Sanischare. tion are considerably cheaper than saturated trekking routes so you can hold off the bargaining and concentrate on the view. Malaysia Singapore East Nepal is exciting even Wisma Paradise 3 Coleman St #3 – 07/08 minus the flora—less explored, 26, Jalan Ipoh Peninsula Shopping Centre great ethnic diversity and wildlife, IUCN NEPAL 51200 Kuala Lumpur Singapore 179804 magnificent views of the eastern +60-3-40449655, 40445730 Tel: +65-63394341, 63378868 Himalaya and lots of adventure Flying for Nepal Fax: +60-3-40446855 Fax: +65-63379583 options for rafting and mount-

#138 NT PEPC.p65 8-9 3/30/03, 3:18 PM 10 WORLD 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 11 ANALYSIS by ANTHONY BRUCE States Healing today’s divided world may only Another Vietnam? happen with fresh political leadership in HO CHI MINH CITY – The Iraq war resonates most loudly in Britain’s first invasion of Iraq Vietnam. Nearly 30 years after the end of its own war, this Kingdom both the US and UK, and a strong assertion southeast nation of 80 million people knows what it means ritain’s first intervention in Britain says it has gone to war to rid Iraq of Saddam, successive assaults failed to to come under a US “shock and awe” treatment. of UN authority, argues JEFFREY D SACHS. what is now Iraq occurred but this war seems uncannily like its invasion of penetrate the fortifications. The In those days it was called “terror and panic”. General Nations B at the beginning of the First Mesopotamia in 1914 to secure oil wells. Turks used most of their troops to Nguyen An, a veteran of the war against the United States, United ? World War. At the outset, prevent British reinforcements from says US military planners believed that heavy uncovered. If no evidence systematic review of sites that were evidence, is no less necessary today. Britain’s objectives were limited to breaking through. British relief bombardments would erode their enemies’ combat spirit. is produced of visited. There should also be an If the arguments for this war are protecting its oil supplies. They forces made three separate attempts Today, it looks increasingly like America didn’t learn its weapons of mass explanation, if weapons of mass not proved, the consequences will be were soon extended to include to reach Kut. None succeeded. lesson from Vietnam. “In 1969, they dropped millions of tons of bombs on the destruction on a destruction are uncovered at other profound. Propaganda, streets lined the capture of Baghdad, capital Without hope of relief, the of the Ottoman Empire’s garrison surrendered on 29 April Ho Chi Minh Trail (which brought supplies to communist threatening scale, sites, as to why the inspectors could with cheering Iraqis, amazement over fighters), boasting that no living thing could survive such then both Bush and not have found such weapons in a the prowess of US smart bombs, province of Mesopotamia, and 1916, after a siege of almost five the territory beyond. months. Food had run out; heavy bombings,” recalls An. “Still, we remained alive, fought Blair would deserve realistic period of time. would not distract us from an awful As Ottoman Turkey entered starvation loomed. Some 8,000 men back and became victorious. The same thing would happen to be finished The fourth claim will be subject truth—that Bush and Blair broke the the war in October 1914, an were taken prisoner; many died in to Iraq, because using bombs to kill Saddam Hussein is not politically, no matter to wild propaganda on both sides. world peace, engaged in massive expeditionary force dispatched captivity. Months of preparation easy. If President Saddam Hussein could survive, Iraqi what else happens Was the war justified in terms of premeditated killing, and did so from British India advanced from were needed before another forces could survive too,” he pointed out. in Iraq. costs and benefits, and was war really against overwhelming global opinion. its forward base at the mouth of offensive could be launched. After a For him and many other veterans, the war on Iraq also The second claim the last resort? This will depend on Healing today’s divided world could the Shatt-al-Arab, Iraq’s opening gradual buildup and significant brings back many memories of the role of psychological will be trickier to an objective assessment of the costs start only with fresh political onto the Persian Gulf. The oil improvements in transport, the warfare and the difficulties that the United States had in prove. Bush and of the war in terms of loss of life, leadership in both the US and UK, installations at Abadan were taken British government authorised coping with spiralling costs of a war, especially a prolonged Blair must show destruction of property, economic and a strong assertion of UN on 7 November 1914. The city of another attack on Baghdad. On 13 and bloody one. And there is another parallel: protests all over the world, including the United States, against the war. that any weapons impact within Iraq, spillovers into authority. Basra, 20 miles inland on the as the river was the only suitable damaged by the failure of the December 1916, the British Euphrates, was occupied on 22 route north. Similar progress was Gallipoli expedition. With a force advanced from Basra on both banks Daily newspapers are competing fiercely in supplying the of mass destruction that are recovered other forms of violence such as Given the terrible costs, I hope latest news to readers, reflecting intense interest in the war. posed a grave and urgent threat. We terrorism and geopolitical that this war will prove justified, November, after the defeat of a made up the Euphrates, where a of 14,000 men, Townshend met the of the Tigris. Some 50,000 men more determined opposition. were involved in the new operation, “We have suffered much during the American War and know that Iraq at one time possessed consequences. though I have my doubts based on smaller force protected Turks at Ctesiphon, where they Because Turkish resistance was Townshend’s flank. After a month’s occupied heavily fortified positions but progress was slow because of understand the pain and the loss caused by fighting. That is he Iraq war’s main and Blair made four claims: chemical and biological weapons, To date, Bush and Blair have the current evidence. If compelling weaker than expected, the British hard struggle in the summer heat, on the east bank of the Tigris. rain and the need to keep casualties why we should do our best to stop it,” said Tran Dinh, a consequences will not Iraq possesses weapons of mass because the US sold them to Iraq. The failed to make the case to the world, evidence proves that weapons of mass began to think about expanding Nasiriya was captured in July 1915. Although substantially to a minimum. The 12,000 Turks retired schoolteacher who attended one of the many protest T be on the battlefield. destruction, test is not whether traces of those with the partial exception of their destruction were at hand; that they rallies in Hanoi. (IPS) their grip on Mesopotamia. The As enemy opposition remained outnumbered—the Turks now were heavily outnumbered when the They will come later, and will depend on those weapons pose a grave, weapons remain, as such traces will be own countries. The American people were poised for use on a threatening first offensive operations of 1915 light, the advance continued until had 30,000 men—Townshend opposing forces met near Kut on 24 whether George Bush and Tony Blair immediate threat, found at disposal sites, but whether have been treated to a spectacle of scale; that the UN inspectors had were successful, driving the Turks Townshend’s army encountered a unwisely ordered an advance. The February 1917. can justify their onslaught on a largely UN inspections were not eliminating those weapons were poised for use in jingoism, fear mongering, confusion poor prospects of uncovering and from Ahwaz, to the east, and Turkish force of equal strength British initially succeeded in Late in the war, Britain resumed defenseless population. that threat and threatening amounts. of Iraq with Osama bin Laden’s dismantling those weapons, then we bringing the Persian oilfields under entrenched on both banks of the moving through the enemy’s the offensive north of Baghdad, They launched this war for certain the threat could best be eliminated by If the Iraqis launch an attack with terrorists, and simple patriotism. must acknowledge the arguments British control. In March 1915, Tigris at Kut. Crossing the river, forward lines, but as the Turks with the aim of capturing the declared reasons, all of which were war. such weapons, this would demonstrate None of this has swayed the rest made by Bush and Blair. Even in two infantry divisions and a cavalry the British attacked from the north brought up more troops they were Mosul oilfields and strengthening heatedly debated around the world. If The first claim will be the easiest to that the weapons were ready for use. of the world, which views the war those circumstances, war might well brigade moved north up the Tigris on 28 September, routing the forced to withdraw. Four days’ their bargaining position in the they are vindicated, then the war could verify. Bush and Blair talked repeatedly Whether they posed any real threat with a mixture of disdain and alarm. have been unwise compared to a and Euphrates rivers towards Kut. Turks, who lost 5,300 men and all heavy fighting left the British with post-war peace talks. The new The immediate aim was to campaign was not completed by the about stockpiles of weapons of mass outside Iraq’s borders, or would have This would change if evidence on policy of containment. Still, the war of their artillery. However, a fall in 4,500 casualties. conceivably bring a safer world. If their secure the British position by the water level delayed the advance Townsend retreated south, time of the armistice and Mosul arguments remain unproved or are destruction, massive underground and been used in the absence of the current the four points is mustered. When would then at least have made some extending control over the whole northwards and enemy survivors reaching Kut on 3 December and was not occupied until later. In the disproved, then the war will incite mobile units to produce or launch such war, must still be assessed. the 13 British colonies in North sense. The horrors of a completely of Lower Mesopotamia, although escaped to Ctesiphon, 16 miles decided to hold the place as the peace settlement following the war, instability. In that case, a critical step weapons, and active programs to obtain The third claim is hugely America launched their own War of senseless war are indeed almost too Baghdad was always seen as the from Baghdad. cornerstone of Britain’s presence Iraq emerged from the ruins of towards healing the world would be nuclear weapons. It is incumbent upon contentious. Bush and Blair should Independence, Thomas Jefferson frightening to contemplate. ultimate prize. On 31 May, Almara Without waiting for in Mesopotamia. Defences were Mesopotamia in 1921 as a quasi- their quick departure from office. Bush and Blair to prove their case, and to demonstrate that the UN inspection understood that “the decent respect (© Project Syndicate) on the Tigris, 100 miles to the reinforcements, Townshend moved prepared around the village, independent state under British The Iraq war was not and could not prove it in the face of worldwide process was failing. This can be done to the opinions of mankind” required north, was taken by 11,000 troops forward on 11 November. Although situated on a loop of the Tigris, mandate. (© Project Syndicate) be justified to the world on the basis that suspicion that the US and UK security by showing that the Iraqis were an explanation for that war, which (Jeffrey D Sachs is Professor of under the command of General Baghdad’s strategic significance was before the Turks besieged it on Charles Townshend. The troops limited, the British government 8 December. (Anthony Bruce, a British historian, Saddam Hussein was a tyrant. agencies might plant phony evidence. simply hiding the evidence at sites he set forth in the Declaration of economics and Director of the is at work on a military history of Justification, if it exists, rests on the For this reason, independent UN visited by the inspectors and declared Independence. The need for such an Earth Institute at Columbia arrived in a flotilla of native boats needed a success to restore its The operation involved two Britain’s Great War campaigns in danger Saddam’s regime posed. Bush experts should assess any evidence that is free of weapons. There should be a explanation, backed by rigorous University.) known as “Townshend’s regatta”, international prestige, badly Turkish divisions whose three the Middle East.)

