#781 30 October - 5 November 2015 16 pages Rs 50

GOPEN RAI HOME FIRE: Six months after the earthquake destroyed her house in Sindhupalchok, Monika Tamang, 13, is still homeless and cooks a meal with firewood inside a tattered tent at a shelter. The fuel crisis caused by the Indian blockade has added to the misery of earthquake survivors like her.

A BLOCKADE IS A BLOCKADE RACE AGAINST BETWEEN THE LINES BY TSERING DOLKER GURUNG PAGE 3 WINTER CARROT, STICK AND OIL Photo he fuel crisis caused by cannot be spent until the agency is BY THE WAY India’s blockade has brought functional. BY ANURAG ACHARYA Kathmandu to a halt most reconstruction Humanitarian groups were T PAGE 4 of earthquake damaged buildings trying to fill the gap, but their in Patan PAGE 6-7 and infrastructure. Already reconstruction and relief work is delayed due to political wrangling now halted due to the lack of diesel. MESSIAHS over the Reconstruction Authority, Emergency food supplies and OF THE MADHES nearly two million survivors across shelter need to be delivered to far- COMMENT 14 districts now face an uncertain flung mountain villages before the BY JIVESH JHA future as winter looms. snows come. The CEO appointed to head The agreement between Nepal PAGE 4 that agency, Govinda Raj Pokhrel, and China to meet up to a third of has also resigned from the National Nepal’s petroleum needs is unlikely RESTRAINT, RESOLVE Planning Commission because of to ease the crisis. India is only turf battles between the NC and allowing 10 per cent of Nepal’s fuel AND RESILIENCE THIS IS IT the UML over the post. The $4.4 requirement through the border. FUEL UP ON BY RUBEENA MAHATO billion pledged by the international Full story page 15 community for reconstruction PAGE 5 JAZZ PAGE 8-9 2 EDITORIAL 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781

in Madhesi demands for amendments from eight to 102; the need for Madhesi leaders to launder their image; cross- border sensitivities heightened by state elections in Bihar; the ultra-nationalism of the Kathmandu ruling class; Delhi’s historical geopolitical interest in ensuring a pliant Nepali state through swing votes in a Madhes buffer; paranoia in India about Chinese inroads into Nepal. Instead of trying to assuage an insecure Big Brother, our rulers are in the habit of constantly enraging it by flashing the China card. As India’s largest trading partner, China is unlikely to risk antagonising India over Nepal. But sections of the Indian establishment, egged on by hysterical media coverage, have latched on to China’s symbolic donation of 1,000 tons of petroleum as if it represents a declaration of war against India. Beijing obviously enjoys seeing India squirm in a quagmire of its own making, but that is not to say that it will upset its Himalayan spheres-of-influence accommodation with New Delhi. It doesn’t make sense for Nepalis to get all worked up about India’s stranglehold. It is our own doing. For the past 60 years we have only talked about our hydropower potential, and haven’t even harnessed 0.2 per cent of it. We have gone from being a net exporter of food grains to importing everything from garlic to gladioli from India. What have we done to proactively entice investors to create jobs at home? Far from being SUBHAS RAI self-reliant in energy and exporting power to India, Nepal now spends more than 60 per cent of its total LOSE-LOSE import bill on buying petroleum from India, and its volume has grown threefold in the last five years. We The blockade will turn out to be a costly blunder for the have done precious little to diversify our imports, and be more self-reliant. governments of both India and Nepal This crisis is a result of the incompetence of rulers of Nepal over the years, and the shortsightedness of a lot of words have appeared in the press about the In their haste to make up for bungling post-earthquake bunch of mean and arrogant Babus in New Delhi. We India-Nepal impasse that has led to a near-total reconstruction, politicians of the NC, UML and the UCPN(M) got a tantalising glimpse of a generous and friendly Aborder blockade for more than a month. The entire decided to push through a constitution, any constitution, India last year during the visit here by Prime Minister drama is also being played out on social media platforms. that would pave the way for a national unity government. Narendra Modi, one that rebooted relations for mutually- The situation has degenerated into abusive name-calling This strategy was driven by the political ambitions of two beneficial cooperation. But all that goodwill has now been from Nepalis with not only a false sense of bravado but hurt individuals: the UML’s K P Oli and the UCPN(M)’s Pushpa squandered by decision makers in New Delhi who have victimhood and ultra nationalism. And India is behaving Kamal Dahal. The NC did a volte face on its commitment callously turned an entire generation of Nepalis against like an overbearing bully with a crude and cruel attempt to to the power swap deal and goofed up so badly on so many India. This is a lose-lose for both countries. From here on, throttle a petulant neighbour with disproportionate muscle- fronts that it would take too long to list them all here. None any Indian investment or joint river project will be much flexing. of the Big 3 parties is capable of multi-tasking, and they more difficult to implement because of hostile public For Nepalis the most glaring aspect of this entire sordid were so distracted by the election of the new president and opinion. chapter in our nation’s history is a lack of preventive vice-president that negotiations with Madhesi groups about proactiveness and a sense of urgency that were needed to constitutional amendments were unnecessarily delayed. There are three steps Nepal’s new rulers should take: stop the situation from getting so out of hand for this long. Because the crisis has been allowed to ferment for so long Short term: Do whatever it takes to end the blockade. We The mishandling of the domestic political fallout of the ‘fast- and by not understanding the political dynamics in Delhi can’t eat nationalism. tracked’ constitution, the inability to contain the violence that drove the intervention, the whole thing is now knotted Medium term: Jump start the economy. There is just too from spiralling out of control in the plains, the excessive up, making it difficult to untangle. There are layers upon much politics. use of force in quelling the riots, and misconstruing Delhi’s layers of issues: bruised egos of politicians and bureaucrats Long term: Diversify imports, move to a renewable energy signals were what led to this crisis. in Kathmandu, New Delhi, Birganj and Janakpur; the increase economy.

