#282 20 - 26 January 2006 16 pages Rs 30

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BILASH RAI Back to February First The government doesn’t seem to know who its real enemy is

NAVIN SINGH KHADKA violent demonstrations on While the arrests were taking possibility of any infiltration, Friday,” echoed NC leader Arjun place, landlines also went out. saying it has never happened in hile the Maoists are at the Narsingh KC. “But if the situation Security personnel had been the past. gates, threatening attacks turns violent, the government mobilised to make the arrests Meanwhile, Maoist chief Won the capital, authorities will have to take the from late Wednesday night and Prachanda on Wednesday issued decided to engage on a sweep of responsibility.” some of them, in plainclothes, a statement saying the rebels political party leaders and civil As for the government, could be seen around party would not infiltrate Friday’s rally society activists instead. Minister of State for Information leaders’ homes from early nor use any kind of force to It’s a scene many had expected and Communication Shrish morning. Some leaders evaded supplement street protests. to see during the municipal Shumsher Rana told us: “We are arrest by sleeping away from their “There is no reason why we elections. But with the polls still prepared to safeguard the basic homes. should believe the Maoists,” Rana 20 days away, the government human rights of the people and UML leader Amrit Bohara who retorted. Even our security forces started rounding up pro- we will not shirk from our duty.” escaped the dragnet, told us from stopped passenger buses coming democracy activists ahead of a Immediately after the deadly a secret location: “With such a into the valley from the west and promised mammoth rally on Maoist attacks that left 12 condemnable action the the east. Friday. policemen dead in the government has admitted defeat.” The parties want the “Under no circumstances will Kathmandu Valley on 14 January, The government has been government to cancel municipal we take back our rally program,” the government introduced using last week’s well-planned polls due on 8 February. “If the Press Freedom for said CPN (UML) chief Madhab curfews and banned Maoist attacks as evidence that polls are called off, there could be Peace and Democracy Kumar Nepal at the Press Chautari demonstrations within the Ring the rebels have infiltrated the an environment for an outlet for on Friday, adding that the Road. The parties defied the bans. valley disguised as political party the present crisis,” said Nepali detention of leaders early But in a scene reminiscent of cadre. Said Rana, “The rebel-party Congress leader Girija Prasad SUBSCRIBERS Thursday morning was the act of a February First last year, the pact clearly states that both Koirala. Did your paper arrive on time “desperate and fearful regime”. government arrested more than 70 would target the government in Both sides look set for a this morning? If not, call our “Despite all the prohibitions leaders and activists and cut their own ways and that is what confrontation on Friday, with the Complaints Hotline 9851054729 of the government, we will go mobile phones within the Valley is exactly happening now.” Maoists waiting and watching in and talk to Santosh Aryal. ahead with our peaceful and non- on Thursday. Party leaders refute the the wings. z 2 EDITORIAL 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Marty Logan Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Vicepresident Corporate Affairs: Sneh Sayami Advertising: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Subscription: [email protected] Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur [email protected], GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu Tel: 5543333-6, Fax: 5521013 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 5547018 A lose-lose war APRES MOI Both sides are fighting not to win but for a The kindest explanation we can come up with for the irresponsible brinkmanship being shown presently by the palace, parties and stronger bargaining position in future talks rebels is that it is all part of a bargaining strategy so they have an upper hand in any future negotiation. ecent writings in this paper observe this outcome (in Nepal for both parties is to But that presupposes there will still be room for negotiation have discussed the and in most real-life wars or dynamically signal to the when things are pushed to such extremes. By openly provoking R application of game theory conflicts) this simple logic opponent how patient it can be confrontation, all three sides are inviting an outcome that can only to the present political gridlock sheds very little light on the (or how many deaths it can be absolute anarchy. This in turn will make it much more difficult to in Nepal. The end of the true mechanisms at work. The endure) by not giving up or by find a easy or speedy compromise. With their bloodthirsty unilateral ceasefire on 2 January next obvious step is to ask what not being perturbed by the behaviour the warring sides are behaving as if they aren’t satisfied provides the opportunity to factors are complicating the number of casualties it suffers. with the present level of slaughter. How brave is it to massacre extend the analysis and examine situation. There could be two This is similar to a war of policemen in cold blood with assault rifles? explanations. So, could it be that the king is pushing for absolutism so that attrition game where the in a future negotiation he doesn’t have to settle for a ceremonial role GUEST COLUMN First, the absence of reliable impatience level of each side (or no role at all) but bargain for a Jordanian model of active Avidit R Acharya information makes it hard to can’t be observed by the kingship? determine which is the weaker opposing side. Could it be that the Maoists are asking for a republic so that side. The two parties may have By continuing to fight, the when there are talks they don’t have to give in to active monarchy the conflict between the army different beliefs and are taking a government can signal to the and may agree to a figurehead king? Caught in the middle, the and Maoists as a game of war. chance prolonging the war in Maoists that it is ready to suffer political parties have been pushed by the palace’s rigidity to agree The outcome of the standard hope that there will be a clear many more casualties. If the on a common agenda with the rebels. But this could be trap and war of attrition game between two advantage in the future. Maoists behave similarly, the give the regime an excuse for a harsh crackdown in the coming sides is that the weaker side, The problem is that each game that is played is no longer days. knowing that it cannot win, cuts party must also believe that its a war but a signalling game. In A monarch’s role is never to divide and rule but to bring various its losses by accepting defeat military strength will grow political forces together, not be one himself. It is now up to the king the absence of proper to show foresight to make a proactive announcement of devolution, immediately. But since we don’t faster than the other side’s rate intelligence, all threats are put off municipal of improvement. As the credible, resulting in an elections and bring government comes closer to escalation of casualties. the parties and signing a truce, limited foreign On the other hand, false Maoists together in military assistance may induce signalling may not be an an interim it to think that it has achieved optimal strategy at all. government to the military capability necessary Signalling impatience levels or oversee a return to for victory, when in fact it is offering different settlement representational under-calculating its target level. deals at different times may politics. The army is more likely to give the opposing side There is still get it wrong since the Maoists time, and it will not information regarding one’s be a sign of can observe the army’s belief about one’s own strength weakness or a militarisation better than the relative to the other, or it may climb down for him army can monitor rebel strength. be a method of providing false to announce an The result is that both sides information. adherence to the continue to fight even though If true beliefs are revealed principle of there is no clear winner. In over time (as fighting parliamentary hindsight, both sides will find continues) the lying side loses supremacy. It may that bloodshed could have been credibility and negotiating a fair be just what is avoided. settlement becomes harder. In needed to prevent The second explanation is the end, the lying side will the pressure that both sides are fighting not cooker from have actually given more blowing its lid off. to win but to achieve a stronger information than intended (eg, bargaining position at the the method it uses to lies). If SUBHAS RAI negotiating table. One strategy such information creates LLL ETTERS