SATIRE DEPT. by RO WHATLEY “Je ne pas Americain ” India and Pakistan united against war n what is believed to be its Americans not to act un-

in NEW DELHI ○○○○○ strongest travel advisory State Department advisory warns Americans American. In a press briefing RANJIT○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ DEVRAJ Finally, there is something that New and Sindh. Friday was a sensitive day in India too which, though officially Iever, the US State this afternoon, White House NEW DELHI - If there is one issue on which South Asia’s bitter rivals India secular, houses the world’s second largest Muslim population of 120 million

Department today warned to act un-American. (Just joking.) spokesman Ari Fleischer and Pakistan can see eye-to-eye on, it is their opposition to the US-led war on Delhi and Islamabad agree on: people, most of them concentrated in important urban centres such as ○○○○○○○○○○○○ Americans abroad not to act ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ attempted to unravel the Iraq. Pakistan has long been Washington’s ‘most allied ally’ in the region, opposing the war in Iraq. Bhopal, where people burned US flags soon after prayers were over. The like Americans. service, television reception or couleurs?” paradox. but this is a status that India has been vying for ever since the BJP loudest demonstrations have been in Kashmir, India’s sole Muslim majority The advisory was issued weather. The advisory immediately “What we are saying is, government of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee came to national power state whose possession is being disputed by Pakistan. simultaneously in Washington hegemony. created turmoil overseas, when you are in America, you five years ago. Bangladesh, currently ruled by a coalition supported by the Jamaat-I- by State Department In addition, US citizens particularly for US military need to behave like an But for the US-led war in Afghanistan in 2001, where Pakistan had an Islami, has also had its share of anti-US demonstrations and mass rallies over spokesman Richard Boucher, attempting to speak a foreign personnel, who pretended to American, particularly if you overwhelming strategic advantage, Washington may well have jettisoned a the past weeks—in contrast to quieter opposition to US-led action in and in The Hague by a man language are urged to curb their be French and were forced to are not American, or are Colin country with a history of army rule for a new alliance with the ‘world’s Afghanistan. Last weekend New Delhi witnessed a march to the US Embassy who, in halting Dutch, denied Americanisms. For example: surrender. The alert also Powell. But when you are biggest democracy’, India. organised by the Committee Against War on Iraq in which political leaders, he was US Ambassador Correct: “Est-ce que vous caused confusion at home, as outside America, you should Since 11 September, Washington has been carrying on a balancing act intellectuals and artists, including the well-known author Arundhati Roy, Clifford Sobel. The US l’avez aux autres couleurs?” it seems to contradict the US not behave like an American, between the two countries, anxious not to be seen as taking sides on the parliamentarian and journalist Kuldip Nayyar and the painter Manjeet Bawa. Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand, Incorrect: “Est-ce que vous, Department of Homeland unless you are not American, Kashmir dispute between the South Asian neighbours and steadily removing The People’s Health Movement (PHM), which is led by doctors and is proudly displaying the red, like, l’avez aux, like, autres Security, which has warned in which case we urge you to all sanctions that were imposed on them for carrying out a rival series of health professionals has taken a page out of anti-colonial history by calling white and blue flag act American. Here I refer nuclear tests in 1998. But now, when the United States needs friends most, for a Gandhian-style boycott of goods made in the United States and in of France. specifically to the NATO both countries have balked at the idea of extending support for a war which Britain. The targets of this boycott call are items of food, beverages, Unlike previous alerts, representatives from Germany, has all the hallmarks of the kind of colonialism that Pakistan and India, as a petroleum products and cigarettes. “Make it a point to tell the shopkeeper which have warned Americans France and Belgium.” single political entity, fought so hard to shake off not so long ago. make a first-hand, independent appraisal of conditions there. why you are boycotting these brands,” urged Ravi Narayan, international to keep a low profile or avoid The advisory, Fleischer Pakistan, created as a homeland for the sub-continent’s Muslims after Similarly in Pakistan, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) that in many coordinator for PHM, which was born out of a 92-country summit held in certain destinations, the new added, applies to all the de-colonisation of British India in 1947, was narrowly spared the ordeal ways approximates the Congress party in India has been careful to steer away Bangladesh in 2000. The PHM charter declares that wars and violence advisory notes that it is now Americans, including President of having to vote in the UN Security Council after Washington decided to from a clear-cut position on Iraq, focusing on humanitarian issue rather than devastate communities, destroy human dignity and have severe impacts on In the March Himal unwise to come across as Bush. “When the President is not risk embarrassment from a second resolution on 18 March and opted for openly condemning Washington. Outside their parliaments and on the the physical and mental health of women and children. It condemns the American at all. As a result, the travelling abroad, he will only war with Iraq. Things have not been easier for Vajpayee, who staved off an streets, the two countries look even more close to each other with similar- “increased arms procurements and aggressive and corrupt international arms The Shroud: An investigation into State Department cautions US act American while aboard Air anti-war resolution in parliament that the powerful Congress party and its sounding slogans and banners calling for ‘Death to America’ carried by trade” that “undermines social, political and economic stability”, which is Indus-Ganga fog the result of wars. citizens to avoid behaviours Force One or in the company allies in the opposition were insisting on, only through a speech condemning people ready to battle grim-looking police to get at US installations and Special feature on HIV/AIDS that could cause them to be of US media. At all other times, “unilateralism” and “regime change in Iraq by a foreign power”. institutions. Apart form sentiment, both India and Pakistan have genuine fears that a in South Asia prolonged war in the oil-rich Persian Gulf region could result in millions of singled out as obviously he will attempt to come across At the moment, there is not a single political party either in India or in Predictably, pro-Islamic groups and political parties are at the forefront ‘Denizens’ of the Northeast American. These include: as Kosovian or Grecian.” Pakistan that has not criticised US-led military action in Iraq, though some of such rallies in both countries—but this time around they are sharing a their workers employed there having to be repatriated home—with serious Adivasi up-rising in Kerala the wearing of white socks Reached for comment in may offset this by saying that Saddam Hussein could have done more to platform with intellectual groups, secularists and leftists. consequences for the local economy and for employment. India has already and tennis shoes. Brussels, US Ambassador to comply with UN resolutions or some token to show they do not wish to Last Friday, Pakistan was crippled by a shutdown called by the begun an airlift of its nationals out of the region and Defence Minister An ordinary history of migration complaining if asked to share NATO Nicholas Burns said, offend Washington. In India, for example, the Congress party, which was Muttaheda Majlis-i-Amal (MMA), an alliance of religious parties that George Fernandes announced that transport aircraft from the air force stands a bathroom. “Qing wen, ren min gong yuan loudest indemanding a parliamentary resolution to condemn unilateralism represents a third of parliament. It is powerful in such sensitive provinces as ready to help with any emergency evacuation that might become To subscribe: Call 5543-333 or write to [email protected] threatening to sue over bad zai na li?” (BBSpot online) desisted from joining a team of politicians that toured Iraq last month to Balochistan and the North West Frontier Province and influential in Punjab necessary (IPS)

#138 NT PEPC.p65 10-11 3/30/03, 3:18 PM 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 HISTORY AND CULTURE 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 13

Take responsibility the major parliamentary parties, NEPALITERATURE by MANJUSHREE THAPA FEEDBACK by ISHWOR GURUNG

○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○ including the Nepali Congress and Jana Bhawana, 24 March the CPN (UML), seemed Kamal Thapa committed to peace after the The Maoist leadership has started ceasefire was declared, Prachanda Jana Astha, 26 March making contradictory claims over added these parties fell into the Manjul Letter from Bardia the murder of Armed Police Force trap of “indecision”. Hope and development need to Excerpts of an interview with Kamal chief Krishna Mohan Shrestha in Thapa, leader of the Rastriya January. Contrary to a previous Baburam Bhattarai urgently invest in this fertile Prajatantra Party and member of statement, Eastern Region Bureau In his column Maoist chief the government committee to recruiting ground for the Maoists.