YOUR SAY www.nepalitimes.com

THIS WEEK FIXING WHAT’S BROKE establishment needs to once again compromise from both sides we will Oli needs to make an effort to mend remind the Indian government of their be going down the path of instability ties with India, but do so on equal misaction. for a long time to come and this terms (‘Fixing what’s broke’, Editorial, Chaku Naran won’t be good for any of us including #790). India. Hope Modi and his advisers Poudyal Oil should make all the ministers also understand this as they have Deputy Prime Minister. Why not loot the decided to intervene in a confl ict It is a well known phenomenon: treasury of poor Nepali people when you which is not theirs and are now part Extremist leaders temper down their have the chance. What jokers Nepali of it. rhetoric once laden with state affairs. leaders are. How many DPM do we BDS Oli will certainly follow that path. What really need. I am concerned is if Madhesi leaders Narendra Anyone who thinks ethnicity- have the gravitas to respond with based states are a good idea focus and fi rmness. The whole point of having federalism doesn’t belong in the 21st century. Namah is to counter-balance powers from Pakhe federal states with big population (‘Onus In the last blockade by India in on Oli’, Om Astha Rai, #790). Please 1989, the Indian Army Chief had explain to me how it is fair to other states if the entire Tarai belt becomes one big BIKRAM RAI (14,772 PEOPLE REACHED,) advised Rajib Gandhi that it will be Weekly Internet Poll #781 state with election constituencies in counter-productive to punish the Q. Which community should the new President proportion to their population? Even in Most reached on Facebook family members of the Gurkhas of belong to? After becoming Nepal's fi rst female President, Bidya Bhandari greets her Nepal in the long run. This mantra by the US, Californians, New Yorkers, or Total votes: 381 supporters in Parliament on Wednesday. the Chief was taken into consideration Texans don’t get to decide the fate of by him and he listened against his other Americans living in much smaller babus’ advice, and the situation states. Most shared on Facebook Most visited online page became easy. There are about 70,000 Hurray The fi rst woman President by Om Astha Rai Messiahs of the Madhes by Jivesh Jha regular Gurkha troops in India from (71 shares) (3,379 views) It is equally important for the Nepal and more in other services. Weekly Internet Poll #782 Their family members are suffering Madhesi leaders to realise that some of To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Most popular on Twitter Most commented The fi rst woman President by Om Astha Messiahs of the Madhes by due to shortage of daily supplies by their demands are not logical and they Q. Are you happy with Bidya Bhandari being elected the Rai (211 retweets, 214 favourites) Jivesh Jha (15 comments) the Indian action. The Indian Army should seek to compromise too. Without President?

Publisher and Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Associate Editor: Tsering Dolker Gurung | Online Producer: Ayesha Shakya | Design: Kiran Maharjan Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Patan Dhoka, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu Nepali Times on Facebook [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5005601-08 Fax: +977-1-5005518 Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorials: Ram Krishna Banjara | Subscriptions: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Follow @nepalitimes on Instagram Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 OPINION 3 A blockade is a blockade But how long will it take for Nepalis to transfer the blame from India to our own inept political leadership

he neighbourhood of leaders have further distanced Nepali Times is dotted themselves from the rest of the Twith hole-in-the-wall country, including their own family run eateries offering people. Their endorsement modest meals to college students of the blockade which has and office-goers at reasonable created unneeded hardship prices. Unlike bigger, posher for a population already restaurants and five-star hotels reeling under the effects of two these businesses cannot fall devastating earthquakes has back on steep profit margins made even those sympathetic to to purchase gas cylinders at the cause question the tactic and Rs 10,000 (almost 10 times the legitimacy of the movement. normal rate). As a result owners What's surprising in all have been forced to pull their this has been the international shutters down, losing valuable media's silence on the issue. By income day after day. choosing to call the blockade a ‘fuel crisis’ reporters have reduced the true extent of the humanitarian crisis and helped paint a false picture of the goings-on in Nepal to the rest of the world. BETWEEN THE Even the international LINES community has been Tsering Dolker Gurung mysteriously silent, with the EU releasing a statement calling on India to ensure essential Across the street, dozens of supplies only last week. The UN taxis wait in an unmoving queue released a similarly belated and for 10 litres of petrol that will mild statement. Both refused to be distributed only tomorrow. acknowledge that it was indeed Few drivers are huddled together a blockade. in the back of a car, gambling, Local media, meanwhile, talking politics. They will try has been reporting the issue to compensate for the lost work GOPEN RAI with much fervour, but much hours by charging customers of it is filled with op-ed spout double or even quadruple the project is successful Mother says positions to help them out in assume prime ministership jingoism. Many have chosen to normal rate. Who can blame she could even help other families times of crises. They belong and provided leaders a much- highlight abuse and harassment them? in the neighbourhood, many of to all ethnic groups, including needed face-saver during a of common people by Morcha Back home in Ekantakuna, whom are already cooking in their those in the plains, whose rights time when public discontent cadres but completely ignored the last remaining gas cylinder backyards. India is supposedly backing. against the government for its cases of police brutality. is running low. The family is A month has now passed Besides being led by leaders mishandling of earthquake Nepali leaders in turn are discussing alternative cooking since India’s blockade of essential who have zero credibility relief was rising high. But in using the blockade to stoke options. My 14-year-old sister goods to Nepal, choking life (even within their community) their rush to reach the finishing nationalism and pass the buck suggests building an improved across the country it calls its and are as corrupt (if not line, the leaders failed to of its own failures to India. firewood stove and says she has ‘younger brother’. The clash of more) as those in Kathmandu, address dissenting voices, Nepalis are used to hardships, the know-how from a school egos at the top between Indian the blockade has greatly leaving more than half the but the question is how long project. If it weren’t for the and Nepali leaders has hurt undermined the Madhes population dissatisfied with the will it take for the people to current crisis, she would have ordinary Nepalis the most. These movement which was borne out new constitution. transfer the blame from India been ridiculed by the family, are people who can’t afford to buy of genuine grievances. However, by allowing to our own inept political now everyone is giving firewood goods in the black market, they The fast-track constitution India to arm twist Nepal leadership. serious thought. If her pilot don’t have relatives in powerful paved the way for KP Oli to on their behalf, the plains @Chenreeyang 4 NATION 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 Carrot, stick and oil The Indian Blockade is a reality, but so is the three-month Madhes agitation

e now have two women in senior media have largely ignored this, reacting undiplomatic moves, expressing between Nepal and China this week will positions: the UML’s Bidya Devi only to the Indian blockade which has reservations on several clauses in the draft end India’s historical monopoly over WBhandari is the second president created crippling shortages. In an op- constitution, including secularism. The Nepal’s petroleum market. In the long of Nepal and former guerrilla Onsari Gharti ed a few weeks before the constitution de-facto blockade is indeed a continuity run, this will be in our national interest, is the first woman to chair parliament. was promulgated, Prof Krishna Khanal of its ‘carrot and stick’ approach. But but for the moment it will serve only to For a nation in the throes of political had warned: “Leaders who immediately Kathmandu has nobody but itself to blame irritate Delhi further. transition, this is by no means a small addressed demands of protesters in for alienating Madhesis, pushing them Nepal cannot afford to antagonise achievement. But, as with promulgation Karnali and Surkhet and even Thori VDC, into New Delhi’s arms. either of our giant neighbours, not just of the constitution last month, the will have to answer why they have been “We have already got ourselves into a to ensure an uninterrupted international celebrations have been dampened and few ignoring the demands of Madhesis and diplomatic mess, so has India, and there is trade, but also to take economic outside Kathmandu are bothered. Tharus.” no other way for the two countries but to advantage of our location between India None of the top leaders are comfortable try and normalise relations,” says former and China. explaining the rationale of the current ambassador to India, Bhekh Bahadur So, instead of playing one against the arbitrary federal demarcation. Nor are they Thapa. “But this is our internal problem other, K P Oli must strive to achieve a willing to accept that the discriminatory and the government must seek political diplomatic balance on either sides of the citizenship provisions in the new reconciliation within, by reaching out Himalaya. We may have burnt our hands constitution could create a new generation to the dissenting parties. Both processes dealing with India, but it makes no sense of stateless citizens. must move in parallel.” burning our bridges also. BY THE WAY To be sure, the Indians have made Diplomatically, the MoU signed @Anurag_Acharya Anurag Acharya

