#448 24 - 30 April 2009 16 pages Rs 30

Weekly Internet Poll # 448 Q. Do you think 2066 will be better than 2065? Total votes: 4,362 Hand-to-hand Army row is bad news for constitution-writing and the peace process

Weekly Internet Poll # 449. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Should Gen Katawal step down as PRASHANT JHA Khadka, who is understood to be Chief of Army Staff? escalating divisions within the President Ram Baran Yadav’s UML. Dahal is learnt to have stern advice to Dahal to work for lobbying hard for the job, would fter recent rows over secured UML chairman Jhalanath political consensus played a part take over. recruitment and the Khanal’s assent before his in the Maoists taking a step back. As expected, there was A retirement of generals, it departure to China, but Yadav is said to have warned of pressure from India to leave the was army chief Rookmangud after cutting short his visit the consequences if an ethnic army alone. Delhi had assured Katawal’s decision to partially Khanal and returning Thursday candidate for the chief’s position the army that its chain of pull out from the national games Khanal had changed his tune. is bypassed. General Chhatraman command, structure and interests last week that seems to have Singh Gurung would head the would be protected in return for been the last straw for army if Katawal retires on support during the peace process Prime Minister Pushpa schedule in September. If he is in the last three years. It sees the Kamal Dahal. sacked, General Kul Bahadur institution as the last bulwark The controversy against the Maoists, and has now become a sent word to prestige issue Dahal there between the would be costs two, as the if he went country’s ex- ahead. guerrilla prime But the minister and its game is not army chief over yet. “If engage in hand- the prime to-hand fighting. minister “The trigger was pulls back now, the national games. The he can play the PM was personally victim card furious at temporarily but his Katawal’s credibility within the party defiance,” a would be dented and the senior cadre will be Maoist leader demoralised,” a Maoist told Nepali secretariat member admitted. Times on Dahal will now have to find Wednesday. “We have a face-saving way to appease his logic and the law on our side, cadre, assuage nervous political and have been preparing to do parties and wary internationals. this for two weeks.” On Thursday, the prime minister But non-Maoists, even those met UNMIN chief Karin Landgren who believe in civilian and later summoned a group of supremacy, feel the Maoists are ambassadors from India, UK, US bent on a strategy to take over and China and told them he was total state control. Katawal’s looking for a “third option”. The dismissal would pave the way for envoys reportedly only listened, a more pliable chain of command and didn’t ask any questions. dependent on Maoist patronage, The row doesn’t bode well while also enhancing Dahal’s for the constitution-writing and popularity within the party. the peace process, deepening However, it hasn’t quite gone mistrust between political according to the script because of actors. z

BILASH RAI 2 EDITORIAL 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki Circulation: Prakash Raut Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 Fax: 5251013 [email protected] Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 www.nepalitimes.com Give PKD his due Prachanda had no training when he chose to be Dahal

rom the media coverage of bullets. The Maoists in India And the UML, despite its ARMED AND DANGEROUS his incendiary speech about still cling to arms. But internal election, still more or In normal times, the elected prime minister of a country may be F the press and the parties Prachanda, like a statesman that less clings to the outdated track entitled to ask his army chief for an explanation on why he is recently, one gets the impression he appears to be, gave up the that Madan Bhandari set almost disobeying his government. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal expanding insurgency, and his two decades ago. But these are not normal times. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal had gone rabid. But this risks have been rewarded by The culture of impunity, the Dahal leads a party that still fields an army. He and his comrades image belied the diplomatic Nepalis. undemocratic handling of the have been making open threats to capture state power by coercion. dance Dahal has been performing While Girija Koirala and army generals’ retirement, His party has shown disdain for democratic norms and contempt for press freedom and human rights. We have witnessed a since he chose the path of Madhab Nepal succeeded in violence against media houses collapse in law and order in the past eight months since Dahal multiparty democracy over armed bringing Prachanda and his party and journalists, the muscle- became prime minister. His cadre are still murdering people and insurgency. to negotiation, it is Dahal who flexing of its hardliners and, getting away with it, and there is little to show that the Maoists are was constantly bringing the above all, YCL excesses all show making much progress in the transition to open non-violent Congress, insecure UML and that Dahal and his party have politics. GUEST COLUMN volatile ethnic groups into the ways to go before being called In such a situation, tampering with the national army, the fold of democracy in order to democrats. But the ganging up by institution of last resort, carries an ominous meaning. Whatever Pramod Mishra the army may have done in its ex-royal avatar, it has played by the realise the dream of a truly the press and the parties against rules laid out in the 2006 peace accord and the interim constitution. multi-ethnic decentralised Dahal, smelling conspiracy in The army chief has on occasion made statements which could be His deft handling of the ever federal democracy. everything the Maoists do and construed as political, but with no defence minister speaking out simmering discontent within his There are a million mutinies exaggerating the danger to Nepal’s for the rank and file during transition, it was his job to safeguard party, his subtle engagement with erupting in Nepal right now as a democracy due to Maoist the morale of his troops. audiences in New York, his result of long-suppressed people political decisions equally show Civilian control of the army is a universal principle and should openness in negotiating with the awakening from centuries of that these parties might be acting be applied to Nepal only when the Maoist army has been disbanded, demobilised, rehabilitated or integrated. It only makes mushrooming ethnic movements, humiliation, deprivation and out of insecurity and old Nepal’s sense when the party leading the government stops behaving like it and his persistent transactions slumber. And, Dahal has the conspiratorial mindset. is still underground waging a violent revolution. with the increasingly onerous task of juggling these One might even suspect that It could very well be that this is just a prestige issue for cantankerous political parties, all myriad forces while leading the they do not want a new Nepal to Defence Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa who needs to show his own this could not be the result of ship of a mapless state without be born, as Dahal alleges, if it Maoist rank and file that he can’t be pushed around. Maybe the mere Machiavellianism. any training in democratic means rebuilding their parties on Maoists needed this as a distraction to mask their governance At the time of the peace politics that, say, Nehru had radically different platforms from failures. But those would be the charitable explanations. Much more probable is that the Maoists see the army as the last bastion agreement, the Maoists had little when he became India’s prime the status quo. And the media that can stop them from grabbing total power and have decided to hope that people would give minister. Neither did ‘Prachanda’ should ask itself if its class and undermine it from within. them the confidence of the ballot have colleagues or a party group bias is not responsible for As Supreme Commander, President Ram Baran Yadav has a in return for decade-long terror of seasoned in democratic exercise the overwhelmingly negative tone role and responsibility in resolving this issue when he chose to be ‘Dahal’. toward the Maoists. So, save for a before it derails the peace process. He has the The UML and Congress, couple of intemperate phrases, right in grave circumstances to provide advice to which pursued individual which the media overplayed, the sitting government, and let the government know his concern and dissatisfactions. He can’t ambition, bickering and petty Dahal’s speech appears do more than that, but that much he must do. feuds for posts that harmed them convincing about the behaviour After all, he is not a ceremonial president but and Nepal from 1990 to 2002 are of his opposition. a constitutional one, with a constitutional function showing those signs once again. Many in Nepal thought that in a parliamentary democracy. And given the Maoists’ growing the end of kingship would lead This crisis can be turned into an opportunity success in the elections, their to rule by their party or group to focus attention on the much more urgent matter behaviour might get even worse. along post-1990 line. But now of integration and rehabilitation of Maoist combatants according to agreements reached Otherwise, why would they that a paradigm shift appears before the elections. The issues of downsizing smell conspiracy with regard to possible, from traditional power the army, and investigating and punishing PLA integration if that’s what bases, classes and groups to the excesses during the war remains, and cannot be they signed on under the peace hitherto disempowered, from diluted by any subsequent debate. agreement? established parties to emergent There can be no lowering the standards to Why are powerful UML and forces, many seem uneasy and induct the combatants, because the army as a Congress leaders, instead of threatened. The press must give national institution is meant to protect national sovereignty, and it cannot be weakened by offering historically informed Dahal credit where credit is due induction of Maoist combatants as a group, even analysis of the rise of and criticise him where and though individual entry can probably be managed. marginalised voices, blaming the when he and his party deserve The Nepal Army’s capacity to protect national Maoists for stirring up the it. sovereignty when required should not be hornet’s nest of ethnic politics? weakened. Surely, the Maoists don’t want that. At The Congress seems to have run Pramod Mishra is on research least that is what we hope. out of ideas, originality and leave from Augustana College, critical thinking. Illinois, USA. KIRAN PANDAY