member Kripashwor revoked his negotiator Baburam Bhattarai said,

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ monitor the code of conduct. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ party involvement in Shrestha’s “The peace talks are going to take What is the status of the code of assasination. Addressing a local place in the country between or many years the area around the Royal Bardia National conduct? meet at Mahadevsthan in Sindhuli, representatives of the old regime With the masses Park has been a hotbed of political dissent. This is hardly It’s been only one week since the Kripashwor said his party was and the new regime. Current he poet Manjul began his career as a committed communist worker, traveling from F surprising when you consider that some 5,000 people had code of conduct went into effect. investigating the murder to find out domestic laws have no jurisdiction to be moved out of the Babai valley to extend the park area in the There may have been some who was involved. over negotiators because the entire village to village with singer Raamesh, sounding out songs against Panchayat-era 1970s. confusion in implementing it in Local intellectuals and political country had been divided into two T oppression and rallying the masses to revolution. Those who grew up in the eastern part Many of these people received no compensation. They had the beginning. A period of three party representatives who also opposing regimes and armies. Only weeks was specified for the code to of Nepal still speak of staying up all night along with the entire village, listening to the two probably been living in the area for some time, but had no title participated in the talks concurred international laws will be applicable singers in the rain or in biting cold weather. deeds to the land. No deed, no compensation. Evicted, most be fully enforced. At the moment that peace talks must begin soon. during the period of talks...the old it remains a formula, some have since been again squatting on land for which they have no Madhab Acharya, the president of establishment isn’t serious enough Disenchanted with communist politics and aesthetics, Manjul was later to abandon all concrete decisions from the cultural work aimed at serving the political parties. For this, he bore the brunt of his titles. government is necessary for the Nepal Teacher’s Association about creating a congenial Much data was collected in the area in the late 1990s under implementation and monitoring. also called on the Maoists to environment for talks. Why else comrades’ ire. Yet Manjul persisted in defying the standard subjects and styles of progressive the the UNDP-supported “Parks and People” project, now acknowledge the serious mistakes would they file cases against us in writing by exploring individual subjectivity in a metaphorical, abstract, and sometimes renamed Participatory Conservation Programme, run by the The chief government negotiator, Narayan Singh Pun, has said the they made in the last seven years of their so-called courts after the extravagantly surreal language. His Sajha prize-winning collection Mrityu Kabita bears much Department of Wildlife Conservation and National Parks. It Maoists are adding new demands. the armed insurgency. “The ceasefire? And although an evidence of his break from communist poetics. And his collection Siddhicharaharu voices a focused on grievances leading to conflict of interest between I don’t know if the Maoists have formally added new demands. Both Maoists should take responsibility agreement was made, why have they locals and the park. sides should stop tacking on conditions at this point. The code of demand for poetic freedom. for the blunders they made, they refused to release our central level There is no doubt that the local inhabitants in Bardia have conduct says both sides have to gradually release those held in cannot be excused for the crimes leaders?” Newspaper headline: Son of former minister jailed on corruption Having established his freedom as a poet, then, Manjul now seems set to return once again captivity. The government is formulating a policy for the release of charges. some legitimate grievances. Ever since malaria was eradicated they have committed,” Acharya to the masses. One of his new projects is a collaboration with American photographer Susan in the 1960s, the tarai has seen a continuous wave of migration Maoist detainees. said. Man behind bars to journalist: “My cars, mansions and bank balance Simone, a series of photographs and poems focusing on the material and emotional suffering

Stand firm were made available by the People’s Movement. Tell me, is it now a not only from the hills but also from India. Space is at a premium ○○○○○ Where do you see the role of political parties in the peace ○○○○○○○○○○○ crime to protect my assets?” of Nepal’s economic underclass. Those who miss the old Manjul—the one who spoke of social and many indigenous people, mainly dangauda and deshaura

process? Back in print Editorial, Budhabar, 26 March ills and exploitation—will surely welcome this body of work, some of which features below. Tharus have been displaced. Many were forced into slave labour ○○○○○○ The political parties welcomed the ceasefire and expressed hope that ○○○○○○○○○○ Rajdhani, 21 March under the kamaiya system, and ended up working as kamaiyas will translate into a lasting peace. But they are not actively Janadesh, a pro-Maoist paper The US-led attack on Iraq has not I’M CRUSHING MY AGES on lands they once owned. contributing to this process by participating. Instead of cooperating, resumed publication Tuesday after only undermined the role of the WILL YOU STITCH BACK MY Government legislation two years ago to free bonded the parties are putting forward irrelevant demands and views, which is a one-year gap. The publication United Nations, but has also own traditional patterns for exporting countries have neither I’m crushing my ages HEART AS WELL, TAILOR? labourers far from helping these people had the effect of not helping anyone, least of all the fragile attempts at peace. We was closed following the arrest of completely ignored its charter and foreign affairs? We don’t see any reduced their production nor along with these stones removing their only shelter and source of food. The plight of must all rise above partisan politics and uphold the national interest. Will you stitch back my heart as well, tailor? all the editorial and administrative past decisions. In some ways it has alternative to a foreign policy of raised the price of crude oil. The my days and nights these people is desperate. staff by the government just after pushed the UN to a degree of standing firmly in favour of a strong government of Iraq, which is my wishes and dreams it seems to have ripped quite badly— In the circumstances, the Maoists found in Bardia a fertile But Pun has said the peace talks will take place even if the parties the state of emergency was declared irrelevance. But the Nepal United Nations and the Non- directly embroiled in war, donít cooperate. recruiting ground. As early as 1998, visitors would be allowed to government’s reaction towards the Aligned Movement (NAM). continues to export oil. Contrary The participation and agreement of the political parties is a must to in November 2001. Excerpts of an I myself Maybe it’ll hold for a few days yet? proceed only by returning the lal salaam. The army got sucked provide the peace process with political legitimacy and boost its interview and an article from its 25 US assault marks a massive to the national trend, the price of am being crushed Maybe it’ll stay stitched for a few more days? into the conflict, and was targetted by the Maoists.