OPTIMISTIC OVERSEAS corrupt continue to rule the roost’ can surprises me that no one has voiced any 5. The elected prime minister will choose Thanks to Jemima Sherpa for her sometimes speak for themselves and point concern about the dying state of this young, the ministers and assistant ministers. excellent Nepali Pan (Thoughts escape, towards less likely targets or towards those underage Nepali boy nor has there been 6. The prime minister, ministers and #279). She is an excellent storyteller. that are being defended. Words can any discussion on ways to salvage him. assistant ministers should not be Once an immigration officer asked me boomerang. ‘February First was a What should be the responsibility of the members of the National Assembly or where Nepal was. I told him between temporary move.’ What is the definition of civil and rational society, particularly when the House. India and China, which he interpreted to ‘temporary’ in political discourse and in the the person in question happens to be a 7. This arrangement is only for two mean in India. So I drew him a map. Nepali scenario, which defines the notion of minor? I ask: are we to be blinded just like years only. When he saw a tiny Nepal sandwiched this so-called impermanent move? anyone else and ready to sacrifice the 8. Two years from now there should be a between giants India and China, he said Whenever we address issues of such budding life of a teenager for the sake of general election for all the members of “Sorry, we cannot allow you to go out”. importance, as good Samaritans, our meditating for peace? Who would be the National Assembly and the House. At While I try to always read Jemima’s discourse and our perceptions must be responsible if he died? Is he being ignored the same time there should be an election columns, I have a hard time multi-dimensional. Blame games usually because the country is in a state of internal for prime minister. understanding her complex style. Maybe reek of self-cantered hypocrisy. If we conflict and so many young people are 9. There should be no nominated she could simplify it a bit so us readers continued to reflect upon what ‘they’ did, the dying? I think it is time we thought about members in the National Assembly or in who are not native English speakers can saga would stretch back to centuries of saving him while there is still life in the the House. get her full meaning? I hope in the future mismanagement and onerous infighting young boy and not when he has reached a 10. There should be a term limit of six to read her optimistic views in contrast to rather than a specific and concise point of no return. years for the members of the National the ideas of those overseas Nepalis who timeframe that Mr Shrestha relentlessly JK ‘Canchha Hajur’, email Assembly, three terms of two years for suffer from inferiority complexes. It’s repeats. He fails to see the bigger picture. the members of the House and one term important when comparing Nepal with There is a generation in this country that is 10 STEPS of six years for the Prime Minister. western countries to also consider our stuck in the paradigm of a superficial I am writing this letter to save monarchy Shree Shrestha, Madison, WI, USA social values and social capita, not reality, envisioning that political paradise and democracy in Nepal. My suggestions merely income levels. can be attained through despotic means are step-by-step and self-explanatory. Rajan Khatri Hamburg, Germany rather than an all encompassing vision 1. Declare Falgun 7 Election Day in Nepal. LETTERS capable of incorporating different players in 2. Nominate one member from each of the Nepali Times welcomes all feedback. Letters TUNNEL VISION the political or social spectrum. It is almost 75 districts for the National Assembly. should be brief and may be edited for space. Mr. Bihari Krishna Shrestha’s columns true when they say Nepal is a land of 3. Nominate all of the members for the While pseudonyms can be accepted, writers are becoming acutely one-dimensional. opportunists. House. You could nominate the same who provide their real names and contact They do little for mutual rapprochement Shiven Thapa, Kathmandu representatives from the dissolved details will be given preference. Email letters amongst the warring sides and more to parliament. should be in text format without attachments incite partisan delinquency. His writing LITTLE BUDDHA 4. Let the 75 members of the National with ‘letter to the editor’ in the subject line. lacks diplomatic flavour and the subtle Thanks to Keith D Leslie for his excellent Assembly choose the prime minister. nuances of international or domestic write up (Nepali Pan, ‘The Little Buddha of Anyone could be a candidate but ex-prime Email: [email protected] relations, which can bind and add Bara’, #281) on the meditating boy. We ministers, ex-deputy prime ministers, ex- Fax: 977-1-5521013 cohesiveness to a bleeding nation. This have been hearing so much about Ram chairmen and ex-deputy chairmen of the Mail: Letters, Nepali Times, GPO Box 7251, is not the way forward for an intellectual. Bahadur Bomzon going without food and Council of Ministers should be barred from Kathmandu, Nepal. Statements like ‘but sadly, the very water for almost eight months that it running for the post. 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 3 advantages for the honest side it may actually be optimal to be honest. If both sides agree on what would happen if they continued Hyper reality on the tv screen to fight, they should cut their losses and sign a truce The neo Panchayat is taking us back to the future with vengeance immediately. Further, if each side recognises the optimality in n an age of audiovisual images, television sets the national agenda. being honest about its What’s shown on tv is hyperreality. Íf it did not happen on the capabilities, then it may be I idiot box, it did not happen. possible to come to a consensus These days tv news begins and ends with extensive coverage of on what the disagreement royal excursions in the eastern region and the encounters between the payoffs would be (ie, what the monarch and his subjects are carefully orchestrated photoops. consequences would be if they The king in his olive greens is often shown mixing freely with continued to fight). impoverished Nepalis clutching at straws. King’s interactions with the Coming to such a consensus masses are constantly monitored by watchful guards cordoning him in should be the first stage of multi-layered security rings. negotiations. In the second stage, The planned spontaneity makes for moving scenes. Figures in these the parties would have to agree acts appear to have come alive out of history books. The urban on what present arrangements intelligentsia considers the visage would equal the disagreement STATE OF THE STATE of supreme commander-in-chief in payoffs of the future. CK Lal every frame supremely boring. But The desire of the political for the bread-denied, such parties, on the other hand, is meticulously staged circuses are temporary diversions from the that democracy will be preserved drudgery of their daily life. KIRAN PANDAY and reinstated. There is The way the chairman has been doling out assurances about various obviously a trade-off between projects, it’s almost impossible for a resource-starved government to waived, reduced, or brought to minimum, welcome to the brave new minimising deaths and keeping follow through any of them any time soon. However, whether promises world of Nepali economy where high-spending consumers will be the the status quo (since the made by the king can or will be kept or not is beside the point. The new lords of the realm. government can minimise the purpose of periodic royal trips to countryside has always been to create Child labour is to be regulated rather than prohibited. Foreign costs of the war by giving up a distant familiarity, the kind of bond that exists between a deity and investment will be sought from Saudi Arabia. The government in its now but given the Maoist agenda his devotees. Towards that end, King Gyanendra has brilliantly infinite wisdom has decided that like water, labour surplus will find that is unlikely to preserve succeeded in renewing a regal tradition that goes back to the hunting its way to the low-lying areas of wage-earner shortage. In any case, when democracy) and this trade-off is trips of Ranas to tarai every winter and regular forays King Mahendra trade is to be the mainstay of economy, everyone is expected to become probably very high given that and King Birendra undertook throughout their years of absolutism. a shopkeeper. The shutters along Indo-Nepal border are expected to do presently the government under Let there be no confusion, even though the chairman of council of brisk business to alleviate the shortage of Indian currency at the centre. the king is seeking not ministers is not in the capital, he holds sole control over all the organs Promotion of ‘import-export’ with all its connotations is the primary necessarily to preserve of the state. Kamal Thapa, aspiring to be His Majesty’s Most Loyal focus of recently promulgated financial ordinance. democracy in general but to Political Servant, flew out to Itahari headquarters of Eastern Command Shock and awe propaganda, repress and control politics, and a preserve the monarchy, while the before issuing prohibitory orders against political protests and funnel route for overseas trade—doesn’t the combination looks Maoists are fighting primarily for imposing nighttime curfew over almost all the heavily populated areas distantly familiar? In case you have missed the message, it’s a revised the establishment of a republic of the country. Earlier, the chairman himself had helicoptered into the and updated edition of LOOT (Lure supporters, oppose neutralists, of some kind. capital for a day to clear the Budget by Ordinance issued by his ostracise critics, and tyrannise the opposition) of political economy Nevertheless, it is likely that government. perfected through practice during the Panchayat. Rightly it has been there are some intermediate Roop Jyoti, the well-meaning technocrat with trading background, said about orthodox societies that the more things change, the more arrangements that are possible has been defending the budget to the best of his considerable ability, they remain the same. But if only Nepali society were as simple as the and acceptable to all three sides, but there is little doubt that the financial ordinance is no less of a strategists of Narayanhiti think it is. although finding them may gamble than the high-stakes games being played out in the political A majority of Nepalis may still be powerless, but we know the require a more creative approach arena. Daredevilry is written all over this half-yearly budget. temporariness of tyranny too well to be terrorised by it for long. It has from scholars and a purposeful The financial plan of the government is fundamentally flawed: it been said of the fascist mindset that they tend to overestimate the dialogue between the disregards the principle of no taxation without representation and extent of ‘influence over outcomes’ that is realistically possible to government and Maoists. attempts to completely upturn the economic bases that successive attain. In its bid to control everything, the palace seems to be slowly popular governments since the People’s Movement of 1990 had sought moving towards an outcome where it will be lucky to be left with Avidit Acharya is studying mathematics to build. Gone is the commitment to planned economy. The royal anything to hold. The LOOT Model is history. No amount of political and economics at Yale University in the regime favours laissez faire, the economic model of choice for the acrobatic is going to bring it back. That’s the message that will start to United States. adherents of social Darwinism all over the world. With customs duty circulate once phone lines resume 4 NATION 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 slightly over Rs one billion has their works on the ground, arrived as foreign assistance. especially bilateral donors who Despite the various are directly implementing their challenges and troubles projects in rural areas. That is the discussed in the London reason why the donors have made meeting, the donors had one it a point to highlight their Basic Donors’ dilemma common stand: they were not Operating Guidelines time and On and off violence is interrupting the foreign aid flow walking away from Nepal. “That again, in which their employees’ all of them decided to remain safety is given top priority. “If our Despite international criticism engaged was an important staff’s safety is compromised, against the February First move, message,” says McClelland. then we will act accordingly,” humanitarian aid has remained intact. That was when the Maoists’ said McClelland referring to the unilateral ceasefire was still in undergoing review in DfID’s place. Now the truce is no more engagement in the country. (see and the rebels have even started ‘It’s definitely a missed targeting Kathmandu Valley. opportunity for Nepal’, p5). While the renewed full-scale The risk in sending staff on conflict and violence has donors monitoring missions is what is worried about how to implement keeping much of the donors’ projects, the government has a money unused. “In fact, this strong belief that next month’s problem is getting more severe municipal elections are good because most of the bilateral news for development. “It has donors have not been able to send been difficult to spend the their staff to the field due to the development budget because conflict situation,” says National there is no local government. Planning Commission Vice That is why we have been Chairman Shankar Sharma. stressing local polls,” recently While the worsening situation appointed State Minister for has led to a decline in foreign Finance Roop Jyoti told us. assistance from most bilateral His immediate predecessor, donors, officials say that aid from Madhukar Shumshere Rana, many multilateral agencies has believes the donors made a increased. One example is the turnaround after King Gyanendra Asian Development Bank. “Not