LLL ETTERS

DEFICIT Nepal is in a fragile state right now and representation of the present scenario deliberately...’ Why would they do that? CK Lal’s piece (‘Leadership deficit,’ Dahal has the hopes of millions of Nepali (‘Closed minds, #446). The so-called Why do you ascribe the most #446) is an interesting critique of people riding on him. The country is going nationalists, who are making a hue and cry conspiratorial motives to every Maoist Nepali premiers who have passed through a new phase and about this must first move? Wouldn’t they be weakening through Singha Dabar. It is a good many issues regarding understand the reality on themselves by weakening the state? analysis but has a misleading message. ethnicity and federalism the ground. Advocating KL, email Lal himself has noted contradictory are coming out because passport control from the statements: ‘palace had accepted there is more freedom comfort of Kathmandu will Thanks to Prashant Jha for an Rangnath’s nomination 170 years across society. Dahal has weaken our nationalism insightful analysis of army integration ago....Pushpa Kamal Dahal became been a PM for only eight and make the lives of poor (‘Biting the bullet’, #447). Theoretically, prime minister with the support of 25 months, whereas people Nepalis difficult. The integration shouldn’t be such a political parties in the constituent in Nepal have been people of the Tarai, for contentious issue. But, as Jha points out, assembly.’ Any evidence-based analyst suffering suppression for instance, have a very close non-Maoist parties just don’t trust the would not accept an argument whose centuries. These issues relationship with India. And, Maoists as long as they have a separate context is exclusively different. are not new and it is we will never let myopic army. They don’t trust PM Dahal has trained hitherto quiet unreasonable for the leaders meddle with this the Maoists also because of the Nepalis to talk about oppression. His people to expect Dahal to relationship. It is time to contradictory statements of their leaders contribution to consolidation of political solve all the problems in prioritise what is important. and the move this week to ask the COAS awareness among Nepalis cannot such a short time. Akesh Jaiswal, Gujarat for an explanation. But it’s a chicken and be disregarded. It is in his premiership, Puspa Raj Pant, Aberdeen, UK egg situation. You can’t have trust until and first time ever in the history of HALF-FULL the PLA is integrated and rehabilitated, Nepali parliament, that CA members PASSPORTS In your otherwise excellent and balanced but to do that you first need trust. So what revisited the voters to ask their Prashant Jha is right that introducing editorial (‘Half-full’, #447) you have let slip comes first? How does Jha propose to suggestions on how to write an passports at the India-Nepal border your bias in the sentence: ‘The Maoists resolve that? inclusive constitution. will hurt us Nepalis and that that is the true have severely weakened the state, maybe Kumar J Thapa, email OP-ED 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 3 From Republic to Middle Kingdom The Chinese are spreading their diplomatic eggs in many baskets

n the 19th century, when imperial messengers status for the Chinese in the South Asian club is from Middle Kingdom arrived in Kathmandu, not sure, but the countdown of the end of Shah the king would travel to the edge of the town monarchy probably began with Gyanendra’s defiant I th (probably where Tin Kune is now) with a cavalcade posturing at the 13 Summit at Dhaka. The king of courtiers in ceremonial outfit to receive the was to regret later that the northerners turned out to missives. be fair-weather friends. The elaborate ritual involved with the Pushpa Kamal Dahal wanted to show that he acceptance of a mere letter from the Chinese was making history by visiting Beijing before going infuriated the British Resident Brian Houghton on the ritual pilgrimage to New Delhi. But Hodgson so much that he wrote: ‘But my situation conciliatory gestures from a leader who repeatedly is by no means branded the regime in Beijing ‘reformist’ from his STATE OF THE STATE so agreeable as safe houses in the Indo-Gangetic plains have C K Lal it might be if failed to impress the inheritors of Great Helmsman’s these barbarians mantle. Unsure of the prospect of any one political did but know player, the Chinese have decided to spread their own good. Instead of which they are insolent their diplomatic eggs in many baskets. and hostile, and play off on us, as far as they can From Koirala heir-apparent Sujata to maverick and dare, the Chinese etiquette and foreign polity.’ Matrika, promising politicians of all persuasions are Little did Hodgson know that the Chinese were being welcomed in Beijing with open arms. Within similarly told to remain watchful of British days of Upendra Yadav’s return, Chairman Jhalnath incursions in Tibet. Chandra Shamsher, the Khanal went with a jumbo UML team to the land of strongest and most influential of all hereditary market-Maoism. Now it’s the turn of Prime Minister Rana prime ministers, felt so helpless in front of Pushpa Kamal Dahal to make his first ‘formal’ the British resident that he fervently wished for the visit. permanent occupation of Tibet by the Chinese. Perhaps it’s too early to tell, but Dahal’s Once the Chinese PLA overran the Potala in 1950, communist predecessor at Baluwatar failed King Mahendra rejoiced at the prospect miserably with rhetorical innovations of of playing Beijing and New ‘equi-proximity’ in foreign policy for Delhi against each other. India-locked Nepal. Dahal’s expedition to Mahendra soon learnt that being the north will probably test the integrity at the centre of regional of Maoist diplomacy. That may also conflict had its costs. When determine the longevity of the leftist the wily monarch toyed coalition in Singha Darbar, and nobody with the idea of threatening knows it better than Prime Minister India with a land route to Dahal. Lhasa, Indira Gandhi dared him to approach China and Beijing coerced him into accepting the albatross that connects Kathmandu with nowhere on the Tibetan border. American historian Leo E Rose was to note later: ‘Nepal had paid a high price in economic terms and in its relationship with India for this useless road.’ Even though a railway line now connects Lhasa with mainland China, the traffic on the road to Khasa bordering Nepal continues to be sparse. After his ‘Zone of Peace’ proposal in 1975 and its prompt endorsement by the Chinese, King Birendra made regular trips to Beijing without much to show for his sincere efforts. In fact, it was the other way round as increased trade. It’s a tribute to super-suave Chinese diplomats that they have succeeded in selling their commercial interests as goodwill gestures. The anti-aircraft guns bought from the Chinese in 1988 proved to be extremely expensive to Nepalis: the resulting economic blockade enforced by Indians crippled the economy. No one ever learns anything from history. Within a fortnight of his first diplomatic trip to New Delhi, former king Gyanendra went to Beijing with the hopes of engaging the northern neighbour more closely in the counter- insurgency operation against the Maoists. Enthused with the courtesy of his hosts, he gushed that China was a “trustworthy” friend. Whether he was manipulated to make Afghanistan’s entry into SAARC conditional upon securing an observer BILASH RAI 4 INDIAN ELECTIONS 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 Caste aside It’s worth pondering if we want to copy Bihar’s idenitity- based elections NORTH BIHAR—Anyone here who tells you who will win the Indian general elections is lying. To sample the complexities of electoral dynamics and the lessons it holds for us in Nepal, take a look at a constituency right across the border. The contest in western Champaran is filled with ironies. Hard- hitting film-maker Prakash Jha, a Maithil Brahmin candidate, is fighting on a ticket of a Dalit party headed by Ram Vilas Paswan, who recently attended a convention of our own Dalit Janjati Party in Birganj. Jha’s films exposed the politics-crime nexus PLAIN SPEAKING during Laloo Yadav’s 15 year Prashant Jha reign. Today, Laloo is in alliance with the Dalit party and figures prominently on Jha’s posters. So Jha relies on a votebank comprising of Brahmins AL JAZEERA ENGLISH (because of his own caste), Muslims and Yadavs (courtesy of Laloo support), and Paswans (due to the party he belongs to). And if you thought that was complicated, here is more: the villain in Jha’s famous film Gangajal was Sadhu Yadav, a not-so- subtle dig at Laloo Yadav’s notorious brother in law with the same Elections in a name. Today, Sadhu Yadav has fallen out with Laloo and is Jha’s opponent in the constituency as a candidate of the Congress party. Mind you, Congress, Laloo and Paswan all share power in Delhi. Sadhu is slicing away a part of the Muslim and Yadav vote from Jha. This split in the ‘secular vote’ will benefit the local BJP time of Maoism candidate Sanjay Jaiswal who is a part of the alliance headed by chief minister Nitish Kumar, a man seen to have restored a sense of If only India’s wonderful ability to hold governance in the state. He may win not because of any development dividend, but because Nitish Kumar has embarked on elections could be applied to ending a new process of social engineering. His party’s support base rests on non-Yadav intermediate castes, backward Muslims (called poverty that fuels the Naxalite violence Pasmanda Muslims) and the poorest Dalit communities (Maha- dalits). Their alliance with BJP fetches them upper caste votes. This broad social alliance of the Nitish-BJP combine essentially ndia’s long suffering, largely- exposing his Hindutva-obsessed long march for nothing. What’s opposes Yadav hegemony. rural electorate is doing it party to ever-closer scrutiny. truly remarkable is how little the Still, there is a method to the madness in Bihari politics. And Iagain: braving the searing Number crunchers and insurgency figures in this this is bound to be replicated across the border on our side in Tarai heat of late spring, the dust of the commentators update their state- campaign. It’s a dark, no-go area of politics. Identities are fragmenting to an extent one did not know cattle tracks that pass for roads, by-state tallies every hour of every fear and loathing where existed. And those castes that benefited from political power and the wrath of Naxalite or separatist day trying to augur a result. The candidates dare not take on the economic patronage in the 80s and 90s in north India are facing a guerrillas to vote for a new big national parties claim men and women of violence. Nor backlash from those above and below them, the so-called ‘post- government. Yet another confidently that they’re pulling do we hear much creative musing Mandal ahead and the days of fractured from those who would govern churning’. mandates are fading. An about their plans for the On our HERE AND THERE emboldened Communist Party of side, the Daniel Lak guerrilla-ridden enclave that arcs primary India (Marxist) says it’s efforts to from south of the Vindhyas to beneficiaries create a non-Congress, BJP-free north Bihar. of the Madhes unwieldy coalition ‘Third Front’ will bear fruit. Thus At most, the challenge of the movement administration has survived to may India have its first Dalit Maoist uprising is seen as a have been the full term: no mean feat in these prime minister, it’s claimed by security problem, needing more Yadavs, who fissiparous days. Led by the supporters of an apparently tribal militias, more security wield the real venerable Indian National resurgent Uttar Pradesh chief forces, more fighting fire with political Congress, the United Progressive minister. fire. There’s little or no talk of power, and the Alliance government survived The prospect makes a development, ending upper castes, scandal, terror attacks galore, pampered middle class shudder discrimination, bringing jobs and who have found space at top echelons of professions because of the slogan of the wrath of the Left over a flash- in fear of the unknown. The idea reclaiming lost territory with inclusiveness. As democracy deepens, the other communities in in-the-pan nuclear deal and that casteism has been banished positive policies. Or rather, that’s Tarai have started feeling cheated. global economic turmoil’s onset from public life is given the lie what they say they’ll do. But The assertion among Tharus and Muslims is an indication of the last year. every time you mention little is offered in the way of growing grievances. Non-Yadav intermediate castes have imported The newspaper columns and Mayawati’s name in what passes specifics. It’s not the only issue the OBC terminology from India and have already formed the Nepal television channels seethe with for polite company. in this election, just the one that Federation of Backward Classes. The real contradiction on the insults, accusations and More than statues of Babu candidates, commentators and the ground is between the land-holding Yadavs and the landless bitterness. The Election Saheb Ambedkar in every public seem least comfortable labourer Dalits. The upper castes are numerically insignificant, but Commission, perhaps the most comfortable colony in Delhi, it’s contemplating. hold a deep grudge against Yadav dominance. respected institution in the the hammer and sickle of India’s And yet it’s hard not to be So there is a possibility of a Brahmin-Dalit alliance against country, tries in vain to urge jungle fighting Maoists that fascinated and thrilled by the Yadavs like in Uttar Pradesh, or an upper caste, non-Yadav backwards alliance like in Bihar. civility upon the politicos but really sets the cat among the panoramic exercise of balloting in If Nepal succeeds in writing a constitution and if we do go ends up scolding dozens for their pigeons. For proof, just take a this vast, unwieldy land. Only an through a cycle of elections, we may take the political path already nasty words and bad behavior. look at the surging sighs of relief utter cynic would fail to see the visible in Bihar and UP in Tarai. When identities are the basis of Old warhorses like Jaswant Singh that greeted the news that the hopes for renewal that many of discrimination and developing bonds of solidarity, politics around of the BJP get caught handing battling sons and daughters of the downtrodden bring to the identity is inevitable. out money while a Sikh Naxalbari only managed to kill a ballot box. India does the But it is worth thinking whether we want to emulate the same journalist’s shoe brings down the couple of dozen people on the mechanics of elections rather kind of political culture, where issues of livelihood and class have mighty and blood-tainted first day of voting earlier this well, as good as any country. To little resonance and identities keep breaking up in small parcels. Congress power broker Jagdish month. students and devotees of Besides kinship, caste and religion, there are other factors in Tytler in Delhi. For the Maoists of Chhatisgarh democracy, it’s a transcendent the Indian elections. With the increase in urban seats, education, A firestorm of argument and and surrounding states are India’s moment. and mobility, aspirations have increased. Electricity, water and roads are important issues and performance counts as seen in capricious commentary passes for greatest fear at the moment: There’s no doubting India’s recent state elections like Delhi and Madhya Pradesh. The ruling debate over issues. One scion of however much the media, wonderful ability to stage Congress government has made issues like employment schemes the Nehru Gandhi dynasty keeps officialdom and other political elections. If only there were a way key campaign slogans. everyone guessing on his parties play them down. As we to apply that extraordinary As India conducts its 15th Lok Sabha elections, it provides a intentions for matrimony and the know in Nepal, the followers of tenacity and commitment to remarkable example to the rest of us South Asians on how to prime minister’s office. Another, China’s Great Helmsman are ending the poverty that fuels manage diverse aspirations within a democratic political the execrable Varun Gandhi, willing to take their time as Maoism...wonder what the framework. utters perhaps the vilest words of power flows their way from the Election Commission is doing all, aimed at Muslims and Sikhs, barrel of a gun. They don’t call it a after May 16th? BUSINESS 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 5