chances of success. The government must continue to open its doors March issue: deflection in our foreign policy. It Incompetence oil has declined in the along with these stones A major in Bardia who used to command the Thakurdwara

○○○○○○○ completely changed after the ○○○○○○○○○ international market. In this for consensus. day to day They say a flood came, company had become popular because he mixed with the Prachanda Minister for Information and Editorial, Nepal Samacharpatra, light, to make the “international the river washed away people and addressed their grievances. He was targetted by the What are the chances of the political parties aligning with the The chairman of the CPN Communications Ramesh Nath 26 March situation” an excuse is nothing moment to moment time to time the few fields we had Maoists, severely injured in an improvised landmine explosion, Maoists? (Maoist), Comrade Prachanda, Pandey—a self-proclaimed expert more than an attempt to and has only recently returned to duty. His successor, along with I don’t see any such possibility. Of course, in the context of the announced the five-member Maoist on foreign affairs—openly The government with the so- hoodwink the Nepali people. a pleasant 20-year-old Gurung from Gorkha who was the driver, country’s politics, there are three forces, namely the king, negotiation team will be made supported the US-led war. called “clean image” has been The recent artificial shortage At my own crushing They say the house succumbed to landslides, parliamentary parties and the Maoists. But in the context of the the wife and children are living in the cow shed travelling in the same vehicle, were not so lucky. Both were killed public “within a day or two”. In an Foreign affairs experts see this tarnished by yet another example of fuel in the market may be I’m becoming from a person, a stone in an attack last year. It is not surprising that there now exists peace talks there are only two forces—the establishment and the exclusive interview, Prachanda said as a serious mis-step in national of incompetence in announcing a linked with efforts to hike the At my own blows in hunger rebels. Political parties are an integral part of the establishment. little trust between the locals and the army. although the government is still policy too. Other than steep hike in the price of price of petroleum products. I’m shattering to countless pieces Resorts in Bardia, like the Bardia Jungle Cottage, are largely Is your party demanding an all-party government by sacking the unwilling to create an environment highlighting this government’s petroleum products for the Citing the smuggling of They say our son hasn’t gotten to attend school empty because of the conflict. For security reasons, the army Chand administration? of trust, the Maoist negotiation readiness to bow to the powers- second time in the last three petroleum products across the I am violated They say our daughter hasn’t yet gotten married had withdrawn telephones from local hotels. In order to No, we haven’t demanded the present government be sacked. But we team will go public, placing its trust that-be, the emerging threat now months. The government’s border to India merely exposes like the rocky shore They say my old woman keeps hacking and communicate with their travel agents and prospective clients, the are not against the formation of an all-party government that can in the people. He made clear that is that Nepal will fall into a series decision cites the “international the incompetence of our I give birth to gravel coughing army have allowed hotel owners access to lines within the army accommodate all political parties. Such a government must be his party hasn’t given up demands of similar problems and situation” as an excuse to strike administration. The question They say she wheezes asthmatically with camp for legitimate business purposes. formed within the sphere of the constitution. We must not let the king for a roundtable conference, an challenges. Why is the an additional blow to already arises: do decision makers have There’s nobody to speak of every breath The army also took in all privately owned rafts in the area for make political decisions outside the ambit of this constitution. interim government and a government committing such a deprived citizens. some sort of “unholy alliance” fear that they could be used by the Maoists for transportation. constituent assembly. While saying grave mistake by ignoring our The fact is, petroleum- with the oil mafia? Either there’s soft earth like me or places soiled by the shit and piss of animals Me, an old man This is further hurting the hotel owners and aggravating an unable to put together the expenses to return already bad situation. Many hotels have had to close down, QUOTE OF THE WEEK home including the Tiger Tops Karnali Lodge, the biggest in the area. Army commanders in remote areas where normal “Bureaucracy is like a hotel and the government is the customer. It is your job to deliver.” EVEN IF THE BUFFALOES DROWN government operations have been suspended due to the conflict Even if the rest of the buffaloes drown Will you stitch back my heart as well, tailor? have been raising voluntary contributions from local businesses -Minister of Health Dr Upendra Devkota addressing government secretaries on 27 March. their horns won’t drown it seems to have ripped quite badly— to assist in the reconstruction of infrastructure damaged by Embanking seven years of armed conflict. The amount and frequency of the If the horns drown donations is set by the private donors themselves. The army Drishti, 25 March everything will drown COME, LET’S LIVE LIKE GRAVEL says the thinking behind this policy is to demonstrate that Nepal Nepali experts have demanded an immediate stop in the construction of the Mahalisagar There’ll be nothing left that can’t drown Come, let’s live like gravel need not be reliant on foreign donors for development aid, since embankment in Kapilbastu that might inundate hundreds of kilometers of agricultural land on it mostly comes with strings attached and is often inappropriate the Nepali side of the border. They also said the repair work claimed by the Indian Embassy My poem who have hordes and wasteful. in the capital is actually the construction of a brand new embankment. will also drown but no one of their own Recent reports about army “extortion” (Nepali Times, Letters, A report prepared by an expert team consisting of Dr Mangal Siddhi Manandhar (below, who are split and shattered #137, 138) are a result of misunderstanding and attempts by local political leaders to tarnish the image of the government left), Netra Prasad Dhital, Baburam Bhattarai and advocate Hari Phuyal revoked claims made If it drowns squashed and trampled on by footsteps by the Indian Embassy. The report categorically states: “The old gate has not been repaired because they feel left out of the peace process. Many locals in but a new one has been constructed about 50 feet away from the old one.” Despite claims action will drown/fate will drown Karnali are happy about the ceasefire and a semblance of who are transported back and forth normalcy is returning to the area. They may not agree with the from the Indian government that construction stopped on 29 January, the study team found it on trucks in full swing till 23 March. Trees will drown from the earth methods of the Maoists, but feel the rebels at least have They also questioned the validity of the Indian claim that the construction is being carried From trees, at the will of others principles to which they have stuck and have been willing to die out on the basis of set benchmarks. The experts said the flowers for them. The situation in Bardia could be a microcosm of what Indian benchmark violated international standards after they From flowers, smells who have no home is happening in the rest of Nepal. found the embankment extended 2.2km between border From smells, (or for whom the whole earth is home) pillars 50 to 52 along no-man’s land. The Indian authorities feelings who have no bed, no fixed stove say the construction is in accordance with a 1901 agree- ment, but failed to name the parties. Water will drown from the river Come, let’s live like gravel Every monsoon, more than 180 hectares of land on the The depths from the water Nepali side gets inundated because of the Mahalisagar From the depths, the quality reflecting me will drown Let’s not speak even when we’re together embankment. The base level of the dam is 91.6m asl, and the quality that washes hands will drown the language of our hearts its FRL is 92.67m. The experts observed the length and let’s consider them adequate— height of the embankment has grown every year, increasing the sounds made when we knock against others Bush Sr to Bush Jr: “If you are truly your father’s son then strike where you said you would…aim lower, the risk of flooding the Nepali villages of Baidauli, Rangapur There will be nothing left that cannot drown lower!” and Parsohiya. The report recommends an immediate halt in construction, and appeals to the Nepali and Indian If the horns drown Come, let’s live like gravel Nepal Samacharpatra, 23 March authorities to find a mutually-satisfactory solution. my poem will drown not the greatest pariahs of this place!