NARESH NEWAR announced the polls last year. only has the bank released the “Before, they had many issues to assistance it had put on hold but NAVIN SINGH KHADKA their assistance while others were development activity, whether cite reservations about but once it has also entered into new in LONDON reviewing the situation on the from the Maoists or the security we announced the elections they negotiations,” a senior NPC ground. Few have chosen to forces, makes it very difficult for have shifted their position and official told us. lmost one year after the increase their aid. the donors to do their job,” he have become quite positive.” “The bilaterals can afford to royal takeover, Nepal’s The changing scenario has added. But most representatives of talk about politics and they can A foreign donors are sending been the main concern for them Such apprehensions could be the donor community who we take a political stand to decide mixed signals about their future all. “We are concerned if there the main reason for the spoke to didn’t agree. One of about their assistance but we engagement in the country. That will be a conducive political significant drop in aid this year, them told us privately, “The cannot,” one chief of a was evident at a recent donors’ environment for donors to do at least judging by the first half of Election Commission has multilateral agency told us. meeting at the United Kingdom’s their work properly and it applies fiscal year 2005-2006. Of the more received not a single penny from The multilaterals and the Department for International to the government, king and also than Rs 52 billion allocated to any of the donors—that shows if bilaterals may have some Development (DfID) headquarters to the Maoists,” says Stephen development, more than Rs 32 the donor community supports differences about their operations here. McClelland, head of the Asia billion was expected to be drawn the election or not.” today but both must face the Some of those who Directorate at DfID headquarters. from a mix of foreign loans and The conflict has prevented uncertainty that renewed violence participated had already slashed “The interference in the grants. But after six months, just many donors from monitoring has once again posed. z Caught in between again Villagers in Kapilbastu see security only across the border JB PUN in KAPILBASTU been the worst victims, he added. Many villagers have already started t was ceasefire that brought Ram Ranjit crossing the border to India. Local NGO Yadab home to his family in Gangolia workers from Maiti Nepal, which tracks the Ivillage of Rupendehi after five long movement of sex traffickers and their years. Now he’s fleeing again because of victims in the border area of Bhairawa, threats from Maoist rebels. His fellow have noticed that the flow of Nepali villager Bechu Kunwar is joining Yadab on villagers towards India has more than the path to India. doubled after the ceasefire ended. Kunwar agreed to rebel demands to “We were forced to quit our schools resign from the police force but that didn’t and are now going to India for our own satisfy the Maoists, who insisted that he safety,” said a group of young boys who join their military wing. Yadab knows that had reached Butwal before moving on to their threat cannot be taken lightly after he India. saw his friend and ex-cop Tribeni Tharu “The Maoists tell us to join their shot in cold blood. military and the security force intimidate “Why is it again the unarmed civilians us to give information about the rebels,” who have to be victimised,” asks Asta said Deb Kumar Magar. Bhuja Chaudhary, former ward chairman But while the forces have extended and leader of a local Tharu welfare group. curfew hours and increased their Chaudhary was abducted and then slapped The poor are always hurt most operations, there is still no sign of the in front of all the Tharu villagers in by the escalating violence Maoists reducing their military activities. Rupendehi during a public meeting. DAMBER K SHRESTHA In fact after the ceasefire, the Maoists It is not just the rebels but also state his fiancé were arrested on the eve of their homes and intimidating locals in the name established a new Fourth Military authorities and vigilante groups who have marriage last week. of flushing out the rebels. The group, led Division, which has already been been terrorising ordinary villagers. As the Constant announcements by the by Santosh Sribastab, extorts about Rs mobilised in the Gandak region. Maoists intensified their activities, the district administration that anyone 5,000 from locals, and force families to pay According to Rukum Division state also scaled up its search operations. resisting arrest during checking would be Rs 20,000-30,000 for those working abroad. Commander Ganesh Pun, a special task The security forces have harassed and shot have terrified civilians. “Many are leaving their native homes as force has been assigned to target the town arrested villagers in Rupendehi, Kapilbastu Anti-Maoist vigilante groups, especially they are unable to bear the injustice,” says area. It has already attacked custom and Nawalparasi when they were unable to in Marya Bajar of Rupendehi, have also Ramchandra Dhakal, district president of officials at the key border area of Belhiya, provide information about the rebels. Even launched fresh violence by attacking the Nepali Congress in Rupendehi. where two police officers were killed and ordinary rickshaw driver Brijman BK and political workers, burning poor villagers’ Political workers and their families have two more seriously injured. z BUSINESS 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 5

FDI highs ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Despite the widening political rift and business instability, a Change is coming latest government report says that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) commitment to Nepal recorded a robust 250 percent growth during the first six months of the current year. “The amount Demography, geography and globalisation make it inevitable soared because the number of FDI projects registered with the Department of Industry itself doubled during the period,” said a eading Nepali newspapers driven policies for infrastructure senior government official. According to statistics, 67 projects quickly becomes a development and improvement in were approved compared to only 31 at the same time last year. Rdepressing exercise. Who service deliveries, millions more India and the US were Nepal’s most important FDI partners. wants to wake up each morning to can be lifted out of poverty learn about the killings, the within our lifetime.

United Finance AGM arrests, the mass rallies, the But in the face of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ curfews and the political continuingly draining political United Finance Limited increased its operating profit stalemate? fencing that favours one group of by 100 percent and its net profit by 188 percent in people over many, the same the past year, according to its just finished 11th young people—like their AGM. The company also welcomed Jagdish Prasad STRICTLY BUSINESS counterparts in Eastern Europe in Konodia as new director from M/S Rahul Ashutosh Tiwari the late 1980s—could well grow Infrastructure. Company Chairman Basanta Kumar Chaudhary presented the annual report, adding, ‘the target of up to form cohorts that, through United Finance limited is to provide customised service to suit The media report as though a their sheer number, throw out any the needs of individual clients’. few Nepalis—the king, the oppressive regime that slams a political neta and the Maoists— door on their dreams for a better ANUP PRAKASH have the power to change the fate future. For Nepal, it’s not history spinning on either side of us.

TourControl of 25 million Nepalis. But what if but demography that is destiny. Globalisation: In Panchayat ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Data Analysis and Software Solutions there are forces far stronger than Geography: The biggest days, Radio Nepal would tell us (DASS) has unveiled TourControl, a any one side’s show of muscle, story of our generation is going to that the world loved us and we software application tailored to the brewing in and around Nepal? be the unfolding of China and believed it. These days, Nepalis specific needs of tour operators and travel agencies. The What if the effects wrought by India as prosperously self- get their news from so many application caters to a range of functions, from air ticketing, those forces will radically change confident giants on the world sources that they are able to excursions and hotels to trekking and pre-formatted itinerary. It Nepal from the path on which it’s stage. Only 15 years ago, those decide the truth of what they see, gives tour operators a smooth and efficient operation for planning been muddling along since 1769? neighbours were mere footnotes hear and experience without a tour from beginning to end. Regardless of who governs it, the that wielded little global anybody’s telling them what’s th forces that are going to change influence. what. Meantime, with a stronger NIB 19 AGM Nepal in the next 20 years are In 1991, cash-strapped India remittance economy, lower

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ demography, geography and had no choice but to shrug off information-gathering costs and Nepal Investment Bank Ltd (NIBL) held its 19th Annual General Meeting at Royal Nepal Academy on 6 January. Chairman and globalisation. decades of socialist policies to the further fall of barriers to Chief Executive Director Prithibi Bahadur Pande presented the Demography: Nepal, the light the fuse of economic interconnect markets, global directors report, balance sheet and profit and loss account for oldest country in South Asia, has reforms, the pace of which is only Nepalis and friends of Nepal have fiscal year 2004-05. NIBL was awarded the prestigious ‘Bank of a population with a median age of going to go faster in coming years. emerged with a louder voice about the Year 2005’ by London based Financial Times Group’s The a mere 20 years. That figure is Likewise, at the grand old age of how this country should or Banker, making it the first Nepali Bank to win the award two slightly higher than that for 87 in 1992, communist leader should not be governed. times in three years. NIBL also opened its 13th branch in military-run Pakistan and the Deng Xiaoping visited southern All these are slowly Narayangargh in the past year. single-party-run Maldives. On China and blessed bolder market transforming Nepal from being in one hand, such a low median age reforms. Since then, Chinese a state of trance over its history to NEW PRODUCTS presents an opportunity. With economic growth rates have been a state of spasms about its future good governance that represents so astoundingly high that today possibilities. That is why these A STORM IN TOWN: Saakha & Co people’s aspirations, millions of every developed nation has its unstoppable changes need to be will next week launch the new San young Nepalis can easily be own strategy to benefit from taken seriously by all. After all, as Storm convertible roadster. With a inoculated against diseases and China’s economy. But at war with Renault D7F-MPFI engine, 58.5 Charles Darwin put it, it’s not the bhp and sleek looks, the San sent to school to pick up one another since 1996, we strongest of the species that Storm is sure to be a favourite among knowledge and skills to be remain unable to come up with survives, nor is it the most the youth of Kathmandu. productive citizens later on. any coherent, much less credible, intelligent but the one most Similarly, through incentive- plan to take advantage of what’s responsive to change. z ‘It’s definitely a missed opportunity for Nepal’

Why is Nepal not listed among those core countries? But when current projects end, will more funding be Based on poverty criteria, Nepal should have been one of available? those 25 countries but it was not chosen in large part I don’t have the answer to that question. We weren’t because of poor governance and the armed conflict. Instead able to start new bilateral programs last year. And after of being able to attract additional resources (from Canada) 1 February, all assistance to the central government Nepal’s long-term funding is now at risk. Each time money was frozen, though it wasn’t much. We’re working on a is tied up, it becomes more difficult for new programs to new interim strategy. Till now we have decided to come online in countries like Nepal, not included in the key maintain a presence. We believe our assistance is still policy commitments. making a positive difference, notably working directly Canada has been providing with poor women, dalits and janajatis. Canada wants to So, governance was the main reason Nepal didn’t make the remain engaged. Canada doesn’t want to abandon development assistance to Nepal list? Nepal. for 40 years and today focuses Yes. The two main criteria were—poverty and governance. Certainly based on poverty, Nepal would make the list. But How much is Canada’s contribution this year? on supporting local NGOs, other poor countries are better able to absorb assistance. In 2005, our funding to Nepal was between $ 8 million particularly those working in and $ 9 million US. This year it should be about the Does that mean Canada’s funding to Nepal is at risk? same but I don’t know because Canadian contributions communities in primary health Canada intends to continue development assistance that to the CAP (Consolidated Appeals Process—a new UN- and rural livelihoods. But Jean- delivers direct benefits to vulnerable populations as long as designed pool of money devoted to the humanitarian these three elements are in place: 1. the conflicting parties dimensions of the conflict) have not yet been finalised. Marc Mangin, Canada’s first respect the Basic Operating Guidelines (BOGs) (on the secretary (development), told rights and responsibilities of development agencies and How will that CAP money be spent? Nepali Times that future aid has their staff), 2. the security of our staff and partners is not There will be assistance to the Office of the High compromised, 3. we can demonstrate to ourselves and to the Commissioner for Human Rights, UNHCR, OCHA and become more precarious since people of Canada that we are still able to obtain good results possibly other agencies. What is clear is that we Nepal was left off a new list of in helping Nepal’s poor. The public endorsements of the support the analysis and rationale behind the CAP. One BOGs by the Government of Nepal (last July) and by the of the key aims of Canadian efforts here has been to nations on which Canada will insurgents (last December) were critically important support the UN’s response to the various dimensions of focus its development efforts. milestones. the crisis affecting the people of Nepal. 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282