People’s budget

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Finance Minister is now accepting direct suggestions from the Brand Nepali public for this year’s budget via his email address bhattaraibaburam(at)gmail.com or website www.baburambhattarai.com. The Ministry is planning to come up Nepalis in India should discard the Gorkha with the budget before June. badge and seek an integrated identity

Web access KALIMPONG—The emergence of rumour about whether the former government of Nepal is unable to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ Bimal Gurung as the new messiah Nepali King actually brokered the figure out its economic agenda Nepal now has a travel-booking portal th www.kathmanduhotel-link.com, through a for the Nepali people in search of deal with the BJP. As the 13 and when it meets the donor partnership between Outdoor Himalayan their own homeland–in the form last King of the Gorkha dynasty, community. We need to move Treks and whl.travel Global Grassroots. The portal, which is the of Gorkhaland–has brought back he may be the only person set on from asking who we are to asking first of two currently planned for Nepal, will launch smaller tourism the characters from Kiran Desai’s keeping the Gorkha identity alive. what we can do. The millions of operators into the global e-marketplace. While Nepal’s identity war has fostered breaking

The real one ECONOMIC SENSE away from the Gorkha ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ Artha Beed badge, it is very strange to Real Fruit Juice is hosting a weekly see Nepalis in India eager lucky draw, with an all expense paid trip to be associated with a to eight destinations in Malaysia and novel The Inheritance of Loss, set brand that has been Thailand and a Sony Bravia 32" LCD during the first political banished from Nepal. featuring among the top prizes. movement in the Darjeeling hills Identity is all about in 1986, back to life. your brand, be it a Gujarati

Soap up This time, the movement has or a Jew identified as a ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ been kept generally non-violent merchant or banker, a DAMBER K SHRESTHA Mahashakti Soap is launching an improved version of Puja washing soap, manufactured but the fear of violence remains. Keralite women identified with Nepalis in India cannot just hang with an added ingredient that increases Supporting the Bharatiya Janata nursing and office their fate based on what will foaming. The company is also upping the size Party (BJP) and choosing former administration, the youth from happen to the demand for a of the packet and offering a free sachet of Minister Jaswant Singh as the Karnataka identified with IT or a separate state. It’s more important Dabur Vatika Shampoo with each purchase. candidate for the forthcoming Philipino identified with music. for them to be integrated in the federal elections in India has Do Nepalis really want to be economic growth of India and become a hotly debated move. identified as the brave Gorkha carve out the identity of Nepalis People are asking whether a solider fighting guns with a in India. Perhaps having a district that is nearly 20 per cent Khukuri knife when wars today separate state will give them Christian should vote for a party are fought with the help of direct control over resources but that blatantly talks of creating a satellite guided missiles and they need to build competencies Hindu nation and has a poor sophisticated technology driven and capacities too. Otherwise, the record of accepting other weapons? opportunity would be minorities, especially after the When the Indian squandered in the same way that attack on Christians in Orissa and administration asked those Gorkhaland leader Subhas Karnataka. demanding a Gorkhaland about Ghishing, played for 20 years on People are also asking that if their plans for economic growth the hopes and aspirations of it’s about Nepali identity, why were the area given a state, the Nepalis in India. not field a Nepali candidate? answers were never articulated. There is further speculation and This is reminiscent of the way the www.arthabeed.com 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448