From remote mountains ravaged by the April earthquake to the barren farms of the Tarai hit by the bad monsoon and more than three months of continuous unrest, there is anger against government apathy. Feroz, 43, runs a footware shop in Biratnagar and has to feed a family of nine. For the last two months, his business is down by half because his raw materials are stuck at the border. “I do not understand politics, but there are people on the streets protesting for over two months. Some of them I know are good people, and if they are on the streets, I guess there is a reason for it,” he says. Fifty km away, thousands of people from hill communities in Rajbiraj of Saptari took part in a rally in solidarity with the Madhes movement. “We have witnessed deaths and people have endured much pain in the last two months, we hope to calm communal tension,” local journalist Jitendra Thakur told me. What began as a small protest by some disgruntled Madhesi leaders in August has grown into a mass movement, gaining support from all walks of life in the plains. From the innovative ‘dhoti rally’ to creating a human chain, hundreds of thousands are on the streets. Kathmandu’s ruling class and the BIKRAM RAI Messiahs of the Madhes It’s time for the Madhesi people to think about who their real friends are

he movement in the is that most plains-dwellers are Nepal? That Nepalis would roll However, they never explained Negotiations are going on in Madhes against provisions against the blockade. They want over and welcome it? It may not why they suddenly appeared in Kathmandu between Madhesi Tin the new constitution is to fight their own fight with be practical to source fuel from the CA to vote in favour of Sushil leaders and a government team now dragging into its third month. Kathmandu, not have a foreign China, but that doesn’t prevent Koirala for prime minister last led by Foreign Minister Kamal Plains leaders have successfully country intervene on their behalf. Madhesi leaders from echoing month. Even the man on the street Thapa. From what we hear the whipped up anti-Kathmandu Madhesi leaders are now the ongoing hysteria in the Indian in any Madhes town will tell you government is playing hardball, sentiments, building on their trying to brand Kathmandu as media about “Chinese entry into that they did so at India’s behest. while Madhesi negotiators come past grievances. They have sown being pro-Chinese, anti-Indian Nepal”. Today half the young men up with ever more outlandish dreams of utopia, of how the and anti-Madhesi just because As positions harden on of the Tarai are in Malaysia or demands that have no relation to Tarai will turn into Switzerland a desperate government in both sides, Madhesi leaders are Qatar. The economic collapse the new constitution. once it has federal autonomy. Kathmandu is trying to find trapped by their own rhetoric. caused by the agitation in the The best move Madhesi alternate sources of importing fuel More than 45 people have been past two months will push even leaders can now make is to call supplies from China. They have killed since August, and there is more to go abroad, the only off the agitation for the Chhat been warning of anti-Chinese deep resentment in the public in thing stopping them from flying festival, say no thank you to protests if Kathmandu imports the plains against state security out of Kathmahdu is the lack of the Indian blockade and work petroleum from China. forces, but also against Madhesi public transport. Yet, Madhesi with the government for agreed Amid all this, the self- leaders for stepping on the bodies leaders have nothing but empty amendments to the constitution. declared messiah of Madhes of the martyrs to get to power. slogans and false promises for This is what the Madhesi people COMMENT politics, Rajendra Mahato of the The silent majority feel that they their own people. Words do not want, it would be in India’s Jivesh Jha Sadbhavana Party, told an Indian have been made to suffer for the fill stomachs. Destabilising the interest and it would serve the newspaper, “what is good for past three months just so corrupt Nepali nation state as they have cause of democracy and justice in India is good for Madhes” and Madhesi leaders can improve their done by inviting open Indian Nepal. But in the process they that “only a strong Madhes can bargaining power to get plum intervention will not do the Let’s be smart and figure out have undermined their own weaken Kathmandu’s anti-India posts in Kathmandu. Madhesi people any good, nor who the real enemies are: leaders agitation by making the Indian drive”. The constituent parties of will it be in India’s own strategic who allow themselves to be establishment such a close ally. Neither anti-Indian nor anti- United Democratic Madheshi interest. We, Madheshi people used by Big Brother for its own Moderate Madhesis are reluctant Chinese sentiments are good Front (UDMF) had asserted that want development and jobs, and interest. It is time for the Madhesi to express their views for fear of for the country. What did India they resigned from the Constituent we want an immediate end to the people to figure out who their real being ostracised, but the reality expect by imposing a blockade on Assembly (CA) on moral grounds. blockade. friends are. 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 BUSINESS 5 Restraint, resolve and resilience BIZ BRIEFS World record for Turkish The movement is no longer about what the Madhes and Madhesis really want Turkish Airlines recently launched its nonstop service from Miami to Istanbul. It mindsets and reduce inequalities also broke the world record for building provided there is stability the tallest sandcastle in Miami, for which it for these processes to take had partnered with 7-time Guinness World root. The new constitution has Record-holder, Sand Sculpture Company, flaws, but with amendments on and its owner Ted Siebert. controversial clauses, especially on citizenship rights, it can be improved. But to reject the entire Everest milestone Everest Bank has recently document and push the country to another decade of uncertainty completed 21 years of operation. By is criminal and malicious. the end of last fi scal year, the bank’s total business had crossed Rs 130 billion. The Madhesi parties are doing It has also expanded its network to include 53 branches and 80 ATMs and plans a disservice to themselves and to add more. the Madhesi cause by allowing themselves to be pawns. One can Big merger only hope that genuine activists Five fi nancial institutions - Clean Energy Development Bank, Bhrikutee will break free of this unholy Development Bank, Pathibhara Bikas Bank, alliance, re-own the movement and Prudential Finance Company – have and bring it back to where it commenced joint operations under the BIKRAM RAI belongs: to the Nepali people and fl agship name of NMB Bank. This marks one their government. of the biggest mergers in Nepal’s banking sector. he crisis in the Madhes they want a stable and peaceful Despite all attempts to pit one need not be intractable. Nepal where they can earn their group against the other, we have IME Scholarships TA resolution should be livelihood without disruption. never been a communal country IME and Global IME Bank have announced possible if the state concedes Madhesis believe there is a and we should do all we can to the names of students receiving scholarships that Madhesi grievances are real stay that way, even though some constitutional and democratic under the Global IME Akanshya Scholarship and have to be corrected, their means to achieve this and made resentment has creeped in now. Fund. The scholarship funds the primary and secondary studies of competitive demands for rights and dignity this abundantly clear with We Nepalis will have to show students from fi nancially disadvantaged backgrounds. have to be fulfilled and those their votes in the 2013 election. restraint, resolve and resilience in who ordered and carried out The Morcha on the other hand the days to come. For far too long torture and killings have to be believes in terror, blackmail and we allowed misguided people investigated and punished. raw power. It has no illusions, the to get away unquestioned and alarmist calls for separatism hold unchallenged for the damage they no currency amongst ordinary have done. Let us hold to account Madhesis who know their those who created polarisation interests and survival are tied to and pushed the country Nepal. to the edge with their lies, Working with a foreign misinformation and compromised THIS IS IT country to enforce blockade silence. Rubeena Mahato against fellow Nepalis, inciting @rubeenaa violence by offering cash prize for If a solution means a martyrdom, provoking police to new compromise on federal react through targeted lynching, boundaries and agreeing to throwing petrol bombs at moving proportional representation based buses, setting people ablaze for on population, the state has to be carrying fuel are Morcha tactics. flexible on these. To support this group and But first the Madhesi Morcha say that it represents ordinary has to end the blockade, dealign Madhesis and holds sole claim itself from interventionist forces to their demands is deceitful and and give up terror and violence. dangerous. If they hope to bulldoze their way It is tragic that some are through unreasonable demands willing to support the Indian that seek to secure the interests of blockade just because they a neighbouring country than its don’t support the constitution. own citizens, it will lose further They want to see Nepal forced legitimacy not just with the to its knees and if that involves government but amongst the very millions of people suffering and people they claim to represent. some losing their lives, it is a The question is whether small price to pay. Businesses, the Morcha and its backers industries and hospitals are from within and beyond the affected, schools are closing down borders care. They have quashed but this makes no difference to international law and diplomatic this delusional cohort. norms, abandoned politics of Supporters of the Morcha, principles and have resorted to amongst them self-declared force, intimidation and bullying intellectuals, are the same people to get their demands met. who supported violent groups in What is unraveling in the the past and opposed demands Madhes is plain blackmail. for accountability of war-crimes. What started as a movement Elitist, removed from reality, for rights has morphed into they have a deep-seated distrust something sinister. How can the towards common people whom constitutional appointment for they claim to speak for. For them, naturalised citizens be a Madhesi violence is the means to an end. demand? A bunch of discredited They do not believe in leaders who have no support co-existence or in legal and amongst ordinary Madhesis and political solutions. The fact were defeated in the last elections that this constitution was voted are using violence and terror to by more than 90% of elected hold the entire region hostage. representatives makes no There is a deliberate muddling difference because democratic of issues, valid and legitimate processes mean nothing to them. demands for dignity and rights The fact that Nepal is actively have been hijacked by interest appointing women and members groups who are using the most from minority groups into divisive and violent means positions of power and promoting possible to do so, fuelling inclusive policies through quotas communal hatred and radicalism. and representation in state There is no pretense left. The institutions does not impress movement is no longer about them. what the Madhes and Madhesis Changes do not happen want, there is geopolitics at play. overnight and institutional Madhesis want dignity and rights, reforms would gradually change Just when you thought the glorious weather and the blockade- induced lack of pollution would last, comes this low pressure system on the fi rst westerly of the season. It is quite a big circulation, and we are likely to see increased cloud cover and some precipitation into the weekend. This will bring down the minimum temperature, and increase the chances of morning mist in Kathmandu. There will be the season’s fi rst snow in the higher reaches and down to about 4,000m. Since this trough is not part of a larger cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, it will not KKATHMANDUATHMANDU bring blizzards or heavy rain. FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY 24° 24° 24° #781 30 October - 5 November 2015 12° 11° 11° PHOTO KATHMANDU IN PATAN Nepal’s first international festival of photography starts next week