#138 NT PEPC.p65 12-13 3/30/03, 3:18 PM 14 CITY 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 PROFILE 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 15 BOOKWORM Abida Parveen is Pakistan’s Her career worldly as they are spiritual. crystallised after Whether any awareness of Hindu Samskaras: Socio-religious study of the Hindu sacraments Rajbali Pandey “female Nusrat”. Next week, she will bring Motilal Banarasidass, 2002 Kathmandu closer to god through her music. her marriage to the Sufism is necessary to fully Rs 195 late Ghulam Hussain understand this music is a moot The samskaras give expression to the aspirations and ideals of the Hindus. The work is a Sheikh, a senior point, but without getting into systematic study of all the rites, ceremonies and customs to be performed by an individual from producer in Radio Cultural Studies territory it’s birth till death. It shows the sacramental beliefs and practices, far from being irrational Pakistan who became clear that the best devotional priestcraft, are consistent and logical and have practical utility and intention. her mentor. She studied music (whether Gregorian classical vocal music with Chant, John Coltrane or Le ABOUT TOWN The book of Buddhas: Ritual symbolism used on Buddhist statuary and ritual objects Salamat Ali Khan. Mystere de Voix Bulgares ) has a Eva Rudy Jansen While she does not power to communicate across FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS New Age Books, 2002 regularly perform purely racial and denominational Negotiating borders contemporary Pakistani miniatures exhibition from 23 March-1 April Rs 125 classical music, her prodigious divides, and Abida’s ecstatic at Siddhartha Art Gallery. Must see. Contains works of Aisha Khaled, Humaira Abid, Imran In Buddhism, every symbol has a meaning, and this book explores and explains the ritual command of the ornamental flights are no exception. meaning of objects associated with the religion. It is an excellent introduction for students, while Querishi, Mariam Khursheed, Nursa Latif, Reeta Saaed, Saira Wasim, Talha Rathore, idiom and developmental genius This music is more reflective Tazeen Qayyum and Waseem Ahmed. 4411122 not a comprehensive or exhaustive study, it provides an introduction to Buddhism with a generous survey of the most common figures and symbols. of this genre is apparent than the joyous abandon of Water for the future Exhibition and debate program. 27, 28 March, Nepal Art Council. throughout her music. She has Qawwali. The tabla and dholak Rs 20 for ½ day site visits, leaves 9AM. Organised by NGO Forum for Urban Water & Sanitation. Details: [email protected]. 4491052, 4493188 The twelve deeds of the Buddha: A painting by Korchak Tulku Kun-ga Gyeltsen based on performed in a wide range of provide the shifting, cyclical venues both sacred and secular, heartbeats that underpin Abida’s the Dérgé Parkhang xylographs n the ancient tradition of Khan, Abida is not tempted to Shechen Publications, 2003 from the shrines of saints in her song, shadowed by the EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS Sufi singing, the power of crossover to more accessible— Rs 750 native Sindh to the world’s harmonium and bansuri flute. The twelve deeds of the Buddha by Korchak.Tulku Book launch. 4PM on 29 March at the Abida Parveen’s voice and lucrative—world music or Indigo Gallery, Naxal. Nine blockprints have been reassembled in a simple, elegant format to present the life of the I greatest concert halls. Her gloriously honeyed voice is a engages the listener to transcend fusion styles. Ex AVM party at AVM 1PM on 29 March. Tickets Rs 300 single, Rs 500 couple. Contact Buddha as it has been traditionally understood and depicted for centuries in Tibet. It brings the It is to touch this divinity warm, agile instrument, suffused temporal space and truly Surprisingly, she has a AVM School. celebrated Dérgé images back into print and showcases Tulku’s colourful painting style. Each through music that those with sadness and joy, strength comprehend how music can be a pragmatic view on the Martin Chautari Patterns of Injustice and Peace: Global Deed is accompanied by a verse in Tibetan calligraphy with an English translation and a fortunate enough to get tickets to and fragility in equal measure. path to the divine. The Embassy Bollywoodisation of Sufi music. and Regional with Dr Ranabir Samaddar, SAFAR on 30 summary from classical literature. Abida’s public performance on 5 With such a voice Abida of Pakistan in Kathmandu brings “Plagiarism is good for Sufi March. 4256239, 4240059 Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] April count themselves privileged. could sing a shopping list and the famous singer to audiences music. Film music only makes The Secret of Roan Inish Film by John Sayles 5.30 PM at (Those who can’t make it can have an audience weeping, here with a concert on 5 April at way for larger audience and NTB, Bhrikuti Mandap. Organised by Inter-Cultural Film CLASSIFIED watch the broadcast on Kantipur though we doubt we’d ever get Society. the Hyatt Regency. more mass appeal,” she says. Television when it goes on air.) to test that particular theory. Tennis coaching classes Club Oasis, Hyatt Regency ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Lovers of Sufi Soul will get a Despite her niche following, Kathmandu. 491234 Visit Ground Zero Fine wines, designer bathrooms, spacious living, dining, modern The concert is being managed by Sufi soul chance to hear Abida’s husky Abida’s fame has spread across candles, cards, gifts, stationery, wooden kitchen individual telephone, terrace, Infinity International. She will also (Abida Parveen’s concert La Cabana Salsa Night at the Jazz Bar. 28 March, 8PM onwards. Free Entrance. 