Messy gamble be determined. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○ In total, casinos rake in around Editorial in Kantipur, 20 April Rs 5 billion a year with each taking about Rs 1 million a day. Their Not scared How ironic that an off-shoot of a collective turnover is up, even party in the coalition government though tourism is down. should pose a threat to law Moreover, since most of them are Editorial in Himal Khabarpatrika, 14-28 April During the eight months, that the Maoists have enforcement. run by foreigners, their profits are led the government, Nepalis have experienced Deputy Prime Minister Bamdeb “ All of Nepal’s big media houses are in the hands anarchy and lack of development. The Maoists still not contributing to the Nepali of smugglers.” Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal blame the other parties and the media for “not Gautam has said that the Maoist- economy. Dahal’s accusation against the press on 7 April letting the Maoists do their work”. Maybe they feel affiliated trade unions’ refusal to Besides revealing the lack of has been one of the most dangerous yet. While that if they can put a lid on the press, they will be cooperate and obey the law is power of the executive in Nepal, the statement dented the self respect of everyone able to control other societal factors. Or Dahal thwarting the government’s latest failure to enforce the law also working in the media, it also served to justify all wants to divert attention from the conflicts within drive to enforce order in casinos. reflects on the social, economic attacks on free press. Journalists are already his party by pointing fingers at others. It could also and cultural instability of the working in an insecure environment and the PM’s be that their ideals do not let the Maoists accept a country. The government should comment added to that insecurity. free press. not acquiesce to the demands of a Until now the Being in the single group; instead, it should national and government gives a bring those guilty of disobeying international political force the communities have highest power, which the law to justice. given the Maoists the can be easily benefit of the doubt, misused. Thus, it is There are eight casinos in Closed

but the PM’s anti- the duty of the press Nepal, targeted at tourists and they ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ press stance is sure to to keep an eye on the employ more than 7,000 Maoist Nepal, 26 April shake that belief to the leading party, to affiliated workers. They argue that core. Many chose to investigate and to without Nepali customers, their According to the Police turn a blind eye to the expose the truth. The jobs would be threatened. But this Headquarters, there were an average undemocratic and media has played this argument is only a façade. There is of three bandas and three road violent behavior of the KIRAN PANDAY critical role before reason to believe that corruption blockades each day in Nepal in Maoists in the name of and continues to do and nepotism are other motivating 2065. The total number of bandas so now. It is ironic that in the past the Maoists peaceful transformation. But it seems the Maoists factors since most trade union and and road blockades in the five are out to take advantage of everyone. appreciated the media’s observations about the development regions were: It is no secret that the Maoists joined in the government, but now that the tables have turned YCL leaders have their own peace process thanks to the support of other they are resentful. We are no longer in the conflict relatives enrolled as members at political parties, the Indian establishment and the years or the interim period—Dahal’s the casinos. In the past, they press. Dahal, who ‘picked up guns for the people’ shortsightedness will not work. During the decade bribed the police to let Nepalis in– Region Bandas Road needed the support of the big media houses to of conflict Dahal lived in hiding for eight years in now government officials are blockades appeal to the people. Nepal’s Kantipur Daily, Delhi. But now his each and every action is taking their share of the pie. India’s The Hindu and the UK’s BBC were all made public. Although they were built for Eastern 273 106 used to build his public persona at a national, The media’s role of watchdog is even more tourists, more Nepalis than Central 195 160 regional and international level. Even though the important in a situation where the leading party has visitors frequent casinos. At least Mid-western 122 156 Maoists had brutally murdered many journalists, a history of violence. Press freedom has become a 200 Nepalis visit each casino every liability for the PM. But he has to remember that Western 91 149 the press supported them to join mainstream day. And, the numbers are politics for the sake of long term peace. the press will never back down. increasing. If the government Far-western 27 86 wants to enforce the law, it must Capital 11 114 CONSTITUTION 2010 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 7 Constitutional deviation Having the best constitution in the world doesn’t mean a thing if no one is going to follow it

epal’s geopolitical location, influence of regional politics was there for Consequently, the PM kept on changing introduced direct rule, another major sandwiched between China and all to see. There have been six and MPs became pawns to make and break setback in the constitutional practice. NIndia, has proved to be both a boon amendments to the interim constitution the government. The irony is that those The third major deviation in the and bane advantageous and since it was passed two years ago. who had drafted the constitution and constitutional process is the proclamation disadvantageous from the viewpoint of The main highlights of the 1990 those who had set the precedence made made by the reinstated parliament in 2006, political stability. constitution were the prime ministerial decision against their own decision. In which had no constitutional base. The The year 1951 marked a significant parliamentary system and universal adult this process, politics prevailed on legal constitution which reinstated the change in Nepal’s politics, and India franchise. Under the prime ministerial knowledge and expertise. Before this parliament was annulled by the reinstated played a major role in that change. parliament, the PM inherits the right to verdict of the Supreme Court, the PM had parliament. This parliament then went on Although the royal proclamation got dissolve parliament and call for a fresh stayed in power for more than three years to promulgate the interim constitution legitimacy in the country, it was designed mandate from the people any time he but after the verdit the PMs lasted less before the constituent assembly drafted it. and drafted in Delhi on December 1950 and deems it necessary. than two years. It would cost him dearly if Political parties and individuals are became known as the ‘Delhi agreement’. Unlike in India, there has never been he wanted to stay in power–the busy fighting for power. They don’t seem consistency in the court verdicts on the parliamentary members could bargain for to be concerned about the new COMMENT PM’s prerogative rights in Nepal. The their price. constitutional framework, and they hold Ganesh Raj court has given contradictory verdict at It was a turning point in Nepali intractable views on what it should be like. Sharma times. The house was dissolved in 1994 constitutional practice and a deviation in It is unlikely that we will be able to in which the court upheld the newly the prime ministerial parliamentary finalise the constitution but we will rather The deadline for writing the elected government. Man Mohan system. The position of the PM remained end up endorsing the draft of a constitution in the 1951 movement was Adhikari’s decision was scrapped by constantly unstable while MPs had greater constitution prepared elsewhere. The not met, creating a political vacuum, the court. bargaining power. problems associated with the constitution uncertainty and instability. There were Ignoring the spirit of parliamentary In 2001, after the royal massacre, the writing process are beyond the control of high spirited politicians who lacked democracy, this verdict established the ambitious King Gyanendra sacked Prime Nepali people and politicians. experience in state affairs, so the king and power of parliament to remove the PM Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and other external political forces were able to and infringing the prerogative of the PM. announced the date for the election. He Ganesh Raj Sharma is a legal expert. meddle in Nepali politics. As the country gradually embraced democratic values, India tried to mould the hanging political situation in its favour. It imposed an economic blockade, which ultimately resulted in the 1990 Constitution, which its writers claimed was the best in the world. Despite a few inconsistencies in the 1990 constitution, it has generally been hailed as a broad document of consensus under which three general elections were conducted and a lasting solution for national integration and development was forged. The constitution remained uncontested and no amendments were proposed in parliament. But the political parties that had drafted the constitution of 1990, criticised it and ultimately promulgated the Interim Constitution in 2006. The KIRAN PANDAY Ten reasons why ethnic federalism is a bad idea

thnicity-based federalism 3. Ethnic federalism is based on opposed to the democratic spirit. egalitarian agenda of mass regional ambitions. has been on the agenda of the belief that people of specific Its basis in tribal thinking cannot political parties. E many ethno-political ethnic origin are concentrated in be the source of democratic 10. Ethnic federalism is a wrong groups in Nepal. There are 10 separate regions of the country. politics. 8. Ethnicity-based federalism is medicine to the problem of caste problems associated with it: But no region has more than 35 per unacceptable for the same reason and ethnicity-based exclusion for cent of the dominant group, most 6. Ethnic federalism that an upper-caste dominated hill- which it is prescribed as a cure. areas have an even lesser ethnic romanticises the ideas of race centric state is unacceptable. A The problem of exclusion is real, concentration. What is the and culture. But cultural multicultural arrangement, one that COMMENT but we need to find better justification for letting a few practices cannot be wholly accepts the principle of diversity solutions to it, like: legal B P Giri larger minorities become political group-specific. In fact, we need as its formative protection of minorities, full majorities in their regions? the openness of democracy to principle, is desirable at both citizenship and cultural fight many shared cultural evils, central and provincial levels to rights, bureaucratic-political 1. Ethnic federalism links each 4. Ethnic federalism is based on including castism, sexism, discourage the nativist tendency inclusion and greater economic ethno-cultural group with an the primacy of ethnic identity over racism, child marriage, and (“my tribe, right or wrong”) that opportunity. A substantive exclusive territorial homeland. other sorts of collective identities. dowry system. When the unitary constitutes the bottom-line of inclusion of previously Since there are many dozens Such thinking puts our newborn state is presented as the sole ethno-national politics. marginalised groups into state castes and ethnicities living in democracy at risk as it reduces source of injustice, culture and organs is already underway. As a Nepal, to be fair to each group, acts of citizenship to biological society are left off the hook. 9. Ethnic federalism is result, the state is changing we will need to create an exact inheritance. geopolitically dangerous. What rapidly from its hill-centric ethnic number of homeland provinces. 7. Ethnic federalism is driven by happens if one or more ethno- character to a far more inclusive This is impractical. 5. Democracy is first and foremost elite self-interest. Many among federal territories, constitutionally civic entity. We should design our about empowering citizens by ethnic elites have been complicit autonomous and possibly self- federal units in such a way that 2. A few bigger ethnic groups ensuring the free exercise of in the unjust political practices of determinate, declare they complement these goals, not have demanded an ethno-federal natural rights. An ethnic group’s the past. Now they are eager to independence with or without any contradict them. setup. If we let only these groups understanding of itself as a re-invent themselves as foreign support? The ongoing have ethnicity-based federal genetically bounded entity, whose custodians of future ethnic rivalry between India and China B P Giri is currently on research provinces, other groups will feel membership is fixed in provinces. Their ethnocentric for regional influence indicates leave from Dartmouth College, cheated and an agitation for more advance, imposes a type of rigidity politics of race, culture and that Nepal is sitting on the fault- USA, where he teaches provinces will follow. over citizenship rights quite identity is often at odds with the line of two hugely incompatible postcolonial literature and theory. 8 HIKING