rom 3-9 November the alleys and attention to how it needs careful planning courtyards of Patan will be transformed and preservation,” says festival director Finto a live exhibition space as the old NayanTara Gurung Kakshapati of choosing town plays host to Nepal’s first international the festival destination. TUOMO MANNINEN photography festival, Photo Kathmandu. The Eighteen print exhibitions showing works week-long festival is being organised by the of both national and international artists, photo collective, photo.circle. with the theme ‘Time’ will be on display. Kakshapati. With over 45 international artists and “Patan is an incredibly rich urban Organisers say each of the exhibition A curated walk through Lalitpur is also many Nepali photographers from outside landscape - both in terms of tangible but represents a chapter in the history of Nepal on offer. Besides exhibitions, the festival Kathmandu participating, the team has also intangible heritage; the patis that are and are hopeful visitors will recognise is also curating several workshops and been forced to deal with unseen logistical home to evening bhajans, the local corner themselves in these images. talks on visual story telling. Pre-festival challenges. However, the team is staying shops that sell woh, aloo, sukuti, choela. “At this present time of great political events began this week on Tuesday with a positive. By locating a festival in the midst of this, and social transitions here in Nepal- we hope workshop on oral history writing by Indira Says Kakshapati: “If people from places by trying to weave it into the fabric of the these stories will spark retrospection and Chowdhury, director of the Centre for Public as far away as Belgium and Swaziland can Patan streets, we would like to both celebrate reflection on our past, present and where we History at the Srishti School of Art, Design make it, we figure, people from across town this urban landscape as well as draw would like to head in the days to come,” says and Technology in India. will make an effort to come to Patan.”