4412999 alto voice as it rises and dips the world, and is not just items, perfumes and more. Darbar Marg, overlooking English garden with tall trees in be singing at a separate private will begin at 4.30 PM at the effortlessly, wrapping itself limited to the Urdu cognizant DRINK opposite Hotel de l’Annapurna quiet surrounding. Contact: 524389 concert for King Gyanendra Hyatt Regency on Saturday 5 DRINK around poems written hundreds quarters. From Los Angeles to Splash Bar & Grill Exotic cocktails, panoramic view. Happy hour 5:30-7PM. Radisson next week. April. Tickets: Rs 2,500 and Training RTC IELTS courses are taught by Visit Femilines, the Exclusive Lingerie Store of years ago by Sufi saints in Lucknow, they queue up to Hotel, Kathmandu. 4411818 Abida devotes herself to Rs 2,000 per person. Price IELTS examiners using the very latest for ladies undergarments, nightwear, Urdu, Punjabi, Sindhi and hear her sing. The breadth of Kafi, a strain of mystical and includes dinner and drinks. materials. Too good an opportunity to bathrobes and more. Ladies staff. Opposite Saraiki. She sings with a trance- her audience does not faze MUSICMUSICMUSIC often radical poetry originating For more information and miss. Enroll now! Tel: 429590 Sajha Yatayat, Harihar Bhawan, Pulchowk. Tel: like intensity, raising her hands Abida. “I always assume I’m Harald Eikeland and band at Jivin’ Joe’s Restaurant, Kupondole, Friday at 5PM. from what is now the troubled reservation: 01-4491234. 547428 to heaven in fervour or singing for god. For me, my The Steam Injuns with Abhaya on Friday at The Red Onion Bar, Lazimpat. 4416071 border between India and Tickets available at Hyatt Live music by Catch 22, Friday at Rum Doodle Restaurant, Thamel. 4414336 To Let In Jawalakhel near Zoo Fully submission and slapping her audience is god.” Pakistan. These are love poems Regency, Siddhartha Art Rusty Nails 7.30 PM on Friday at The Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel. 4479488 Furnished Apartment 3 bedrooms, 2 Advertisements in all Medias: 428575 thighs in emphasis. Abida Parveen was born in in many senses of the word and Gallery, Bhatbhateni, Friday Nites at Jatra with The Strings. Free entry. Thamel The 49-year-old is often the Pakistani town of Larkana, the Sufi ideal of Visal (union Namaste Lazimpat, Gaines every night at Kantipur Restaurant, Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort. 680083/ 80 For insertions ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. hailed as the successor to the where her father, Ghulam with the beloved) is often Himalayan Java, Nanglo legacy of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Haider, ran a music school. expressed in ways that seem as outlets.) FOODFOODFOOD Ali Khan. It is a mantle that sits Though women in Muslim Krishnarpan 40 percent off lunch and dinner. Dwarika’s Hotel, reservations 4479488 well on Abida, who has a similar society are rarely encouraged to Breakfast deal Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and filtered coffee. Weekends in March. 9-11AM. Thomas Kilroy at 1905, Kantipath. 4225272 command over traditional pursue musical (or other Chez Caroline, Baber Mahal Revisited. Weekend designer brunch. 4263070 ghazal, the ability to infuse folk performance) careers, Haider Celebrate womanhood with 50 percent discount for ladies every Wednesday at Olive songs sublimely and above all, recognised his daughter’s Garden amidst. Radisson Hotel, Kathmandu. 4411818 to communicate with the extraordinary talent at an early Traditional Nepali Thali Lunch at Patan Museum Café 11AM-4PM. 5526271 audience. But unlike the late age and encouraged her to sing. Saturday Asian Brunch at The Café, Sunday European Lunch at Rox Restaurant. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 4491234 Great Value Lunches at the China Garden. Pizza Promotion at the Alfresco. Soaltee Sangeeth Sivan-directed Chura Liyaa Crowne Plaza. 4273999 Hai Tumne marks the acting debut of Café Mitra goes Chinese Wednesday night with guest chef Ranjana Yonzone from yesteryear actor Sanjay Khan’s son 5 March. 4259015 Zayed Khan as Vijay. Co-starring Traditional favourites at The Sunrise Café for breakfast and lunch. Yak & Yeti Hotel. another star child Esha Deol as Tina, 4248999 the script is a roller coaster ride of love, Saturday BBQ Lunch at Club Himalaya Nagarkot. Rs 500 per person. 680083/ 80 trust, betrayal and the mad rush for money. Shot on location in Goa and GETAWAYSGETAWAYSGETAWAYS Bangkok, the film is liberally punctuated Shivapuri Heights Traditional cottage with modern facilities. www.escape2nepal.com with song and dance sequences. With Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort Packages available. 6680080/83 all the right ingredients for a mega- Tea House Combo Rs 700 pp at Tea House Inn, Nagarkot. 6410432 masala blockbuster, Chura Liyaa Hai The Great Godavari Getaway Special weekend packages. Godavari Village Resort. Tumne has something for everyone in 5560675 the family. The question is whether 12PM, 3PM, 6PM Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge Rs 2,750 pp per night. 01-361500 newcomer Zayed will succeed in The secret of Kathmandu Overnight package $99. Second night at 50 percent. Dwarika’s JAI NEPAL CINEMA Telephone booking: 442220 stealing the hearts of the audience. Online booking www.jainepal.com Hotel. 4479488 Gamcha Organic Farm Guesthouse, near Thimi. Traditional Nepali farm house in lush gardens. 6631734

NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL VIS -26 -03-2003 09:00 GMT BRICK by BRICK A moving low pressure system replenished moisture content in the atmosphere over Nepal this week, resulting in the massive thunderstorms on Monday and Wednesday. Moisture pushed up Help build Kathmandu Valley’s first and only community FM by hot air rising from the plains created thunder cells that station. The radio that cares about you, your community, your covered most of central Nepal towards the afternoon. But the tarai was surprisingly rain-free. Unlike winter frontal systems, family, your water, your air, your streets, your jobs. this was convection-related precipitation, characteristic of the Himalayan spring. As this picture, taken Wednesday afternoon during Kathmandu Valley’s thunderstorm shows, the Himalayan Help Radio Sagarmatha move into its own premises and become a arc is covered in storms with the plains clear. Expect a partly sustainable, self-sufficient station. Help us build your future overcast weekend, and more late afternoon showers over the through public service broadcasting. hills and himal next week. KATHMANDU VALLEY Buy a brick today by pledging support for Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Radio Sagarmatha Call: 01-5542245, 01-5528091, or *Conditions apply /]l8of ] ;u/dfyf email: [email protected] Please contact your travel agent or THAI office at Durbar Marg, 24-09 25-09 24-11 26-12 27-12 E-mail: [email protected] or visit www.thaiairways.com for more details.