Lele Lele is a small village in southern Lalitpur, perfect for a picnic or country walk and only a 45 minute bus ride from Lagankhel. On the way, you pass through Chapagaon, a cluster of quaint Newari houses with a bajar and temples, where it’s also worth stopping for a wander. You can also mountain bike to Lele: but be warned that in the dry seasons the road after Chapagaon is incredibly bumpy and dusty. But as quickly as the dust rises, the lush basin of Lele arrives. There are sprawling rice fields, small local eateries on the roadside and mules carrying bricks from the factory. Just above the Tileswar Mahadeb temple is a small patch of green where you can set up your picnic. But if you want more isolation, walk upwards to the sparsely occupied hills that overlook the fields. Lele’s U-shaped valley may mean that you can’t view snow mountains from here but what you get are lush green hills. CHONG ZI LIANG

Godavari and Phulchowki To scale Pulchoki you start at Godavari. There are some verdant botanical gardens, as well as an outdoor fresh water pool for swimming and boating, a Tibetan monastery and a smattering of little eateries. Pulchoki is even richer in birdlife than Shivapuri. On the way you’ll see the Shanti Ban Buddha–a huge golden statue of the Buddha which is said to look better from a distance than close-up. Start early, ideally by 7.30 AM, and be armed with plenty of water, snacks and lunch, although if you Head for reach the summit by lunchtime the soldiers guarding the telecom tower are pretty hospitable and will reward you with a bowl of noodles as you marvel at the spectacular views. The mountain is lushly vegetated and the footpath pretty Escaping the chaos o untrodden–though there is also a steep and slippery track that snakes its way up to the summit. Pulchoki is home to 570 species of flowering plants, including magnificent red and mean you have to white rhododendrons in March and April and a third of Nepal’s bird species.

Nagarjun Towering above Balaju in the north-west of Kathmandu, Nagarjun offers an excellent day-long retreat. Nagarjun’s lush green forest greets you after just a 15-minute drive from Kathmandu. Head up for a three-hour hike through the forest to the top of the 7000ft hill and visit the Jamacho stupa atop the hill. No worries if you don’t enjoy walking. You won’t miss the breathtaking view of the mountains and the valley below for there is a motorable road that leads up as well. Famous for its low limestone cliffs, these hills are ideal for rock climbers. Stock up on food and essentials before you set out. Recent incidents of crime means you shouldn’t walk alone.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 9

Kakani With a spectacular view of mountain landscape, Kakani is a great one day get-away. It is easily accessible and there are a handful of small restaurants to eat at. Located about 29-km northwest of Kathmandu, it is at least an hour away by bicycle. However, you can also get a microbus from Machapokhari bus stop, Balaju to Trisuli. Leave early in the morning so that you can spend the day exploring, even walking back via Shivapuri. Kakani is the place where you can eat some of the most delicious rainbow trout and sukuti. KIRAN PANDAY r the hills of Kathmandu doesn’t

DEWAN RAI o go on a long trek Chobar For a taste of Nepali folklore, head to Chobar. Easily accessible by bus and within walking distance of Satobato, this is the site where Lord Manjushri supposedly drained the water out of Kathmandu Valley by slicing through the limestone hill with one mighty swipe of his sword. Indeed, a deep chasm with jagged rocky edges runs through the hills around Chobar. The Bagmati River flows through it, suggesting it was geographical and not mythical forces at work here. Chobar is also perfect for cavers who like squeezing through the maze of underground caves. Guides are on hand to take you through different routes lasting 15-45 minutes. Be prepared for lots of crawling and squeezing. Not for the claustrophobic. The village itself is picturesque with the 15th century Adinath Lokeshwar Temple dedicated to Rato Machhendranath with an astounding array of metal pots, pans and water containers hanging from its roofs–kitchen utensils donated by newlyweds to ensure a happy marriage.

CHONG ZI LIANG Shivapuri National parks are aplenty in Nepal, but only one is within Kathmandu Valley itself. Shivapuri lies on the northern fringe and microbuses go all the way to its gates. Nepalis pay a mere Rs10 for entry but foreigners will need to fork out Rs 250. The park, which is the valley’s main water source, offers various hiking routes but the route to Sundarijal is the best for a day trip. Stock up on water and food before setting off from the park entrance as there are no shops inside. And binoculars: Shivapuri is a haven for birdwatchers from all over the world.

Roma Aryal, Shradha Basnyat, Katy Elliott, Chong Zi Liang and Paavan Mathema KIRAN PANDAY 10 NATION 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 A shape of things to come The demand for Limbuwan autonomy takes on a militant edge

blame the Maoists for promoting ethnic state councils and then using them during last year’s elections as vote banks. "What should have been political representation within the state structure was given a colonial flavour,” explains human rights activist Sushil Pyakurel. “It’s only a small step from calling yourself a liberation front to having a separatist agenda.” Indeed, many analysts believe the Maoists are now finding it difficult to put the ethnic genie they unleashed back into the bottle, even as activists have begun to point out that the top