Library Juju Bhai Dhawa: Keeper of memories earthquake. Time maps and memories: The Sumitra A look back at how royal painters-turned- by Nepal Picture Library 3 to 9 November, 10am to 5pm Manandhar Collection by Nepal Picture EXHIBITIONS photographers started studio photography in Juju Bhai Dhakhwa’s photos capture the Yala Guest House, Patan Darbar Square Library Nepal. communal alongside the familial; a chorus Spanning the period between the 1960s and the 3 to 9 November, 10am to 4pm of faces that repeat throughout the collection Patis in Patan by Christiane Brosius, 1990s, this collection of 900-odd photographs BIND Photobook Exhibition and Library Keshav Narayan Chowk, Patan Museum shows the fl uid intersection between the private Rajendra Shakya and Sujan Chitrakar illustrates the various dimensions of life by The BIND Collective realm of the family and the public realm of A curated walk through Lalitpur. within the Manandhar family, Sumitra’s own An examination of the relationship between the History begins at home: Diverse festivities and excursions. 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm experiences, as well as aspects of rural life in memories of visitors to the festival and the city narratives of young people living in 3 to 9 November, 12 to 4pm Patan Darbar Square, Chakrabahil, Sundhara and Nepal across the 1980s and 1990s. of Kathmandu, with artist readings of texts by Kathmandu by Sharareh Bajracharya, Dhakwa House, Nagbahal Chyasal 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm Janette Winterson, Hervé Guibert, Aveek Sen Niranjan Kunwar and Nepal ZYU, Swotha and others. Picture Library Living in the mist: the last nomads of Portraits of Nepal by Kevin Bubriski 3 to 9 November, 10am to 5pm Features artworks created during a pilot program Nepal by Kishor Sharma Former peace corps volunteer Kevin Bubriski has We by Tuomo Manninen Newa Chen, Kulimha of Nepal Picture Library’s ‘Retelling Histories A closer look at the lives of Rautes- Nepal’s last been photographing Nepal for over 40 years and Finnish photographer Manninen’s group Education Program’. remaining nomads. is known for his iconic black and white images. portraits are an intermingling of documentary Change of course by Prasiit Sthapit 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm and dramatisation. Prasiit Sthapit’s photographs of the village of Adarsha Kanya Niketan School, Patan Museum Twilako Tol (Adarsha Kanya Niketan School north Bhai Dega, Patan Darbar Square 3 to 9 November, 10 am to 7pm Susta, calls for attention to this endangered wall) Mulchowk Entrance, Patan Museum settlement which once lay on the west bank of Hope for Tomorrow by Nicolas Marie The 90s: A democratic awakening by the Narayani River. and Swotha Community North Fake by Maia Ruth Lee and Bikas Rauniar 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm Hope for Tomorrow tells the story of a community: Peter Sutherland A reminder of an era that is all but forgotten. Chyasal the inhabitants of and others connected to the The fi rst collaboration between the husband and 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm Swotha Square in old Patan. wife duo. Dhaugal- East Wall Everyday Epiphanies by Frédé ric Lecloux 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm WORKSHOPS Photographer Fré dé ric Lecloux fi rst came to Swotha Pim Bahal The Man from Limbuwan by Surendra Nepal 20 years ago, and says he fi nds a certain Lawoti link between his own disorder and the one that In the Shadow of Hope by Philip Patan Camera Obscura by Laura This two-part exhibition traces the journey of Photographing the Everyday characterises the towns and villages he keeps Blenkinsop Diamond Dixit, Miku Dixit and Rene Fan two men – father and son – both men from Writer and photographer Fré dé ric Lecloux returning to. Philip Blenkinsop captures Nepal after the Royal Using the principles of the camera obscura, the Limbuwan who travel far from their ancestral will work with young photographers to build a 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm Massacre. installation casts the inverted image of the void hills of Therthum, in the eastern hills of Nepal, meaningful photography story with elements Dhaugal-South Wall 3 to 9 November, 10am to 7pm left behind the fallen temple of Char Narayan to the heartland of Nepali politics and to faraway that might change the way they look at their lives Old Court House, Hakka (destroyed in the April earthquake) into a room places around the world. and their context. Facing the camera: A History of Nepali overlooking the square. The result: a view of the 3 to 9 November, 10am to 5pm 30 October to 2 November, 9am to 2pm Studio Photography by Nepal Picture square that was impossible to see before the Image Ark, Kulimha Alliance Francaise in Kathmandu, Teku

NEPAL WHEREVER YOU ARE.

in your lap or palm. www.nepalitimes.com 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 7

BIKAS RAUNIAR BIKAS RAUNIAR KEVIN BUBRISKI

SUMITRA MANANDHAR GURUNG JUJU BHAI DHAKHWA KISHOR K SHARMA

Visual thinking in the editorial process Inheritance Artist Talk: After an elusive world by Baggikhana Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Baggikhana Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Danish photographer Thomas Borberg will The Fearless Collective explores fears and Anne Golaz conduct the workshop and discuss how Danish memories that are passed on from one 5 November, 4 to 4.40pm Artist talk: Why are you looking at me Discussion: Professionalising Nepali newspaper Politiken works with photo and other generation to each other. Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka like that? By Andrea Stultiens photography visual elements. 7 to 9 November, 9am to 5pm 7 November, 2 to 2.40pm Bikash Karki & Raj Bhai Suwal, 1 to 4 November, 9am to 2pm Patan Discussion: History of South Asian Gaushala Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka moderated by NayanTara Gurung Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka photography Kakshapati Christopher Pinney & Tanzin Wahab, Talk: Living with photographs – being a 7 November, 4.20 to 5.30pm Writing Photography moderated by Pratyoush Onta collector by Isabelle Darrigrand Gaushala Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka This four-day workshop will explore practical and 5 November, 4.40 to 5.30pm 7 November, 2.40 to 3.30pm conceptual approaches to critical commentary Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Baggikhana Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Presentation: Retelling histories on photography. Moderated by Christopher TALKS curricular project by Niranjan Kunwar Pinney. Artist talk: Kevin Bubriski Discussion: Seeing comes before words, and Sharareh Bajracharya 2 to 5 November, 9am to 2pm 6 November, 3 to 3.40pm but who tells the story? 8 November, 3 to 3.40pm Sundhara House Artist Talk: Philip Blenkinsop Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Alisa Sett, Sohrab Hura & Frédé ric Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka 4 November, 3 to 3.45pm Lecloux, moderated by Rabi Thapa Using visual media for social justice Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Discussion: The Journey of the 7 November, 2.40 to 3.30pm Artist Talk: Finding your voice by campaigns Photobook Sohrab Hura & Dragana Gaushala Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Sailendra Kharel The workshop will investigate a range of issues Presentation: Students works from Jurisic, moderated by Nishant Shukla 8 November, 3.40 to 4.20pm and approaches to use images for social justice, Danish School of Media and Journalism 6 November, 3.45 to 4.35pm Artist talk: Rohan Thapa Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka explore issues of representation, collaborative (DMJX) Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka 7 November, 3.40 to 4.20pm methodologies, and how to best prepare a 4 November, 4 to 4.45pm Baggikhana Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Discussion: The Earthquake and the communication strategy. Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Presentation: World, Press & Photo Image Athena Zelandonii, Narendra 5 to 6 November, 9am to 2pm refl ected by Micha Bruinvels Artist talk: A river’s tail by Gareth Shrestha & Sam Reinders, moderated by Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Artist Talk: Strangers at Home-Migrant 6 November, 4.45 to 5.30pm Bright Austin Lord Domestic workers in HongKong by Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka 7 November, 3.40 to 4.20pm 8 November, 4.30 to 5.30pm Beyond the camera Robert Godden Gaushala Hall, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka This two-day workshop will introduce participants 4 November, 4.45 to 5.30pm Instameet to the basics of research, ethics, caption writing Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka 7 November, 9am to 12pm Discussion: Product vs Process and digital workfl ow. Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka Ankit Suwal, Brianna Bartlet, Indu SLIDESHOWS 7 to 8 November, 9am to 2pm Talk: Iraqi photography by Philippe Van Antony, Ralph Smit, Sanjeev Maharjan Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka Cauteren Artist talk: Yu: The Lost country by & Tushikur Rahman, moderated by Showing works of various artists, 5 November, 3 to 3.45pm Dragana Jurisic Philippe Van Canteran 4 to 9 November, 6.30 to 7.30 pm, for venue Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka 7 November, 2 to 2.40pm 7 November, 4.20 to 5.30pm information visit photoktm.com 8