Ram or ruin have projected him as a Hindu understanding with the seven- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ king. The vice chairmen and the party alliance. When the Maoists NC-D’s Pradeep Giri in attorney general appointed by approached to propose working Kantipur, 8 January the king have gone to the extent together, we made it clear to Rats and plough to say that the Hindu king does them that there cannot be such a Since the country cannot not need to follow the partnership unless they give up shoulder the burden of a constitution. Certainly there violence and terrorism. We want Jana Aastha, 18 January prolonged civil war and because may not have been a written to solve this problem peacefully. constitution during the regime If the House of Representatives Kamal Thapa, who was labelled a rat by RPP leader Lokendra all Nepalis are for peace, the Bahadur Chand, is on the verge of being beaten by other rats. The Nepali Congress-Democratic has of Ram. But the Ramayana is is reinstated, the political palace rats are waiting to see if the Election Commission grants adopted a middle of the road full of episodes that prove that environment will change Thapa’s RPP the recognition and the plough election symbol. They approach and that is constituent King Ram was quite sensitive completely and the crisis will will only support him if he receives both—if he fails, their support assembly. NC-D was the first even about small exceptions. end. will go elsewhere. Provisions to include other royalists in the political party to make it clear The constituent assembly is the Thapa-led RPP have been made by including a permanent that a constituent assembly was litmus test for the king and the

committee in the party’s I became a rebel

○○○○○○○○○○○ monarchy. Our party does not ○○○○○ constitution. But Thapa himself is the only solution to the present not aware of who will come to his impasse. The Maoists had come wish to say anything about it Shyam Bhatta in Samay, faction, whose division was for peace talks during the but the people are becoming 19 January planned entirely by Tulsi Giri. premiership of Sher Bahadur quite vocal. They have been Provisions have been made to Deuba. During the preliminary chanting slogans and they are KAILALI—Four years ago, Arati include the party’s former talks before the formal dialogue, becoming audible to the king Chaudhary was a bible teacher chairmen, past and present prime they had hinted that they could and the crown prince. Under going from village to village in ministers and elder leaders in the such circumstances, what permanent committee. But neither abandon their demand for a Kanchanpur preaching the holy the former chairmen, nor prime communist republic, which they should an ideal Hindu king do? book. But everything changed ministers, are with Thapa. Surya actually did. At present, they The situation has provided the when she started to get harassed Bahadur Thapa has already have been reiterating their king with an opportunity to by the security forces. It was formed the Janashakti Party, commitment to a constituent prove himself unblemished. The then she heard the word about while Lokendra B Chand does not assembly as an immediate way king should not turn elsewhere Maoist ideals, which impressed even want to hear Thapa’s name. out of the political deadlock. In now. If the king passes the her so much that she left her five Even though there are two litmus test, the monarchy will leaders, Rabindra Sharma and view of the need for peace and a brothers, two sisters and parents Padma S Lawoti, capable of constituent assembly, the seven be even more acceptable and to join the rebels and became being included in the permanent parties including the NC-D, have respectable. On the other hand, area in charge in Poudan. “I committee, its possible that made an agreement. It is true if the constituent assembly haven’t been able to think of my Lawoti will break away and form that the king is not ready for a decides against him and the personal life, especially another party. Thapa might have KIRAN PANDAY constituent assembly. But, a monarchy, the king should step marriage, due to my political plans to put the likes of Giri, democratic party cannot make aside. life,” says Arati, who hails from Kirtinidhi Bista and Marichman Singh in the committee, however they are said to be waiting to see if the party does form and get decisions on the basis of the the Tharu community. Due to

official recognition. It was Giri who made the plan to remove king’s stubbornness, arrogance What republic? their simple ways and restrained ○○○○○○○○○○○

Pashupati Shamsher Rana and critics of the February February and whim. That is because the ○○○○○ nature, the Tharus have always move from the party. Thapa and six other central committee party survives and grows among Nepali Congress Vice Chairman members were included in the ministerial cabinet so they could get people, not within the premises Sushil Koirala in Janabhavana, away from the circle of the party and be brought within the palace of the royal palace. It is clear 16 January circle.However, Giri’s plan to use Thapa and Lawoti has not been that the country can have peace entirely successful. Thapa will have to bear the brunt of this. It is estimated that if the RPP does not get official recognition and the and stability only through a Nepali Congress has not party symbol, those who followed Thapa will once more slide constituent assembly. In this demanded a republic. The party towards Rana. After Rana filed a case in the court, even before the context, there is one particular has not yet embarked on the Election Commission decided to grant Thapa the plough symbol point that needs to be raised journey toward that end. Nor and recognition, many who followed Thapa started to accuse Giri of with the king. NC-D tried its has the seven-party alliance weakening their position. If the palace had taken Rana, it could also best to be flexible and work with pronounced the word. Have a have got the support of India as he has relatives in the ruling the king. But the partnership look at the understanding made Congress party of India as well as in the main opposition BJP. became unsuccessful because the among the parties, there is no king’s coterie and his advisers mention of a republican set-up in it. Some parties’ leaders have been speaking in support of a republic, it is their individual right. The 12-point understanding with the Maoists also does not mention a republican set up. The new generation of our party has been been exploited by high caste raising their voices for Nepalis and eventually many republicanism because they ended up working as bonded have suffered while demanding labourers. They have now been democracy. Every time they have liberated but still live in extreme gone out onto the street in difficulties due to the support of democracy, they have government’s lack of concrete been beaten and their rights plans to reintegrate them into have been violated. They are mainstream society. The Maoists frustrated and therefore they are dangled big dreams in front of talking about a republican them, easily luring many to join. agenda. But the Nepali Congress Today, a large number of female as a party has been demanding Tharus dominate the Maoist the reinstatement of the House western division command. But of Representatives and for peace none of them have been able to and reconciliation with the get promoted to senior king. The party has not given up positions. Still naïve, they say We need peace, Your Majesty that demand. It’s not just the all the right things about the We need food, Your Majesty Nepali Congress—the seven Prachanda Path, the right to I’m sick Your Majesty party alliance too has not revolution, social change and We need schools, Your Majesty abandoned the agenda of having war. But sadly, Maoist women We need roads, Your Majesty the House reinstated. We still still play a stereotyped role that And that is the end of the news, Your Majesty believe that would be the way includes cooking, chopping fuel out of the present political wood and ironing clothes. This crisis. We have already relayed is contrary to the Maoist leaders’ Robin Sayami in Himal Khabarpatrika14-28 January this message to the state and the principles about empowering

king. But our voice remains women. Although Arati is an

QUOTE OF THE WEEK unheard. The king has chosen to area-in-charge she really only “ go his own way. But, the oversees cooking. Arati believes We expect all members of the international community, including Maoists listened to us. That is that women are more capable “China, not to add to complications. why they declared unilateral than men even in the rebel force ceasefire and extended it for one because they have more —Indian Ambassador Shiv Shankar Mukharjee on Kantipur month. Because the Maoists endurance and better overall Television, 8 January were receptive to us, they could abilities. Five years ago, 25-year- enter into the 12-point old Grisma (pictured above) also SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 7 joined the rebels to fight for the the government be justified? It lives. But what do we get in liberation of women. Living on would be better for it to wait for return?” asks ex-rebel Mandabraj the battlefield has become normal some time and hold the elections Karki, former regional bureau for her. But she moved all the once there is consensus. member. Rebels like Karki, One aim way from Kailali to Doti after she Sangarsa and Prabhat were all got tired of some Maoists So, what should the king do? senior military commanders. Maoist leader Baburam Bhattarai in constantly misbehaving and The king should move in line Himal was already a brigade Budhabar, 18 January intimidating the local villagers. with the people’s desire. Those commander when he surrendered There is no direct relation between the end of Her ultimate aim is to educate her who have taken up arms are our and even helped the army for 45 the ceasefire and the 12-point understanding daughter when the conflict ends. brothers. Those unarmed ones days during its operation against between us and the seven parties. When we who have been hit by bullets in the Maoist militants in mid west entered into the agreement, we had very well their own homes are our sisters. Nepal. It was then that the envisaged that fighting would escalate once

Artistic opposition the king rejected the pact. That is why we ○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○ Therefore, the solution lies in government announced that rebels made it a point to mention in the Actress Bipana Thapa in Himal talks and not in conflict. who surrendered would be given understanding paper that we (Maoists and Khabarpatrika , 28 January the opportunity to settle abroad. parties) would separately launch offensives But the government has not even against the autocratic monarchy. Moreover,