LAXMI GAUTAM three Maoist leaders are Bahuns. Ethnic militancies that have GATE TO AUTONOMY: The gate to Phidim welcoming visitors to erupted in the past three years Limbuwan (left) and Limbuwan militia guard their leaders at the national are all Maoist splinter groups. convention of the Federal Limbuwan State Council in Phidim. Eastern Nepal today could KUNDA DIXIT also be an indication of what lies in store if the debate over KUNDA DIXIT in PANCHTHAR Dozens of Limbu groups districts to before Prithbi Narayan self-censor dispatches because federalism in the new constitution demanding everything from Shah’s “Gorkha war of of the fear of retribution. The cannot be contained within the autonomy to separatism have expansion”. Activists here refuse Kantipur correspondent here had CA. Ethnic Limbus in the midst the idyllic beauty of taken up the flag of identity to call it "unification”, and one his motorbike set on fire by mainstream parties can’t afford to Nepal’s easternmost politics. No one dare be left argument is that because the Limbuwan activists last month, be anti-Limbuwan, and the A districts, its thickly- behind. Limbu nation had submitted to the and the police refused to register dilemma is that most moderate forested mountains and hills Some, like the Sanghiya Gorkha king, the understanding is his complaint. The police have intellectuals are non-Limbu. draped with tea, there is a sense Limbuwan Rajya Parisad led by now off since the monarchy is no learnt the hard way to lie low. Clashes broke out recently in of foreboding. Kumar Lingden and ex-airline pilot more. The separatist rhetoric is When they confiscated a khukuri Phidim between supporters of the The meal-stop highway D K Buddhist want a federal now staple fare in speeches and from a Limbuwan militant in Limbuwan Rajya and the Kirat settlement of Ranke looked placid autonomous Limbuwan province workshops here, and in Phidim recently, agitators Rajya of the Rais, whose enough this week, with within the borders of Nepal. Then broadcasts of Sumhatlung FM, surrounded the station and forced territorial claims overlap. There passengers waiting for buses or there are groups like Pallo Kirat inaugurated last week by CA police to not just return the is also muted opposition from buying fruits from sidewalk led by ex-RPP Dambar Lawoti and chairman Subhas Nembang. knife but to apologise. some Lepcha (Rong) and Bhotiya vendors. Samjuhang Palungwa’s Federal What worries non-Limbus in Civil servants, civil society people who live in the north. The calm was suddenly Limbuwan State Council who say Phidim is that Limbuwan activists, and non-Limbus are worried that Says a Rai teacher here: “It’s shattered by a brawl between rival they will wage a separatist war for many of them ex-Maoists, are a spark could set off tit-for-tat not just the Bahun and Chettris Limbuwan activists who came to a free Limbuwan state if their using the same tactics as the ethnic violence. Everyone who are feeling insecure, it’s blows over a turf war concerning demands for self-determination Maoists did during the conflict: remembers the last turmoil in this getting dangerous even for us highway taxes. “Things look are not met. threats, extortion and public region in the 1950s after the fall Rais and for Magars and peaceful, but beneath the surface Lingden’s gripe is that the punishments. So pervasive is the of the Ranas, when there was an Newars.” the tension can snap at any government had not kept its fear that no one we spoke to in exodus of hill Parbate and others And no one is even talking moment,” says a Phidim-based promise to put the autonomy Panchthar this week wanted to be down to Jhapa. With groups about what would be India’s take civil servant. demands of the Limbuwan and quoted by name, and most lowered competing to lead the movement on all this, as some militants say The epicentre of the struggle other ethnic groups in the CA their voices and looked over their by being more hardline, a solution the Limbuwan state should even by Limbu activists for self- agenda. shoulders. looks difficult. When a five-point include Sikkim and Darjeeling, determination and autonomy is in “We have a one-point demand, “Is this the way to right agreement was signed last year where the Limbu are known as the Panchthar capital of Phidim. which is the Limbuwan historical wrongs?” asked one between Palungwa’s group and Tsong. The gate of the town is painted autonomous state,” he told Nepali school teacher here who believes the government, a copy of the over with a ‘Welcome to Times. He denied federalism in correcting marginalisation, but accord was set on fire the next Additional reporting by Dewan Limbuwan’ sign and ‘Panthar’ and would lead to separatism, and said not in self-determination. “Do the day in Phidim by his student Rai in Kathmandu ‘Phenden’, the original Limbu the new federal unit would respect Kathmandu intelligentsia and supporters. names for Panchthar and Phidim. the rights of non-Limbus. donors understand where things Human rights activists have See also: There is graffiti along the highway The independent Limbu nation are going?” been surprised by how fast things ‘Rebel rebellion’, # 438 by warning ‘long noses’ to keep off. is said to cover nine present Journalists here admit they have deteriorated here. Some JB Pun NATION 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 11 Explosive legacy There’s no peace without addressing the past GULMI-On an unusually hot early morning 18 army deminers are sweating in their protective jackets and helmets. They have been doing the dangerous job of excavating mines for hours. It is the seventh day of work. They have already found over 30 mines in Wami Taksar here in the hills of central Nepal and are about to destroy the explosive remnants of war. Mornings are very crucial for deminers as they have to do as much as they can before it gets too hot to work. They take breaks and work slowly from one mine to another. There’s no room for error. During the war the army laid mines to protect its base perimeter INTERESTING TIMES in 53 sites across the country. In Mallika Aryal addition it had 270 places where they had command detonated explosives. Only 10 minefields and 60 explosive-planted areas have been cleared so far. Under the terms of the 2006 peace accord, the Nepal Army and the Maoists had to clear the minefields they laid during the war and also destroy unstable IEs within 60 days of signing the agreement. Besides the army’s landmines there are stray improvised explosive devices (IEDs) of the Maoists strewn across the country. Villagers, especially children, are still being killed by them. The Maoist IEDs are uncharted, so the only current solution is to educate the people.

MALLIKA ARYAL

The Nepal Army and UN’s Mine Action Team are trying to make up for lost time. In the next few years cleared minefields will be handed back to the community so that children can play safely again. Addressing what happened in the past is vital to the peace and reconciliation process. Demining is an important part of Nepal’s healing process. It has restored confidence in the people of Wami Taksar area that the government is concerned for their safety. Just like landmines, the other legacy of war is impunity. While the demining process may be moving steadily, the same cannot be said about steps taken to address the atrocities of the past. Too many victims of war have waited too long for the government to take this clause in the peace accord seriously. Most victims have no trust in the system because their wounds are still fresh. There are families of those who were killed during the war who don’t even know how their loved ones spent their last days. The families of the disappeared have waited for a very long time to hear news about the missing. Like mines, this is an explosive inheritance of conflict and if it’s not addressed there won’t be true peace. The victims of war in Bardiya called for a banda last week demanding justice for what happened to them and their families during the war. The internally displaced regularly stage sit-ins demanding that the government ensure their safety when they go back to the homes they had to flee during the conflict. Those who suffered injury and torture want reparation and prosecution. And there are those who simply want the responsible to come out and acknowledge that they did wrong, so that they can forgive and move on. The running feud between the Maoists and the army just distracts attention from the excesses they committed against the Nepali people during the war. The truth is usually delayed or shoved under the rug with the hope that no one will probe. There are people taking advantage of the lack of accountability and impunity, which is why there is no rule of law and crime is rampant. We are running out of time. Bardiya rose up today because they were tired of the government dilly-dallying. There are thousands of victims who are organising because they are running out of patience. They need assurance that their struggle for justice matter, that the horrible things that happened during the war will never be repeated again. 12 INTERNATIONAL 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448

already been a road linkage between Zhangmu and Kodari. Now the Chinese side is upgrading the infrastructure in Zhangmu Pass and the surrounding road, and is positively considering initiating construction of the dry port near “Nepal and China Tatopani in the Nepali side as early as possible. The Syabrubesi-Rasuwagadi road is now under construction under a Chinese grant. After the completion of this road, the Chinese side will push for the establishment of Kyerong Pass, which will mark the inception of the second trade have win-win ties” corridor between China and Nepal. I’m convinced that these measures will further enhance Chinese ambassador to Nepal, Qiu Guohong, spoke to the border trade between two countries and benefit their Nepali Times ahead of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s people. visit to China next month, covering the gamut of issues Any chance of China lifting visa requirements for Nepalis visiting Hong Kong? between Nepal and China. Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of the People’s Republic of China. The Chinese Government Nepali Times: How would you characterise the state of bilateral relations from a long-term perspective so as to deals with Hong Kong affairs in accordance with the China-Nepal relations at present? strengthen the comprehensive cooperation and benefit the principles of “one country, two systems” and the Basic Law Qiu Guohong: China and Nepal are friendly neighbors since people of both countries. of the Hong Kong SAR. Therefore, only the Government of ancient times, and the friendship between China and Nepal The major topics include how to promote bilateral the Hong Kong SAR has the power to decide on whether to is passed on from generation to generation. Since the political relations, strengthen economic cooperation and grant Nepali citizens free visa treatment and when to grant establishment of diplomatic relations more than 50 years trade, boost people-to-people and cultural exchanges and this treatment. As the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, I am ago, no matter what changes occurred in the international push forward existing traditional and friendly bilateral willing to convey this aspiration to the Government of Hong situation and national conditions of both China and Nepal, relations to a new height. Kong SAR through an appropriate channel and at a suitable the relations between the two countries have developed in a time. healthy and smooth way. China and Nepal always strictly Are there any concrete plans to extend the Beijing-Lhasa abide by the five principles of peaceful coexistence, railway to Nepal? How do you assess the measures taken by the Nepali respect and trust each other, treat each other as equals and It has been listed in the Medium and Long-term Railway government vis-à-vis Tibet-related issues? sincerely provide assistance. The relationship is indeed a Network Planning of China to extend the Qinghai-Tibet In 1959, the Chinese Government started carrying out good example of harmonious coexistence and beneficial railway from Lhasa to Shigatze, and from Shigatze to democratic reform and abolished the theocratic feudal cooperation between big and small countries. Nyalam. I believe that the extension of Qinghai-Tibet serfdom, through which millions of serfs got liberation and railway to the China-Nepal border will have a positive personal freedom. For the past 50 years, tremendous There have been a slew of high-level visits by Chinese influence on establishing new China-Nepal road links and changes have taken place in Tibet: the Tibetan people officials in the past year, does this indicate closer promoting economic cooperation and trade between China enjoy and exercise all rights endowed by the Constitution economic, cultural and political ties? and Nepal and between China and South Asia. As Chinese and Ethnic Region Autonomy law of the People’s Republic Since the formation of the current coalition government, Ambassador to Nepal, I’d like to play an active role in that. of China, live much better lives with the comprehensive high-level officials from both countries have made frequent progress of social welfare, harmony in religion, prosperity exchanges. Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal But how exactly could Nepal benefit as a transit region for in culture protection and development, and have been the ‘Prachanda’ attended the closing ceremony of Beijing trade between China and India? real owner of Tibet. Here I want to emphasise that the Olympic Games. Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Nepal is situated between China and India, and shares long democratic reform in Tibet is an important milestone of the special envoy of the Chinese Government Hu Zhengyue border lines with both of them, enjoying an advantageous serfdom abolition campaign in the whole world, the paid visits to Nepal one after the other. Foreign Minister geographic position. China and India, as two major important progress of international human rights cause, and Upendra Yadav has just concluded his visit to China. developing countries in the world, have maintained an important contribution to the democracy, freedom and The visits show that the Chinese side attaches great stable yet fast economic growth in recent years, and human rights of the world made by the Chinese people importance to the development of China-Nepal relations. effectively boosted the economic development in the region. including Tibetan compatriots. We are ready to work with the Nepali side to consistently Nepal could make full use of the geographic advantage and Tibet has been an inalienable part of China since enhance the friendly cooperation between the two sides, traditional friendship with both countries to create a ancient times. The Tibet issue concerns the unification and achieve mutual benefit, benefit the people of both countries conducive economic atmosphere, take trade facilitation core interest of China. The abolition of feudal serfdom and and contribute to the peace and stability of this region. In measures and cultivate professionals so as to benefit from an ethnic autonomous region system can benefit the Tibetan my opinion, China and Nepal can strengthen cooperation in the fast economic development of China and India and people, which has been proven by the big development and the following aspects. First, accommodate each other’s stimulate its domestic economic growth. changes of Tibet in the past 50 years. Any force or any political concern. China respects Nepal’s independence, The Chinese side is willing to conduct economic person who tries to deny the above-mentioned facts, is sovereignty and territorial integrity, and respects her choice cooperation and trade with Nepal and India on the basis of holding ulterior motives. The intentions to restore the feudal on the social system and development path in light of its mutual benefit, and make consultations on how to facilitate serfdom and separate Tibet from China by the Dalai clique national conditions. Second, enhance the economic trade and economic development. will incur strong objection from all Chinese including cooperation on the basis of mutual benefit. Tibetans, and is doomed to failure. The Chinese side will continue to provide assistance to Nepal’s remote northern districts need better connectivity. The Nepali Government and people always pursue a Nepal to the best of its capacity. We will also positively How cold China help? one-China policy, and firmly support the Chinese side on consider increasing aid to Nepal, and put the limited The 15 districts of the northern part of Tibet-related issues, which is highly appreciated by the assistance into the most needed projects that can improve Nepal share common borders with Chinese Government and people. Especially in March the economy and the livelihood of Nepali people. China China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. 2009, the sensitive period for Tibet-related issues, the supports competent and well-established Chinese The Chinese side attaches great Nepali Government has taken strong and effective companies to invest in Nepal and encourages Chinese importance to border trade between measures to successively foil the attempts of so-called tourists to visit Nepal. Third, boost people-to-people and China and Nepal. The China-Nepal ‘Tibet independence’ activists to conduct all kinds of cultural exchanges. We will try to expand the cooperation border trade has been developed sabotage and disruptive activities targeted at the Chinese in personnel and cultural sectors through human resource vigorously since 1962. Currently, Embassy in Nepal and other establishments training, exchanges of youth delegations and holding of a there are five major border on China’s territory, and ensured the ‘China Festival’ so as to have the China-Nepal friendship trading points. There has security and proper order of the Chinese deeply rooted in the hearts of two peoples and passed on Embassy. We highly appreciate that. from generation to generation. Fourth, strengthen the coordination and cooperation in international and regional affairs. Both China and Nepal are developing countries, and share broad common interests on international and regional issues. It’s necessary for the two sides to further enhance cooperation.