rom 4-10 November Nepal’s Himalayan sky vocalist and drummer of Nepal’s first jazz band will once again come alive with the sound Cadenza Collective , Jazzmandu has successfully of jazz as the Surya Nepal Kathmandu introduced jazz to Nepal and has over the years International Festival, popularly known refined the country’s local music scene by bringing as Jazzmandu, celebrates its 13th year. world class musicians to Kathmandu audiences. TheF widely anticipated annual event will provide This year’s festival line up includes performers Nepalis with a melodic and rhythmic escape from from Norway, the USA, France, Cuba and Argentina FUEL UP ON the country’s ongoing blockade crisis. that will join local Nepali talent on different stages Aside from being one of the leading music at various venues around the city. Each year festivals in South Asia, Jazzmandu has established Jazzmandu presents Jazz for the Next Generation, a Nepal as a key player in the international jazz music competition that promotes music education scene. Each year, the highly sought-after festival and gives young musicians a chance to demonstrate brings musicians from all corners of the world their talents in front of international musicians. This to Kathmandu, where the artists celebrate year’s edition will continue this tradition and will their musical diversities while simultaneously also feature a free concert for young school children showcasing their camaraderie through music. to expose them to jazz from around the world. JAZZ Created in 2002 by Navin Chettri, the lead Madeline Zutt

Nepali Times: How will the country’s current fuel crisis affect this year’s festival? Navin Chhetri: This is an interesting year for us. Despite the current crisis the country is facing, we want to have the festival, more than ever. We want to show that Nepalis are strong and ready to bounce back. It is also our way of getting more people to visit Nepal. We hope that we can make do with the shortcomings we are facing right now given the country’s current situation.

How is this year’s Jazzmandu going to be different? We try to get different artists each year to attract a mix of people from all walks of life. We want to attract Nepalis as well as foreigners. This year we are collaborating with Photo Kathmandu to bring different aspects of visual art to the music festival. We are also trying to get school students more involved with jazz by offering a free concert to young kids so they can enjoy and experience jazz. Nepali Times In addition, we have started the Jazzmandu spoke to the Education Initiative where students meet every week at my studio, The Music Room, for an intensive course festival’s director, in music. Through this initiative, students who are Navin Chettri, dedicated to study music are given the chance to come “We want to have the festival about his together to learn and perform in different ensembles. Some of these student-teacher ensembles will be expectations for featured either at the Jazz Bazaar or the school concert this year, more than ever.” this year’s festival. on 5th November. 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 9

NOVEMBER “It's my first visit to Asia, so TIME: 2.30 TO 10PM I'm really looking forward to 7 seeing Kathmandu and also JAZZ BAZAAR playing for a completely new Escape the current Kathmandu chaos with audience. My expectations a trip to Gokarna Forest Resort to enjoy a mix of Jazz and traditional Nepali classical are, of course, to have a music. Souvenirs and T-shirts will be on nice and interesting time, sale. Free shuttle bus service available every hour from 1pm to 4pm. Shuttle bus discover and experience a pick-up point, outside the Hyatt Regency completely different world, gate, Boudha. Return shuttle bus available between 10pm to 11pm, drop off at country, society and to meet Chabahil. new people (audience and Location: Gokarna Forest Resort other musicians). I'm also Tickets: Rs 1090 excited to see how my music will be received.” NOVEMBER -Kjetil Husebø 7 TO 9PM 8 (GATES OPEN AT 6PM AND CLOSE AT 8PM) RED HOT LATIN JAZZ Seats are first come first serve, so come early to enjoy authentic Brazilian and Afro-Cuban beats. Location: Hotel Summit, Kupondole. Tickets: Rs 1299

NOVEMBER NOVEMBER NOVEMBER 454 TO 6PM 7 TO 9PM 9 1.30 TO 3.30PM JAZZ FOR THE NEXT GROOVIN AT UPSTAIRS JAZZMANDU MASTERCLASS GENERATION MUSIC Nepal’s own jazz outfit, Cadenza Collective The festival’s masterclass gives music will kick start the festival. Come early to get students and jazz lovers the chance to COMPETITION a good seat, gates open at 6pm. engage with and learn Young musicians will compete in front of Location: Jazz Upstairs, Lajimpat FREE ENTRY from Jazzmandu’s visiting a number of international musicians and Tickets: Rs 500 (LIMITED SEATING) musicians. Come perfect the selected finalists your musical technique FREE ENTRY will perform for a panel with the best of the best. of judges (made up of Location: Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel (LIMITED SEATING) Jazzmandu artists). NOVEMBER The winner(s) will have 4 TO 6PM the opportunity to join international jazz 5 musicians at Jazz Bazaar and participate in NOVEMBER private workshops led by Jazzmandu artists. VOCAL AND RHYTHM 6 TO 8:30 PM Location: Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel 9 WORKSHOP The workshop features Afro Cuban Rhythm JAZZ AT PATAN with Yaite Ramos and Come out to enjoy an evening of Nepali WHO, FREE ENTRY vocal techniques in classical music mixed with Jazz. The night NOVEMBER (LIMITED SEATING) Latin Music with Banda will feature performances by Nepal’s 11AM TO 12:30 PM Magda (GATES OPEN AT 10.30AM, SEATING AT 10.50AM) prominent jazz band, Cadenza. 5 Location: Kathmandu Music Room, Naxal Location: Dhokaima Café, Patan Tickets: Rs 1299 WHAT, CONCERT FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN NOVEMBER The festival will include a free concert for 7 TO 9PM school students giving them the chance to 6 NOVEMBER experience music from around the world 5.30 TO 10PM and to interact with some of the festival’s VALLEY JAMS 10 Different venues around the city will WHERE, musicians, in an effort to encourage the feature performances by Jazzmandu artists. appreciation of jazz music in the younger JAZZMANDU FINALE generation. Students who are interested Locations: Jazz Upstairs, Lajimpat The festival’s musicians jazz it up one last should contact [email protected] as soon Moksh, Jhamsikhel House of Music, Thamel time and trust us, you won’t want to miss as possible as there is limited seating. Manny’s Eatery & Tapas Bar, Jawalakhel out on Jazzmandu’s big finale. Location: Alliance Francaise, Tripureshwor Tickets: Rs 500 Location: Yak & Yeti Hotel, Darbar Marg WHEN Tickets: Rs 1090