Why surrender? everyone understood that the role of the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ allowed them to move freely in Your contemporaries are for people’s liberation army would be crucial if the king stood his ground to hold municipal polls, why are Nepal, 22 January the country. According to the law, the municipal polls even within the army barracks. In this context, the end of you not? no can be detained inside army the ceasefire would not negatively affect the 12-point understanding. It would I believe the polls will worsen A large number of Maoists have barracks for a long time yet those rather be complementary to it. People agree that we need to have a the conflict. Besides being a been surrendering to state jailed have not even been given mechanism that will monitor if the understanding has been followed. Toward that end and to make the agreement more effective, there has to be high- citizen I am also an artist, I have a authorities due to ideological permission to meet close family level talks between the two sides soon. What should be the nature of the responsibility to create public differences in the party and members. They get regular meals movement depends on its goal. If the goal is to end the autocratic monarchy awareness. Instead of heading punishment of their own cadres. but no extra clothing. All this was and establish a complete republic or democratic republic, there has to be toward a solution, we are moving Around 3,500 have already reported by the National Human coordination between the movements in rural and urban areas and also toward a bloody situation. Even surrendered. Their number grew Rights Commission, which was between armed and peaceful movements. It was due to the lack of coordination that the movements of 1955 and 1990 failed. That is why people if elections are a democratic even more following differences strongly condemned by the army need to be assured that our future military offensives will be complementary practice, if polls are held today between top Maoist leaders who argued that the ex-rebels are to the urban-centred peaceful movement. History has shown that there without political consensus, it Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai. held inside the barracks at their cannot be any Chinese wall between armed and peaceful movements. They would mean inviting a The government’s policy of giving own request. But the commission are interchangeable. It is the leaders of the movements who can identify the bloodbath. immunity and rewarding those says that when they asked the timings for such transformations (from peaceful to armed movement and vice army to release them, the officers versa). We don’t think it is wise to point fingers at one another remembering who surrender also motivated past enmity. If people talk about what they call atrocities by our cadres, then So, you won’t vote if there more to give up their arms and told the members that they were we too can recall how they (the parties) placed bounties on our heads and are elections? their party. But the rebels still making arrangements to send issued red corner notices against us, how they equipped civilians with the No I won’t. I am not anti-king, confined in the army barracks are them to a foreign country. “Forget arms of the Royal Nepali Army to gun down our fighters. Till yesterday, rather I am a supporter. But, the complaining that in reality the about going abroad, I can’t even because we Maoists and the parties had separate working policies and live a free life anymore,” says different goals, we clashed. But now we have a common target—the government must understand government deal is different. autocratic monarchy. Since our working policy is now the same, we have who it is holding the elections “Ultimately, it benefits the Himal. So far it seems that the forged this partnership. But tomorrow if the nature of the political inter- for. If it is for the people but the government if we all decide to government is using these ex- contradiction changes, the nature of our relations could change as well. people are not safe, then how can surrender and aspire to lead better rebels only for its vested interests. 8 LIFE One day amon

There is a rhythm to life in Mangalbajar despite today’s hustle and bustle

MALLIKA ARYAL lamplights. The flower lady temple is bustling with people brings baskets of yellow and taking sips from steaming cups of s the fog slowly lifts in marigold garlands and sits near tea, smoking their first morning Patan Durbar Square, the main path leading to the cigarette and discussing politics. AMangalbajar wakes to temple. The cleaning ladies arrive, piped temple bells and a serene One by one the vegetable sweeping along the pathway. chorus of bhajans. vendors pass by with spinach, They work systematically—one Approaching from the west cauliflower and carrot on their cleans the left side while the side of the square, one can kharpans. They are not allowed in other takes the right and they hardly ignore the breathtaking the square area, so they set up push the rubbish into little piles beauty of the 15th-century Malla their temporary shops in front of along the pathways. palace. Following the chants the waterspout, where a couple of The ladies create a cloud of takes you to Krishna Mandir, stalls have already started firing dust as they move. From the dust where barefooted women with up kerosene stoves for tea. emerge young teenagers carrying baskets full of flowers, butter Astha Laxmi Shakya, 50, has traditional instruments. They lamps and other offerings been selling flowers for 16 years pass the street between the temple scurry along to line up in front in front of Krishna Mandir. “So and the museum entrance beating of the temple. much has changed,” says Shakya their drums and bells—chyam The pigeons fight to feed on sipping her tea. “I see new faces chyam chyam chyam. The flower grains scattered by a woman everyday, most of my old lady, vegetable sellers, tea stalls who appears unconcerned as customers are dead and gone and and the pigeon lady all pack up they flock and flap around her. the square is not what it used to and leave for the day just as a She barely looks up as the birds be.” truck arrives to collect the garbage. suddenly take flight together. She sighs and explains that Right behind the truck, For a long time, the pigeon the young people who should be children dressed in neat school lady and I are the only ones taking care of the square are uniforms follow. Their ties are sitting in front of the temple. It leaving town in search of better nicely knotted and their trousers is still dark and all I can see are opportunities. have the necessary creases. At the the silhouettes of Krishna It is almost 8AM, the bajar a south side of the square a young Mandir and the butter little further down from the man has set up a temporary 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 9 ng centuries

newspaper shop attracting a they shoo away the little boys too early for the square to sleep so curious crowd. Some people stop who follow them hawking more vegetable vendors, restaurants and and buy a paper, stuff it in their souvenirs. Elderly men sit on the bead and bangle sellers light tukis bags and move on. Others try to benches outside the museum, and stay open for business. take a quick peek at the headlines soaking up the sun eating peanuts Passers-by hurry home to their and then give up when they and oranges and watching as the families and youngsters part realize they will never push past day goes by. ways. the crowd. The red and blue chairs are The only place with Finally, the fog lifts packed up as the day’s function electricity is the path between the completely and the shops along ends. By late afternoon, the Patan Museum and Krishna the busy roadside open. A music schoolchildren who hastened to Mandir, which looks like a store blares Nepali pop. In the get to school in the morning glowing caterpillar from atop a middle of the square, blue and wearing their neat uniforms are terrace. Looking down, the red chairs are set up for a function returning. With tired faces, harmony of the different to mark the anniversary of the dishevelled hair and loose ties, architectural styles strikes me: the 1934 earthquake. This is the ideal they hang out in the square, museum’s pagoda style next to location for the event as part of sipping tea from plastic cups. the mandir’s Shikhara look. the palace was reduced to ruins The tea stall and vegetable It is time to leave. From the after the disaster and was later sellers are also back. The tourists west side of the square all I can rebuilt. slowly disperse as the sun goes see are the silhouettes of Krishna People are dashing off to get down. Women ride by on their Mandir and the palace. It is dark to work; they push one another to scooters, taxis wait with their and quiet but I can still hear the try and climb aboard safa tempos. lights on and evening shoppers temple bells. For the last time I DAY DAWNS: The morning vendor displays the day’s items (above). It warms up and the tourists line up in front of the vegetable look at a place that has stood the (left, top to bottom) Selling flowers to devotees. Durbar Square is still come and go with their guides. markets. test of time and I see it breathing quite empty early in the morning. Locals rest outside Patan Museum They stop at the rooftop cafes for Suddenly it’s dark everywhere as if waiting for a new day, new after a hard day’s work. Durbar Square lights up as the day’s activities a quick bite or a cup of coffee, as load shedding begins. But it’s and new storiesz come to an end.

ALL PICS: PRATEEK RAJBHANDARI 10 REVIEW 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 Big Macs and Mickey Maos