What would be the priority issues that the Chinese side would raise during Prime Minister Dahal’s visit to China? The upcoming visit of Prime Minister Prachanda to China is one of the most important events in China-Nepal relations this year. Chinese leaders attach great importance to it and concerned authorities are doing necessary homework to ensure the success of the visit. During the PM’s visit, the Chinese side will make some proposals to further expand NATION 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #44813 Golfers in the valley

By the second day Am on Tuesday, of the 16th which kicked off Surya Nepal the event. Masters Golf Nepali players Tournament at the will be hoping to Gokarna Forest emulate the 2007 Resort on victory of Deepak Wednesday, Thapa Magar, who is Nepali golfer also taking part this Shiva Ram year as is last year’s Shrestha and Sri winner - Indian Lankan Mithun golfer Shamim Forgotten Perera were in the Khan. Other players lead. to watch include Nepali golfer Deepak Acharya, Professional players from Nepal, Siddikur Rahman from Bangladesh, Anura Rohana BC doc The Forgotten Refugees, is an admirably succinct Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Malaysia and from Sri Lanka, Sasidaran from Malaysia and summary of the Bhutanese refugee situation in Nepal and Australia are competing on the course. Ashok Kumar Bcaptures the complex human calculations of the resettlement A separate game for amateurs, with players and Jamal Hossain Mollah from India among solution. from India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal many others. BBC correspondent and director Amanda Burrell begins by was won by the team led by former Indian Open Broadcaster Ten Sports will cover the following Chandra, a refugee and midwife, whose narrative describing winner Vijay Kumar. Vijay carded a round of tournament in a 60-minute program. The event camp life intersects nicely with a sequence of the impressively efficient five-under par in the Standard Chartered Pro- goes on until 25 April. food operations, representative of the humanitarian aid work honed over the 20 years of the camps’ existence. More importantly, it allows us to appreciate the trauma of Chandra’s and her elderly parents’ expulsion from Bhutan and their current plight, illustrative of the experience of many of her peers. CRITICAL CINEMA For the middle portion of the A Angelo D’Silva film Burrell shifts to Bhutan, where the crew is allowed a brief day visit to that gorgeous and tightly restricted country. It is here that she garners some of the most intriguing interviews, interspersed as it is with weak Lonely Planet- esque cultural relativisms. There are chilling comments by Michael Rutland, an apologist for the Bhutanese position, that gives a frightening double-edge to the response to human rights activists protesting the citizenships act of 1988: “Because harmony was so much part of the way of life… it was very difficult to know how to deal with this sudden promotion of disharmony… I think measures were taken to try to promote harmony.” It is followed by denials from a government official of any wrong- doing and denials that most of the refugees were ever actually Bhutanese citizens. But upon her return to Nepal Burrell chooses to provide a platform to negate the Bhutanese version of events. The footage of an aged Bhutanese man with his battered folder of worn documents of taxes, marriage certificates and yes, an unmistakable citizenship identity card provides a striking illustration of the A reminder of the still unresolved and evolving predicament of Nepal’s Bhutanese refugees frustration and lunacy of the situation of the refugees. By minimizing any indications that many Bhutanese refugees have forayed outside the camps for work and education, Forgotten Refugees fails to underscore the one other option for the remaining Bhutanese refugees—some kind of compromise that affords the Bhutanese refugees the right to lawfully work and live outside the camp in Nepal either as citizens or withholding their political rights for repatriation. In the final portion of the documentary Burrell focuses on the resettlement program to third-countries. Her treatment of the subjects who have chosen third-country repatriation captures both the sense of uncertainty and the tantalizing promise of a more prosperous life. But it also underscores another often missed aspect—the path to the conclusion of the stateless status of its participants. For a Nepali audience, The Forgotten Refugees might be a misnomer, but Burrell does a very important service in reminding us that the current third country solution that will take an estimated five years to implement accommodates presently only half of the 100,000-plus refugees, that the camps will continue to require international aid, and that the promise of prosperity in the developed world is only a substitute for the aspirations of the displaced refugees for whom a political solution has not yet been forthcoming. Minister of Information Lyonpo Khandku Wangchuk, when confronted with the allegations that people were tortured, countered, “We are a peace loving Buddhist country. One of the major problems in our cities today is stray dogs. We don’t have the heart to get rid of them. How do we do this to fellow human beings, fellow citizens?” With Bhutan unable to accommodate the cultural expression of a minority in its definition of citizen, the international community has given it a pass on this transgression of rights as it absorbs the displaced victims of Bhutan’s radical ethnic policing. Perhaps the world and Nepal will have to deal next with displaced dogs, who are not native to Bhutan.