#138 NT PEPC.p65 14-15 3/30/03, 3:20 PM 16 28 MARCH - 3 APRIL 2003 NEPALI TIMES #138 Under My Hat by Kunda Dixit

Mandira: “Yes, the Australians have really upped the tempo in the last half-hour, but they are still facing pockets of resistance from the rear. By the way, don’t you think this red lace outfit with the plunging neckline that Cable surfing I’m wearing today is rather fetching?” Navjot Singh Sidhu: “Very eye-catching indeed, but I think we’re trying to catch balls here, Mandira. Can’t quite figure out whether that last cut by uman civilisation, during various stages of its evolution, has defined Sachin was a straightish square leg or a squarish straight leg, but it did go true bliss in multifarious ways. Our furry hunter-gatherer forebears, past the slips to a silly point. So, we now go live to our correspondent who H for instance, were happiest while chewing on a grilled gnu rib, is embedded in the sand by the Rivers of Babylon for an unconfirmed report washing it down with fermented antelope buttermilk, and belching in a that Geraldo Riviera of our rival Fox Channel has just been spotted on the loud and carefree manner while walking around their prehistoric other side of the berms. What do you make of these reports, Christian?” underground bunkers with no clothes on. Christian: “Well, so far we have no confirmation from coalition sources, The relentless march of history and biology meant that when the but if true, this means Geraldo’s presence is going to strike such terror and Roman Civilisation finally rolled by, the zenith of human contentment was panic in the Republican Guards that they are going to forget that they are to be able to wangle tickets for seats near the orchestra pit in the actually supposed to be shocked and awed by all these misguided missles.” Colosseum and cheer a pride of lions (home team) while they tucked into Navjot Singh Sidhu: “I know things are rather awesome at the moment, the dessert (visiting team). Christian, but are you able to tell whether these guards are really republican, or could they perhaps be democrats masquerading as republicans to fool our coalition forces?” Steve Martin: “If I could just butt in here, I didn’t quite catch that last question, but it was indeed a green sari that J Pez was wearing on stage. It raised quite a few eye brows among defence analysts, and here with me in the studio to comment on the mother of all bums is the editor of Jane Fonda’s Defence Weekly, Col (Retd) Oliver North. Oli, let me ask you And so we fast forward to the ongoing Western Civilisation, in which this, was that a sari, and if so, shouldn’t Ms Lopez have been wearing a Reverse-Darwinism and the Process of Unnatural Selection means couch- blouse underneath?” dwelling hominoids can attain nirvana by transforming themselves from Oliver North: “Well, what I learnt from selling weapons to the contras bipeds with enlarged craniums capable of rational thought into long hairy via Iran was that in the relentless march of history every asset, however big caterpillars with a remote in one hand and a can of alcoholic beverage in or small, is a military asset.” the other. As long as there is a steady supply of Doritos with dip, freedom Daljit Dhaliwal: “Let’s crossover to the weather centre for the latest fries and prawn crackers progressing at a steady rate through our alimentary world weather.” canals and a choice of cricket, the Oscars or Iraq on cable, you could say Jim Fish: “Daljit, thanks, gusty wind and soaking rain is threatening the that we are truly happy. Australian Open as it gets underway, and over in Kirkuk we are predicting a Navjot Singh Sidhu: “So, Mandira, my cute friend, there is light at the high of 18, a night low of 8, and a bit of unsettled weather perhaps a little end of the tunnel after all, what do you think of that excellent delivery?” bit later in the day over the Northern No Fly Zone...”

NEPALI SOCIETY

vent management is a gather the best Nepali musicians decided to do it himself, and relatively new concept in but also plan the ambitious city- last year set up event E Nepal, but Kiran Krishna hopping tour. “The show gave the nepa~laya with Amrit Gurung Shrestha’s catchily-named people an opportunity to step of Nepathya and Arpan “event nepa~laya” group has put outside their lives and just be Shrestha of Nepal Television musical extravaganzas firmly on normal, have fun and enjoy as partners. Last year, centre stage. “We have been themselves for a change,” recalls nepa~laya organised a widely- giving music performances the Kiran. acclaimed set of concerts by importance they deserve,” says Nepali performers are now veteran singer, Phatteman. Kiran who believes in creating beginning to ask for Kiran’s Kiran has received offers an environment where the artist formidable skills in managing to organise other kinds of can concentrate on creativity events. But this is a modest man. events, but he wants to and performing well, leaving the “At first I had no experience, just concentrate on music. “We nitty-gritty to the management courage. Now it’s different. But it is would like to specialise team. for the others to say if we are in one area He is still beaming with the getting better and setting higher instead of success of Sundar Shanta Nepal standards.” The 32-year-old former spreading the Sangeet Yatra, a travelling radio jockey and television talent too music roadshow that event producer found his calling behind thin,” he says. nepa~laya helped organise at the scenes. It began when he “Kathmandu is not the centre venues across Nepal last month. couldn’t find anyone to handle of the universe, and we want to The January ceasefire was the Nepathya’s national “Education for take music to the Nepal impetus it needed to not only peace” tour two years ago. So he outside the Valley.”

CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59

#138 NT PEPC.p65 16 3/30/03, 3:20 PM