Chinese Ambassador Sun Heping and others look Tibetan pop art gets exposure outside the plateau on as Sangita Thapa, proprietor of Siddhartha Art Gallery points out a painting of Zhou En-Lai The second panel depicts three food icons, to go anywhere for a dharma talk. Ironically, namaste-ing a nepali girl by Awang Zaba. a bowl of rice crossed by a pair of while Buddhism is discouraged in Tibet chopsticks (Chinese diet), a bag of tsampa itself, there is increasing interest in dharma (roasted barley, the Tibetan staple) and a in the mainland and in Big Mac hamburger in the middle and in Hong Kong. case you missed the symbolism, a golden As Tibet becomes more consumer- double-arched ‘M’ over the burger. oriented it is not surprising to find this trend The third panel depicts mahjong reflected in contemporary art like Gade’s symbols, disembodied high-heeled legs of work, which seems to question the get-rich- chorus girls and a bottle of whiskey in is-glorious concept. We asked Gade what between. During the Dalai Lama’s reign in he thought of Nepal. “I am very impressed Tibet, mahjong, considered a decadent by the preservation of the architectural waste of time, was outlawed in Tibet. heritage such as in Patan’s Durbar Square,” The ‘New Holy Book’ also includes a he replied. canvas that is a page out of someone’s Aside from the whimsical pop work of weekly planner, with entries such as ‘Love Gade, another artist of note is Awang Zaba, at First Sight’, ‘First Kiss’, ‘Party’. Also who is more versatile in his style. Although DANIEL B HABER a sociological/anthropologic perspective— depicted are icons such as dollar signs, not a Pop artist, he does decorative are the works of the new Tibetan pop mobile phones, playing cards and modernistic canvases of ladies in Tibetan artists, such as Gade, which can be gauged cigarettes. costumes meant for the tourist crowd but merican cultural icons such as as a barometer of the new Tibet. Many Tibet watchers (not only those in his Socialist Realism style in which he was Mickey Mouse, Big Mac hamburgers Having met Gade (pronounced Gah- Dharamsala who see the developments in obviously trained, is more noteworthy. A and dollar signs are not the subjects day) in Lhasa at a 2004 Tibet University Art contemporary Tibet as cultural genocide) It is his canvas of a towering Zhou En- that one would expect from painters from exhibition, where he is also a lecturer in art are concerned with the erosion of Lai looming over and namaste-ing a Nepali Tibet. But that is exactly what viewers saw history, I easily recognised his tongue-in- traditional Tibetan culture, particularly the dancer in front of (and blocking) one of the at the ‘Contemporary Paintings from Tibet’ cheek, playful homage to commercial Buddhism that was once its core. While Buddha eyes of a stupa that enigmatically exhibit at the Siddhartha Art Gallery last cultural icons. Here at the Siddhartha was political and social criticism may not be greeted the visitors to the recent Siddhartha week. a good sampling of his work—painted entertained in the TAR (Tibet Autonomous show. The artist says he painted it True, there were the usual Buddhas and monochromatic symbols on rough paper Region) as in the rest of China, Pop artists especially for Nepal audiences, although Buddha eyes, stupas, yaks, Om mani like oversized palm leaf manuscripts. Here, like Gade can freely point to how mammon some observers might see it as ominously padme hums and girls in (and out of) ethnic in a series of triptychs titled ‘New Holy and Mickey Mouse have replaced foreboding. Interestingly, the Siddhartha dress (some even showing bare bosoms). Book’ the artist in mock seriousness traditional Buddhist symbols and values. exhibition was part of the 50th Golden Much current Tibetan art depicts these spoofs the new icons of contemporary Tibet Visitors to Lhasa, especially those Jubilee of Nepal Chinese Diplomatic stereotypical elements mostly in flat as part of the greater Chinese of the coming from Nepal, are usually struck by Relations and was inaugurated by the thangka styles. With a few exceptions, it is globalisation era. how developed and ‘Chinese’ the Tibetan Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Sun Heping. mostly airport art. The first panel depicts a typical Buddha capital appears. There is no dearth of Few people know the contemporary art But for China-watchers and head set in grids for thangka painters and entertainment, from discos in the shadow of of Tibet but the Siddhartha exhibition and Tibetophiles, the most interesting and is juxtaposed with a head of Mickey Mouse the Potala, nightclubs, hotels, spas and Jim Aplington’s Lotus Gallery in Thamel original works that stand out—at least from in similar thangka grids as the new god. restaurants, but one would be hard-pressed will help bring it more exposure.

Jamming with jazz giants

adenza has been a big name in Nepali music since their Jazz at Patan cd established a whole new sound for local music. Now the C pioneers of local jazz improvisation are going global with a gig at the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival. Established in 1967, the festival at the University of Idaho is one of the biggest jazz events in the world. With past performers including giants such as Ella Fitzgerald, Bobby McFerrin and Sarah Vaughn, Cadenza know they have to pull out all the stops to shine in this concert. “It’s huge,” says front man Navin Chettri, unable to hide the excitement in his voice, “almost the equivalent to the Olympics for jazz musicians”. The band will perform in two separate shows—on 21 February for the festival for school children and on 22 February at International Night. Chettri says Cadenza is probably the first outfit from South Asia to play at the world-renowned festival, and will set its performance standards high. “Till now, Jazz at Patan has done well so we hope it will have the same magic out there. The biggest thing is to expose people to nep jazz. There have been different styles of jazz but none with our original twist on it.” The band has been promised free food and lodging and also has support from the Nepal Tourism Board but is still running low on funds. So with a little help from their friends, a fundraiser, Cadenza and Friends Live in Concert, will take place on 26 January, 5.30 PM, at the Radisson Hotel. Tickets are Rs 800. Aarti Basnyat NATION 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 11 Signs of sorrow The low morale of Bhutani refugees is giving way to deep social problems

(left) Bhutani refugees sitting on the porch outside their mud hut. (above) Nirma with her daughter Kamala

AARTI BASNYAT was over but then we came here country they could call their own. Increasingly, husbands here are beyond the camps. Says Karan in JHAPA and soon we found the camps.” Growing awareness has also taking second wives, abandoning Gurung, a class 12 English The hopelessness of the lead to politicisation along party the first. This happened to both student of Sanischare Camp in t almost looks like a movie newly-arrived refugees has turned lines, which some say has Nirma and her mother Krishna Moran, “I already teach grades one set—perfectly lined, well- into despair within the Bhutani distracted refugee leaders away Maya. “It has been five years since and two in the camp here. Later I I thatched mud and bamboo camps recently as news from the from pressing problems such as he left me and my newborn child want to teach at a private boarding houses, wide paths everywhere, UN High Commission for human rights and an early return. Kamala. I hear he is now living in school. I know finding a job will solar parabola cookers reflecting Refugees (UNHCR), which partly The rise of political parties has in another camp with a younger be difficult—there are many who the winter sunlight and faces funds and administers the camps, fact impeded the way to a woman but we haven’t heard from complete their degrees and move peeping out from every nook and circulates among residents— solution as instead of working him since,” says Nirma echoing out only to be forced to come back cranny. schools are to be cut back to class together the parties compete her mother, Krishna Maya’s story. because they can’t find jobs. Beldangi-I appears as normal five and briquettes will replace against each other, they add. Krishna Maya’s husband left her Those are probably the most as any other village on the plains kerosene for fuel. As frustrations rise and the year they arrived from Bhutan frustrated people here”. of Nepal, its only distinct feature These are only the latest in a morale dips, there are disturbing because she did not have a son. Although the camps lack being an almost obsessive litany of developments that have signs such as increasing Officially the refugees cannot barbed wires, fences or gates to cleanliness. But this is one of made life harder for the refugees, indiscipline, rise in alcohol abuse work outside the camps but every block their passage to the outside seven refugee camps in Nepal that most of who were once innocent and domestic violence. The walls morning at around seven, a stream world, an invisible wall has housed Lhotshampa refugees farmers content with their simple of a nursery school are lined with of cycles leaves the camps. One aid surrounds the refugees. The from Bhutan for the past 15 years. lives. Such day-to-day struggles posters decrying domestic worker revealed that the Nepali outside world is a sinister place While their numbers have grown and the failure of the Nepali and violence and rape. Asked if the government is ‘relatively lenient’ for a person without citizenship and living conditions deteriorated Bhutani governments to agree on a condition was so bad that about employment so the refugees and no papers to prove who they over the years, their plea hasn’t solution have turned many of children had to be made aware work but for shamefully low wages are. As Hari Maya, 60, says, “I am changed—“let us go back to our them ‘political’. They are now from such a young age, a passing due to their illegal status and an old woman now, I want to go houses, our lands and our aware of the rights and freedoms local smiles and explains, “that is oversupply. back to my own country, back to dignity”. they hold within the little space not for the children, it is to create The frustration is more my farm and die there. That is my The seven camps house they now occupy and those that awareness among the parents who apparent among the well-educated only wish—to be able to die in around 100,000 refugees, who they could claim if they had a come to drop their children off”. youth as their ambitions rise my own backyard”. were evicted by the government of Bhutan’s King Jigme Singye Wangchuk. Fearing demographic inundation of his Ngalong- dominated state by ethnic Nepalis who had been arriving for decades in search of land, the Druk government created a mass fear psychosis to ensure that the farmer families left Bhutani land. It alleged that anti-national terrorists were wrecking havoc in the country’s south and began to carry out wide-scale evictions, closing southern schools, confiscating citizenship cards and burning and demolishing homes. Says Khadua Bahadur Ringalung (Rai), formerly the Dagadzon District President, “they refused to let our wives and daughters wear sindur and pote and said they wouldn’t even let us burn our dead, in order to chase us out of the country”. Many of those kicked out were also made to sign voluntary migration forms at gunpoint as they left Bhutan. When these migrants entered India, they were steered through the Duars region to Nepal. Sanumaya Karki Chettri, mother of three, remembers her flight. “As we ran from our houses we thought that we would definitely be killed. We had nothing and we thought that life 12 INTERNATIONAL 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 can make things work quicker than countries in the neighbourhood. Nepal is one of the few countries in the world today where there exists today a Country in Vernacular vibrant movement for a return to democracy and where the contours of that advantages of non-colonisation are legion democracy is already visible in dawn’s even if oft repeated. Most importantly, the early light - not many can say that for fact that the British stayed away has Pakistan, for example. When the chairman- allowed Nepal a continuous history that king cracked down, the civil society–in provides a spine of identity that other particular the lawyers, the human rights nation states of Southasia began to build defenders and the journalists–did not only after 1947. succumb. Instead, over the past year, they While many of the myriad tongues of ratcheted up their opposition and rejected Nepal are sadly in decline, the fact is that outright the continuous flow of royal Nepali as the link language provides a ordinances and orders . This movement for platform for political and economic democracy has remained on track despite cohesion. Nepal differs from nearly every the fact of the spoilsport Maoists (whose Southasian country in this sense–there is leadership sees the writing on the wall but not the distinction between the English- is yet to pick up the courage to tell the speaking ‘creamy layer’ and the vernacular romantically radicalised cadre that the masses you find everywhere else–in Delhi, game is up) and the countrywide Colombo, Karachi and even Dhaka. Just to crackdown with the help of the Royal Resilience despite the stress MIN BAJRACHARYA take two examples, the vibrant journalistic Nepali Army. sphere and the loud and raucous political As this is being written, the royal n the depths of despair, as a self- the national spirit at the hands of the arena in Nepal functions entirely in the regime is hell bent on preventing a rally appointed royal chairman of the cabinet Maobadi rebellion requires a colossal Nepali language, without English elite planned for today by the political parties. Itries to drag down society and the recovery effort. But when royalty is shown interference. There is not the demographic But this additional act of authoritarianism economy with the able assistance of the the door and the Maoists forced to give up and class divide between the English and will only trigger the end of this royal military, Nepalis need to remind their brutal campaign, the country will Vernacular, which spells more efficient authoritarian interlude. Nepal will revert themselves that the national prospects are have achieved a catharsis and the future politics, all else remaining constant. to a parliamentary democracy, only a more bright. In fact, brighter than for most of the will be ours to build. The twin rebel-royal It is because all else has not been mature and committed one than the one rest of challenge has allowed the nation to mature constant that political stability and introduced in 1990. The national economy Southasia. in a telescoped period of time and the economic advance has been denied the is like a coiled spring waiting to take SOUTHASIA BEAT True, people will be better for it as along as we Nepali people even though their nation- advantage of open society and it will Kanak Mani Dixit Nepal land on all four feet. state is capable. There are enough examples expand at such a pace that it will be all the has to Once we land thus, the underpinnigs to show that Nepal can make democracy managers can do to control it. Likewise, the unload a lot of historical discriminatory for a successful nation-state are all there. work for the people if there is indeed that social sphere will respond with alacrity to garbage as well as the negative legacy of The lack of formal colonisation delivered, stability and the presence of an alert civil the demands of inclusive democracy now Chairman Gyanendra in the form of illegal in the modern era, a Kathmandu economic society to watchdog and back up the heard loud and clear, and understood, and unconstitutional ordinances, decrees power elite so lacking in sophistication politicians. Nepal’s successful experiments across the land. and orders. True, yesterday (Thursday) that it did not have the perspective to in local government, community/public All in all, the actions of Chairman morning, almost the entire crop of national understand the atavistic nature of the royal radio and community forestry, just to take Gyanendra are hastening the day of politicians was once again railroaded into takeover and react instinctively against the some recent examples, prove that this deliverance. Which is why, in the darkest detention. True, the massive destruction of chairman’s coup d’état. But no matter, the country of ‘manageable’ size and population hour, the spirit is up. z