The Forgotten Refugees airs on the BBC World News channel on 25 April at 6.55 PM; 26 April 6.55 AM, 1.55 PM and 9.55 PM local time. 14 CITY 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448

ABOUT TOWN Vin Diesel and Paul Walker re-team for the ultimate chapter of Fast & Furious where they head back to the streets where it all EXHIBITIONS began. When a crime brings them back to LA, fugitive ex-con ™ Silent Witnesses, stencil artwork by Aymeric Hamon, till 24 Dom Toretto (Diesel) reignites his feud with agent Brian OíConner April, 6 PM, The Bakery CafÈ, Pulchowk. (Walker). But as they are forced to confront a shared enemy, ™ Caravan art show 2009 by Narayan Shrestha at Hotel Summit Dom and Brian must give into an uncertain new trust if they hope to outmaneuver him. And, from convoy heists to precision tunnel till 30 April.9851000519 crawls across international lines, the two men will find the best way to get revenge: push the limits of whatís possible

EVENTS Entertainment behind the wheel. ™ Tai chi & chi kung, 25 April, 9-11 AM at Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Keshar Mahal Marg, Thamel. 4410402 Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal ™ Buddhism in a Nutshell, one day course, 26 April, 8AM-6PM at www.jainepal.com Quest Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Keshar Mahal Marg, Thamel. 4410402 ™ Seminar by Sotai & Kai therapy centre at Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, 9-11AM, 28 April. 5013554 sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd ™ Call for entries for Film South Asia till 31 May, documentaries u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ made in and after January 2007 qualified. 5552141 nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ;"rgf ljefu MUSIC ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ™ An evening with Manose Singh, 25 April, Yala Maya Kendra, xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . 5PM, Patan Dhoka ™ Roots, a musical performance by Bob Manes along Desmond OíFlattery and Anthony Correll, 5.30- 8 PM. Lazimpat Gallery WEEKEND WEATHER Cafe. 4428549 ™ Kathmandu express, performance by International Acts, 7.30 by NGAMINDRA DAHAL PM onwards free entry at Moksh ™ Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi The brief shower of Tuesday afternoon Kitchen, Durbar Marg. 4227288 brought relief to the Valley ™ Sunday Jazz brunch barbecue and residents who have been experiencing unexpectedly hot days in April which live jazz music at the Terrace, they used to see only in late May or Hyatt Regency from 12-3.30 PM. June. Though such showers are the 4491234 usual characteristics of spring ™ Jazz evening at Delices de throughout the midhills, they have been France Restaurant every too rare and short this time following Wednesday, 11AM-2PM. 4260326 the six month long drought. Three ™ Strings Band live every Tuesday hundred families from a village in at Gís Terrace Restaurant and Sindhuli District reportedly abandoned Bar, Thamel. their traditional homes after their local ™ Wednesday Melody at Jazzabell spring source dried up. Satellite images of Thursday noon indicate the CafÈ, Happy hour 6-8PM and same pattern for the weekend. It TGIF party with live band Epic means hot days with sunny intervals, every Friday at 8PM. 2114075 passing clouds and smog with a good ™ Some like it hot every Friday chance of brief showers towards the BBQ and live music by Dinesh afternoon. Rai and the Sound Minds, 7PM onwards, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarikaís Hotel. 4479488 ™ Happy cocktail hour, 5-7PM, ladies night on Wednesday with

live unplugged music at Jatra CafÈ & Bar. KATHMANDU ™ Live Sensation, performance by Yankey every Saturday, 9PM, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. 4491234. ™ Fusion and Classical Music by Anil Shahi every Wednesday, rock with Rashmi Singh every Friday, sufi & raga with Hemant Rana every Saturday, 8PM onwards, Absolute Bar. 5521408 KATHMANDU VALLEY DINING Fri Sat Sun ™ European BBQ at Fusion bar, Dwarika Hotel, Rs 1499/- 24 April, 7PM onwards. 4479448 ™ Weekend Brunch by the Poolside every Saturday and Sunday, Soaltee Crowne Plaza Kathmandu ,11AM-3PM. 4273999 34-17 32-17 31-16 6 ™ Pizza & Pasta at the Rox Restaurant every Monday & Tuesday, starts from 13 April, Hyatt Regency. 4489362 ™ New York Cafe, Singha Mahal, Thapathali ™ Home made pasta at Alfresco, Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 4273999 ™ Gourmet trout at Olive Garden, 6PM onwards at Rs 850+, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat. 4411818 ™ Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Babar Mahal Revisited. 4263070 ™ High tea with scones and sandwiches everyday at the Lounge from 4.30-6.30 PM, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu. 4491234 ™ Mediterranean culinary delights every Friday from Greece, Italy The CafÈ, Hyatt Regency, 6.30PM. 4491234 ™ Nhuchhe goes Thai at Nhuchheís Thai Kitchen, Baluwatar. 4429903 ™ Fusion of Marcela Raganís new menu and Mannieís new bar at Dhokaima CafÈ. 5522113 ™ Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri La, Kathmandu, Rs 600. 4412999 ™ Reality Bites, The Kaiser CafÈ, Garden of Dreams, operated by Dwarikaís Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM. 4425341 ™ Cocktails, mocktails and liqueurs at the Asahi Lounge, opening hours 1-10PM, above Himalayan Java, Thamel. ™ Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-la with live†performance by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala Garden, every Friday 7PM onwards. 4412999

For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com HAPPENINGS 24 - 30 APRIL 2009 #448 15

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA ONE TRACK: National Janamorcha Party stages a 10-day protest against federalism at Maitighar Mandala on Monday.

KIRAN PANDAY FACE LIFT: A painter at work at the premises of Shital Nibas, the office of President Ram Baran Yadav.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA BALLAD DAYS: Pandit Vinod Kumar performs at a gajal night at Rastriya Nach Ghar on Sunday.

KIRAN PANDAY MODEL STUDENTS: Winners of VOW Magazine's Top 10 College Women collect their awards at Everest Hotel on Sunday.

LEE AMERICAN ACE: The Commonwealth and US tennis teams celebrate after the US won the Quetta Cup double's tournament at Phora Darbar on Saturday. N 16 Asian Asstrologers’Convention the army.Wasthismove All thegossipthisweekconcerns the infamous8-8-88. Rangoon wason8August1988, pro-democracy demonstratorsin auspicious daytocrackdownon determined thatthemost numerologists inBurma other countries,forexample comrades havealottolearnfrom will hosttheconf.ButNepal’s Our country’sforemostjyotisis strangely absentaretheDPRK. Lanka willbeattending,although Japan, Malaysia,BurmaandSri from Bangladesh,Bhutan,India, be vanquished. present andfutureenemieswill afternoon hurricaneandall bunds, nochukkajams, during whichtherewillbeno an extremelyauspiciousday soothsayers haveensuredthatit’s here. Youcanbesurethe that Asianastrologerswillbe be wisetotimeitforthedates stage acoupd’etatthenitwould new educationconsultancy,or planning togetmarried,launcha Convention inJune?Ifyouare host theAsianAstrologer’s would Kathmandubechosento fatalistic state.Whyelse it’s theworld’smost epal’s notafailedstate, BACKSIDE FG Asstrologers fond ofGenCutwallhaverallied Even generalsnotparticularly Ram Baranguru. Wednesday withourveryown to haveaprez-to-prezchaton was seriousenoughforMsPatil calling theshotsinarmy.It they’ll tolerateNepaliMaoists reminding Delhithereisnoway offensive inJharkhand, Indian Baddieswentonan something todowithitbecause the Indianelectionshad buddy fromtheacademy.And army chiefisGenCutwall’s and thefactthatIndian meddling withtheNepalarmy security establishmentofany complete rejectionbytheIndian they didn’tbargainforwasthe was onaChinajunket.What distracted byelectionsandJNK the ChiefbecauseIndiansare they hadthetimingrighttosack Badal andhisBaddiesthought outahere to neighbourswhowantUNMIN integration becominganirritant vociferous oppositionto Baghdad orKabul?Ishis appointments linedupin already haslucrativeUN ambassadorship becausehe declining PKD’sofferof prompted bytheCOASpolitely ? Whateverthecase, FG The onlysavinggraceisthatthere beeds andfriendlydips. ministers, high-profileconflict complaints throughBaddie These daystheyroutetheir relatives togetaproperhearing. knocked atthedoorsofroyal Earlier, ambitiousgenerals eh-malays didtothepolice. the armywhatkangresisand have nowsucceededindoingto chakari mode behaving likeapartyapartchikon Nauseating, seeingthegeneral of anofficerandagentleman. comrades inconductunbecoming has beencosyinguptothe Opportunist isCoolJarsapwho the guywho’scomeoutas#1 entire sordidepisode Gen ChatraMan.Andinthis behind thechief,andnowback FG . Thecomreds a fifthcolumn.He’d Maaobadddies wereusinghimas home minister,the by makingLeftistGodtheir enough groundstobelievethat on thearmy?Therearenow are reallytryingtodobytaking minute isthatwhattheMaoists to thevergeofcollapse.Waita His actionhasledtheUMLnow when hispartybosswasaway. his partyandconveniently letter withoutevenconsulting PKD sendingthespastikarran government. Hegavethenodto seniormost Eh-malayinthe wiggle hiswaytobecomethe situation, buthehasmanagedto deteriorating lawandorder in hisinabilitytocontrolthe been themostspectacularfailure fellow losttheelection,andhas than GenCool:BumDeb.The is someoneeven CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 04/058/59 less kewl year: 1,211. highway blockadeslast 768. Totalnumberof bund daysin2065: in: thetotalnumberof These figuresjustcame sometime back. much-maligned BirHospital had himselfoperateduponatthe while PresidentRamBaranYadav private nursingfortreatment seems. Theideologuechosea institutions ofthegovernment,it private entreprisethanin Comrade Baidyahasmorefaithin over thestate. the timecameforthemtotake conveniently stayathomewhen ass(at)nepalitimes.com 24 -30 APRIL 2009 FG FG #448

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