“The experience I have had so far conversing with Nepali people has been extremely heart-warming and welcoming. Kathmandu has definitely been on my list of places to visit, and it makes me truly happy that I will get to discover and explore this magnificent part of the world through music and art. I look forward to building global music connections in a city of such rich cultural heritage. Based on what I have read so far about Jazzmandu, it seems like it’s more than a festival, but a spiritual institution that encourages global music connection, interaction, growth and prosperity.” -Magda Giannikou 10 EVENTS DINING MUSIC GETAWAYS

Black Pepper Café & Pub, Cosmopolitan dining and drinking in a Quake traditional style courtyard, try the apple sauce pork chops and enjoy the good photobook, service. Nepal425 launches a crowd- Kupondole Height, Lalitpur, (01)5521897, sourcing drive for printing a www.blackpepper.com coff ee table book featuring 700 pictures of the earthquake. All Soaltee specials, proceeds from the sales will go Barahi Jungle Lodge, Soaltee Crowne Plaza is featuring special to quake-aff ected. The fi rst eco-jungle lodge of Chitwan menus from seven award-winning chefs www.nepal425.com directly overlooks the Chitwan National until November. Park, spa, boutique guest room, Tahachal, (01)4273999 individual and two-in-one private villas, Conference on heart disease, Look Back in Anger, including a suite with a private swimming pool. Conquering heart disease in the John Osborne’s play, directed by Shankar Andrauli, West Chitwan, (01)4411113, Himalayan region: the eighth international Rijal, portrays the disillusionment among [email protected], www.barahijunglelodge.com congress on the management of youth in the 1950s cardiovascular disease. 5.15 to 7pm, 20 November to 2 December 5pm, 30-31 October, Hotel Yak and Yeti, Mandala theatre, Anamnagar Kathmandu Jhule mountain resort, For registration: (01) 4371123 Film Southasia, Resting 2050m above sea level, the eco- resort boasts a farmhouse that stretches A biennial festival full of informative, across a hill covered in fresh pine. Enjoy Wholeness, entertaining, scintillating documentaries Hankook Sarang, an organic home stay experience. Artist Puran Khadka whose work is a on South Asia. Serves incredible Korean delicacies, Shivapuri-Nagarjun National Park, Jhule, meditative abstraction full of spiritual 19-22 November, Kathmandu including superlative steamed rice to (01)6212399, www.jhuleresort.com.np, awakening exhibits his paintings. www.fi lmsouthasia.org anchor meals fi t for kings. www.jhuleresort.com Till 30 October, Park Gallery, Pulchok, Thamel, (01)4256615, (01)5522307, [email protected] [email protected] Folk Music Festival, Vesper Café, Fifth edition of the International Folk Photography Workshop, Music Film Festival, get to learn about For students interested in taking street Great for leisurely dining, serves diverse music cultures and participate in a contest portraits: lessons on basic composition foods that refl ect Italian lifestyle. 26 to 29 November, Kathmandu rules to frame their portraits and the skills Jhamsikhel, (01)5548179 to approach strangers to pose for them. 8.30 am to 12 pm, 1 to 3 November, Salt & Pepper Restro Lounge, Sattya Media Arts Collective, Jawalakhel Espresso, mocha, latte, frappuccino, cocktails, liquour, beers and fl avored Shangri-La Village Resort, Kathmandu MTB Fest, Critical Mass, shishas, with an outdoor lake-view Spend your weekend under the shadow A monthly meet-up for cyclists who want of breathtaking mountain views, The ultimate cycling fest with prizes up terrace. to reclaim the streets, followed by a brief landscaped gardens, water bodies and a to Rs 800,000 – both cross-country and Lakeside, Pokhara, (061)463484, 9846210568 ride around town. This month’s critical relaxing ambience. downhill mass is to be held in remembrance of Gharipatan, Pokhara,(61)462222, Register: kathmandumtbfest.com conservationist Prahlad Yonzon (01)4410051, [email protected], 20 to 22 November, Hattiban 5.30pm, 30 October, Basantapur www.hotelshangrila.com Darbar Square Mango Tree Lodge, Yak Attack, Culture walks, rafting in the Karnali, The highest mountain bike race on earth. wildlife exploration, and jungle safari at Get ready to climb dizzying heights above Jazzmandu, the Bardia National Park. 5000 metres! Mark Your Calendars for the Biggest Jazz Bhetani, Bardia, (084)402008, Registration deadline: 6 November, North Party in the Himalayas. Visit the Jazzmandu [email protected] Face outlet, Thamel Facebook page for chances to win tickets. 7 to 15 November , the yakattack.com 4 to 10 November Photo Kathmandu, Nepal Music Festival Don't miss out on the fi rst edition of this Nepal’s biggest volunteer-run music and photography festival and its exhibitions, Barista culture festival, includes performances by workshops and talks. noted bands and fun activities. 3 to 9 November, Patan Lavazza, 28 November, 12 to 8pm Bhrikuti Mandap, Pradarshani Marg Shakti, www.photoktm.com The Valley’s best European inspired www.nepalmusicfestival.org Celebrated artist Kiran Manandhar’s coff ee-culture cafe serves excellent Himalayan Wellness Centre, fourth solo exhibition explores the mortal Business plan competition, mochas and lattes, don’t forget to try A one-stop centre for a relaxed mind and power and divine energy manifested in King’s College is organising a business their grilled chicken sandwich. Open mic, healthy body inside the Park Village Hotel. the female form. plan competition to promote social Jawalakhel, (01)4005123, barista. Calling all aspiring singers. Budhanilkantha, 980-1066661, Until 10 November, Siddhartha Art Gallery, entrepreneurship in Nepal. [email protected] Every Tuesday, 7pm, House of Music, Thamel, [email protected]. Babarmahal 9818032872, 9841848212 9851075172, [email protected] www.himalayanwellness.com.np 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 11