Dirty dam draws dirty smelters

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KUALA LUMPUR–Trans-national aluminium smelters, some teaming up with Malaysian partners, are beating a path to eastern Sarawak State with an eye to surplus power generated by the problem-ridden Bakun Dam. The much-delayed dam on Borneo Island was originally scheduled for completion in 2003 but is now only expected to start generating electricity from late 2009. Faced with soaring electricity tariffs and raw material costs, many aluminium plants have closed shop in the US and Europe. Major smelters are now scouring the globe for places where electricity is cheap and their sights have narrowed on Bakun’s excess potential, even as environmentalists worry about the project’s impact. The 2,400-megawatt Bakun project was approved by former premier Mahathir Mohamad in 1994, amidst an outcry that it would submerge rainforests covering an area the size of Singapore and displace thousands of indigenous people. Planners ambitiously aimed to channel 70 percent of the dam’s generated power across the South China Sea to Peninsular Malaysia by laying over 600km of submarine cables.

US missiles fuel opposition

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ KARACHI—Missile strikes carried out by the United States on Damadola village near the Afghan border, killing 18 people, can fuel religious fanaticism in this country and seriously complicate US President George W Bush’s ‘war on terror’, say moderate political leaders and security analysts. “Political realities in Pakistan need to be better understood by the Americans. They could do with more consideration for the sentiments of a smaller power that America claims as its ally,” said BM Kutty, organising secretary of the Pakistan Workers Party. Many in this officially Islamic country of 150 million people are opposed to Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf’s policy of supporting Washington’s war directed against the al-Qaeda terrorist network— the leadership of which is believed to be holed up in the remote tribal areas of the Pakistan-Afghan border. Indeed, the target of last week’s attacks was Ayman al-Zawahiri, second-in-command to al- Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden who, according to intelligence agencies, was expected to be present at the scene of the attack for a dinner to celebrate Eid festivities. “Benefit from the incident is being reaped by Islamist parties that are taking credit for the protest campaign (against the air strikes),” said Kutty. (IPS) SPORTS 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 13 Golf with goals ‘The government should You won’t get grumpy when make sports a priority’ you know what you want Hatchets have long been ery often when I am at a golf club I overhear golfers grumbling buried. The former captain of about their rounds. Their errant drives or three-putts the national football team, V overshadow all other conversation. The truth is that even the world’s greatest golfers play very few rounds to their expectations. Ganesh Thapa, is back in his Tiger Woods says, “I probably hit a maximum of two good shot in rightful position as the a round”. I believe that every golfer should enjoy his round regardless of president of the All Nepal the score. The best way to do that is to be focused on what you want Football Association (ANFA). to achieve. Before you go out onto the course, figure out what you Nepali Times spoke to Thapa expect from a round. Do you just want to post a good score or crunch a drive 300 yards? Does finding every fairway off the tee about ANFA’s current activities make you happy or would you rather play for that perfect swing? and how he plans to take Be realistic—if you’re going for a good score than at some holes Nepal’s most popular sport you may just have to lay up and not go for the green. I remember the further. legendary Ben Hogan’s famous ALOK TUMBAHANGPHEY quote about playing the 11th hole TEE BREAK at Augusta (which is flanked on Deepak Acharya the left side by water). So rigid Nepali Times: What are the future plans of in 38 districts. To choose the best of the best from all was his plan of making a chip ANFA? over the nation we are holding school level and putt from the right side of the green that he said, “If you find me With the help of the Goal Project and our own tournaments throughout the country. Then there are on the green, it only means that I have missed my shot.” resources we have established three technical centres the under-14, under-17 and national level Determine what gives you more pleasure because, believe me, if where coaches are given training. Our priority at the tournaments so we can prepare the best of the best for golf makes you happy at the end of the day, you are bound to moment is building our own football stadium. the future. We have our own Academy (ANFA improve. If belting the ball is your game, just go ahead and enjoy Since most of the tournaments are held in complex Satdobato) where we are providing yourself. If you want to cut corners with your driver, be prepared to Kathmandu, we are looking for land here. Within everything, including education to 80 kids all year risk the shot going out of bounds. two weeks we will know and in two years time the round. Our main goal is to start selecting and training stadium will be ready. the best young talents so that we can produce the best footballers. You will see the results in the years to How is the relationship between ANFA and come. the government’s National Sports Council (NSC)? What are the weaknesses of Nepali The relationship is fine but as far as ANFA is footballers? concerned, we are an independent body. From this Lack of international exposure, which leads to lack of year on we will receive no help (financially) from confidence. Second, physically we are not strong. At NSC. Even if we demand, His Majesty’s Government the Academy (in the ANFA complex in Satdobato) I perhaps does not have the budget and more can only afford to give the minimum diet as per importantly sports is not a priority for it. We are Nepali standards. If we had money I would give them collecting our own resources through our own means a better diet, have better coaches and send them abroad and are no longer dependent on NSC. for training and tournaments. Only if there are proper incentives will players perform better. That is why we What is most essential for the development have put cash prizes up to 27 lakhs for the league of the game? games so that it encourages the youth to play football. First we need the help of the government—sports should be given priority. And then of course we Why do you think the government is not need money. We are raising our own resources and giving enough support? are doing the best we can but this is not enough to Its not just football—the government does not have a take the game further. policy towards any sports. You will see media persons, actors and academicians get felicitated but How is ANFA mobilising the resources it what about sports personalities? For example, Nepal has? beat India in the recent SAF games. The captain was Good things hardly appear in the media. ANFA has Raju Shakya. He was a temporary staff at the RNAC and been recognised as among the three best football a week after he came back he was among three people associations in the whole of Asia, along with the to be thrown out. How will players be able to perform likes of Japan and Qatar. I am not saying this because under such conditions? Unless there is a change in I am the president of the association but as a player. thought and mentality there is no use sending Our grassroots-level programs are being implemented proposals to the government. Length has its risks and rewards and while a reward will make you smile, the risk should not sadden you. You have to learn the importance of accepting a result. If scoring is important, you must put strategies and routines into play. When club selection becomes important, you have to play to your strength and at various times sacrifice distance in favour of accuracy. I would suggest that you experiment. Go to the course one day and give it your best. Use the most dangerous routes for reaching the green. Don’t worry about the score. Keep recalling the few shots that actually turned out as per your plans. On another day, go with the intention of reducing your strokes. Play conservatively. Then analyse both your days to see what gave you more happiness. Once you know that, you will find ways of improving your game. Remember, the most important thing on the golf course is to enjoy the course’s lush green fairways and ambience.

Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Golf Director at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected] 14 CITY 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282

ABOUT TOWN Zinda is about life and how a happy one can easily EXHIBITIONS change. Bala (Sanjay Dutt) and Nisha (Celina Jaitley) † Combination 3 an exhibition of paintings live a happy life in Bangkok until one day something and sculptures. Nepal Art Council strange happens to Bala. He awakens to find himself 28 January 2PM locked in a room not knowing how he got there with Fragments of a Journey Oil paintings by only a television set to keep him company. Not Aditi Sadhu Chakraborty 18-31 January, knowing where his future lies Bala spends a long 14 Park Gallery Lazimpat. 4419353 years alone in the room. There he learns what it is to Metamorphosis an exhibition of be ‘alive’ but his happiness drains away as he contemporary paintings and sculpture. becomes insane. 31 January. 11AM-6PM, Siddartha Art Gallery Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Quest Entertainment Call 4442220 for show timings www.jainepal.com EVENTS The Syrian Bride A film by Eran Riklis. 22 January, 5.30 PM Wild Art Gallery opens 19 January. Thamel Sutra Art Workshop 15-30 January, International Mountain Museum, Pokhara. 4242106 Youth Discussion on the contribution of NYEF for the Development of Young Entrepreneurs. 20 January 3.00-5.00 PM, Martin Chautari Best of 8 Crafts art competition at Wild Art Gallery. 1-8 each month. 4218410 Basketball training camp for school and college level students. 5-25 January. GAA Hall. 4491234

MUSIC The Cloud Walkers at Rox Bar. Request the music of your choice. Hyatt Regency Kathmandu: 4491234 Heartbreakers live every Friday at Rum Doodle Bar & Restaurant Cadenza Collective live every Wednesday and Saturday. 8PM, cgzf;g' / gltstfljxLg} JolQm / ;dfh cGttfuTjf] Upstairs Lajimpat ktg eP/ hfG5g \ . To;}n] /fli6o« hLjgsf x/]s JCS Quintet at Niek’s Place cfofdx¿df pbfx/0fLo cgzf;g' / gltstf} sfod ugk5'{ { . Jatra Friday nights, live music by Siron. 4256622 / To;sf ] ;?cft' cfkmaf6}+ u/f }+ . Unplugged sessions with Strings, Jatra Saturday nights. 4256622 >L % sf ] ;/sf/ Live Music at Juneli Bar, Hotel de l’Annapurna. 4221711 ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno Live Jazz by the pond at 1905, Kantipath. 4225272 ;"rgf ljefu Cadenza & Friends! The sounds of Nep- Jazz . Featuring some of the best Jazz and Classical musicians in the country. 5.30 PM 21 January. Raddison Hotel. Tickets.Rs 800 NEPALI WEATHER by MAUSAM BEED For more details call 4441067 Uncork the Good Times Fusion: Ciney and Par-e-jat playing Temperature fluctuations and variations Popular Sounds of 70’s Friday 7PM. Rs. 750. Dwarika’s in humidity levels will be seen due to drought in the country. Jet streams Hotel. 4479448 KATHMANDU above the Arabian Sea have delivered packets of fog over the tarai resulting in DINING reduced visibility and cancellation of all Buffet Breakfast at Hyatt Regency assorted salads and deserts. flights to Tarai regions and Pokhara for 4491234 several days. From Thursday, sunny Maki Newa Bhutu for traditional Newari cuisine at Hotel Royal days are expected to return in the Singi. 4439784 mountains and valleys though parts of the tarai should still be under fog. Mexican and Italian food at Fuzone Café, Lagankhel. 5542935 Satellite pictures taken on Thursday Great Dining options at Al Fresco, Bukhara, China Garden and morning indicate sunny days ahead Garden Terrace restaurants, Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 through the weekend . However, a fresh Barbeque at Le Meridien, Kathmandu, every Saturday. westerly front is on the way and might 4451212. bring some high and dry clouds early Plat du Jour at the Shambala Garden, Shangri-La. 4412999 next week. Wonderful Wednesdays at Fusion, Dwarika’s, happy hour 5-9PM. KATHMANDU VALLEY The Sidewalk BBQ with Shades of Blue, Wednesdays, Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Shangri-La. 4412999 Breakfast at 1905 New York style bagels whole wheat pancakes and real croissants baked in house daily. Omelettes made to your gourmet style. 1905, Kantipath 23-3 23-3 23-2 21-4 21-4 BBQ Dinner at Summit Hotel every Friday. 6.30-9.30 PM. 5521810

GETAWAYS Home away from home Shivapuri Heights Cottage for bookings km/L] ;rf?' 9841371927. [email protected] Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, award winning relaxation in Pokhara. Reservations 01 4361500 g]kfnL Junglewalks, rafting, elephant rides all at Jungle Base Camp Lodge, Bardia. [email protected] Daily 2045-2115 on 102.4 Star Cruises/Singapore with Air Sahara bring you cruise Radio Sagarmatha packages from Rs.65,500.00 only. 2012345. ` P.O. Box 6958, Star [email protected] Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681, Escape Kathmandu at Shivapuri Heights Cottage. 9851012245 Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227 Conferences at Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 [email protected], www.radiosagarmatha.org HAPPENINGS 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 15 Jailed kids get a release

“If you want to do something you such young children. We thought classes. Making the centre work can do it but you have to dare to we could take them out but you became her way of proving that do it,” says Pushpa Basnet, 22, know how it is—friends talk but determination can overcome past who overcame failure to become it’s hard to get things started.” failures. “I could have stayed back founder and president of the Early But they overcame that and cried but I choose not to. Childhood Development Centre in lethargy and finally got things Today I look back and I know I Bhatbhateni. Established six rolling. With the support of a core have achieved so much.” months ago, the centre cares for group of seven—Rupak Rana, Most of the centre’s children children under the age of six Kammu Pokherel, Purnima are aged two to six years. They are KIRAN PANDAY whose parents are in jail, most of Basnet, Juni Shrestha, Mina KC picked up from the jail at 9AM and IS IT A BOMB? Army personnel taking a video of an unexploded socket them in the women’s prison in and Aruna Karmacharya— the dropped back at 4PM, a daylong bomb on Sunday morning after the attack on the Thankot police Sundhara. centre was readied for business. release from the four walls of the checkpost on Saturday evening. Basnet was inspired to start “I am really proud of my team. It’s prison where their mothers are the project during a jail visit been all friends and it has been confined. Sano Kanchi’s mother is during her second year of a about teamwork,” says Basnet. in jail for killing her husband. At the bachelor’s course at Xaviers She is also proud of her own end of a day spent at the centre the College though she has been achievements. Having failed in girl, barely a year old, refuses to interested in social work since third grade, Basnet didn’t pass return to the prison until Basnet she worked as an after-school the SLC on her first attempt and promises to go get her the next volunteer in Bal Mandir. “I never was also held back in her second day. thought that prisons would have year of college for missing The group has been trying to keep the centre going by raising money from family and friends. They also sell products made in the jails by the children’s mothers and use a portion of the profits to buy the centre’s food and other necessities. The centre currently cares for eight children and Basnet has approached other jails

KIRAN PANDEY to inform them of their services. The good the STILL FREE: Madhab Nepal waves at the media after attending a centre has done for the program organised by the South Asian Free Media Association on children is apparent in Thursday. their happy faces and healthy bodies. Says Basnet, “it brings me immense satisfaction to see the improvement in the children. I will never give up. Even now, every chance I get I run back to work.” z

KIRAN PANDEY

KIRAN PANDAY LIKE MOTHER LIKE SISTER: Head of Missionaries of Charity Sister Nirmala shares a laugh after her arrival in Kathmandu on Sunday

KIRAN PANDEY ETHINICALLY ELEGANT: Tharu women in a program organised by the Nepal Tourism Board to mark Maghe Sankranti, the most important festival of the Tharu community

MIN BAJRACHARYA DOOMSDAY DRAMA: Artists from the Kaalbhairav Event Management group performing a play (peace on war and violence) on the consequences of conflict at Hanumandhoka on Tuesday. 16 20 - 26 JANUARY 2006 #282 10 ways you can stop global warmingMI-17LX MI-17LX www.nepalitimes.com

nly after the scientific community 1. Immediately set a time limit on speeches by announced last week that forests the Second Vice- chairman to less than five O don’t just give off oxygen but also minutes so that there is a check on the emission methane did it become clear that we have of hot air. been barking up the wrong tree all along to 2. Stop breathing. Every breath you take counter global warming in this country. consumes precious atmospheric oxygen and His Majesty’s Government seems to have gives off harmful carbon dioxide. Remember known about this as far back as early last every molecule counts! year, which explains why all the trees along 3. Organise tantric rituals and make animal Kathmandu’s streets were chopped down sacrifices at select shrines across the following the royal movement and why the subcontinent to appease the gods. stumps have still not been replaced by new 4. Cut flatulence in cattle and livestock. There saplings. are an estimated 22 million cows and 17 What this discovery about trees as million goats in Nepal and if all of them felt free methane generators also means is that all to pass wind without let or hindrance imagine our past efforts to expand this country’s the kind of accumulation of greenhouse gases in forest cover the atmosphere we’d be left with. We’re not and even counting yaks and water buffaloes here UNDER MY HAT contribute to and we all know how embarrassing those two Kunda Dixit a greener can be in polite company. earth has 5. Organise maha yagya in Tundikhel for come to naught. In fact, by increasing the harmony in the universe and burn 15 tons of tree cover in Nepal over the past 20 years it rice seeds and feed 108 brahmins. seems we may have actually made the earth 6. Immediately scrap the community forestry warmer. Oops, now what do we do? Well, program. there is really no other option but to start 7. Create artificial shortage of LPG but I notice destroying our forests all over again and not the government has already thought of that this let them ever grow back. And we have no winter. time to lose, so let’s get cracking. 8. Soda contains carbon dioxide, a major As responsible global citizens there are greenhouse gas, so avoid it. Henceforth, take lots of other things we can do individually your double whiskey neat. and collectively to stop the earth from 9. Burping releases greenhouse gases so burp in heating up. So, in the public interest, we moderation. hereby list 10 ways we can all help lessen 10. Ask Pashupatinath one last time to protect the impact of climate change: us all. ISSN 1814-2613 CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59