viewers about the main sources of air pollution, describes its effects on health and climate and points out measures individuals can take to reduce air pollution. Smoke and mirrors The storyline is a bit rushed, however, with too ow do you make a in his front yard in Kathmandu, much information packed into subject like air pollution his new neighbour Ang Tsering 40 minutes. The moments of Hentertaining while at the Sherpa asks him not to do so. epiphany for both characters same time conveying the essential When Sherpa tries to explain how seem a tad forced. Do they really message across to the intended soot particles are trapped by have to get sick to realise their audience? Answer: take the two temperature inversion due to the misconceptions? MaHa are master most popular comedians in the Valley’s topography, Kaji doesn’t comedians and have used the country and make a telefilm with take it too well. Sherpa invites infotainment medium for various animation to appeal to viewers of Kaji’s family to lunch the next day programs including HIV/AIDS. all ages. and shows them a documentary on Dhuwa is not in the same artistic That is what the Institute how the smog and haze is not only league, but is a good start to of Advanced Sustainability blocking the view of the mountains raising public awareness about air Studies (IASS) and International but also melting the snow, the pollution and its links to health Center for Integrated Mountain rising temperature causing lakes and climate. Development (ICIMOD) did: join to form where there once were Sahina Shrestha forces with popular comic duo glaciers. The Kaji family doesn’t Madan Krishna Shrestha and like to be lectured, and leaves. Director: MaHa Hari Bansa Acharya (MaHa) to affects their health. The birds during winter. While his son warns Kaji falls sick and ends up in Story/Script/Dialogue: produce Dhuwa (Smoke), which point out the major sources of air Gangadhar of the consequences the same hospital as Gangadhar. Hari Bansha Acharya was broadcast on 18 October in pollution and how humans have of inhaling so much smoke, the By then, both have finally realised Concept: Arnico Panday, Nepal Television. ignored its effects. Dad pays no heed. When he finally the consequences of pollution in Maheswar Rupakheti The infotainment format On the ground the viewer falls sick, a plane is not available the environment as well as health. Duration: 37 minutes opens with two adorable animated is introduced to Gangadhar to take him to hospital because of The witty dialogue and parrots Madan Gopi and Hari (Hari Bansa Acharya), a chain- poor visibility. He has to take an animated characters make the film Gopi (voiced by MaHa) sitting on smoking plains-dweller who is ambulance to Kathmandu. a fun watch and the producers nepalitimes.com a branch of a tree discussing how always hunched around a bonfire When Buddhi Man Kaji (Madan succeed in raising awareness about  Watch Dhuwa air pollution and climate change discussing the abnormal fog Krishna Shrestha) burns garbage pollution. Dhuwa informs the

Blockade menu f there is any group in Kathmandu that copes particularly well with crises, it is the Icity’s restaurants. Even a month after India imposed a blockade, the vast majority of them were open, many offering the entirety of their menus. Before Dasain, the popular food delivery service, Foodmandu, was still on the go, delivering morsels to nervous customers who had run out of gas. But even these undaunted fighters are now in a pickle. A stroll through Pulchok and Jhamel, which pullulate with restaurants, quickly reveals the severity of the situation. Most restaurants have their shutters down. Others are offering special ‘Blockade Menus’ consisting of a few popular dishes, typically momos and noodles. Foodmandu now delivers food within restricted hours. Such eerie emptiness in the cafes was seen only in the days that followed April’s devastating earthquake. “Business has definitely gone down,” says FIRE AND ICE ROADHOUSE CAFÉ Vivek Sharma, manager of Annapurna Café This popular eatery is on full throttle since its pizza ovens Once you arrive here, the waiter ruefully tells you that the in Patan. “The only reason we’re open is that are electric, and the other ingredients like pasta sauces are Blockade Menu includes “only” pizzas and salads. Which this is an office area, so some people still hand-prepared. On Monday evening, the tables were all is a lot! DHOKAIMA CAFÉ come.” The cafe offers vegetarian momos packed and there was a queue outside. Boudha, Bhat Bhateni, Jhamsikhel, Thamel The Blockade Menu includes all the popular items, and chats only, cooked in firewood. Thamel including the momos which are cooked in briquette The owner of a café in Mangalbajar that THE BAKERY CAFÉ stoves. Yes, the bakery is up and running and you can have sells mostly burgers told us he has been paying EMBERS This popular eatery is off ering almost the entire menu. the cakes too. Rs 7,000 for a cylinder of gas. Luxury hotels The whole menu is available. Boudha, Bhat Bhateni, Dharahara, Jawalakhel, Maharajgunj, Patan Dhoka are willing to pay still more: up to Rs 25,000 Krishna Galli, Lalitpur New Baneshwor, Pulchok, Teendhara, Teku for a cylinder. And they are still managing. TASNEEM’S KINGS KITCHEN This week, instead of doing our regular food LE TRIO GHAR-E-KEBAB Tasneem’s is one of the few restaurants in town that are review, Nepali Times presents a list of some of The café off ers a Blockade Menu which includes, thankfully, Ghar-e-Kebab also has a temporary Blockade Menu which off ering the whole menu. The prices of the dishes have Kathmandu’s popular restaurants along with its famed jhol momo and a variety of salads. includes chicken tikka, naan and sheesh kebabs. been slightly increased, though. what they are offering. Jhamsikhel Hotel Annapurna, Darbarmarg Pulchok 12 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781

the bridges, stations, landmarks HAPPENINGS (including the Eiffel tower and the Paris Opera) intending to kill and maim as many people as they can before they withdraw, leaving the beloved city unrecognisable. The film is set almost entirely in General Choltitz’s rooms as he fields his own orders and reflects on his own mortality. It is when Raoul Nordling (Andre Dussolier), a Swedish diplomat who has lived in Paris all his life, sneaks into the General’s offices via a secret passageway that Choltitz is forced to confront the enormity of his orders, and what the wilful destruction of an entire city at the

end of a losing battle might mean BIKRAM RAI to Germany for decades to come. HEAD OF STATE: Newly-elected President Bidya Bhandari waves to supporters Nordling cajoles, flatters, after being voted to the ceremonial office by parliament on Wednesday. reasons, and appeals to all of DIPLOMACY Choltitz’s humanity to try and he opening scenes of wondering why such a person, achieve what he wants, always Diplomacy are slightly with all of his physical frailties putting his cause ahead of himself Tjarring. Set during the would be so humanised on the in an act of bravery that is so extremely grave moments towards cusp of such events. quietly stoic that it can almost be the end of World War II when So begins a film that starts dismissed as a fluke if one isn’t Nazi-occupied Paris is about to be slowly but is written with such watching carefully. liberated by the Allied Forces, the precision (unsurprisingly, it is We ourselves are at a crucial film begins in the wee hours with adapted from a theatre version) time in our history when a lack the most intimate moments of the that every moment is calculated of professional diplomacy (which to build up to another, however could also arguably be interpreted insignificant it may initially seem. as an utter lack of care) has placed As General Choltitz wearily an entire nation in dire straits. It starts this fateful day at his is heartening to watch a carefully residential offices in the Hotel crafted film that elucidates the Meurice, which has been entirely usually (sometimes necessarily) MUST SEE commandeered by the Germans, clandestine meetings that must Sophia Pande we learn with growing horror the take place in order for reason to RSS level of havoc and destruction triumph over madness. Now we commanding General Dietrich von that this failing army intends to just have to hope that the same, WELCOME: Former Prime Minister Sushil Koirala welcomes his successor KP Oli at a tea party organised by the Nepali Congress in the capital on Monday. Choltitz (Niels Arestrup). Choltitz wreak upon the Parisians. Working somehow, prevails here. is a German officer who has been with a reluctant, dismayed French ordered by Adolph Hitler himself engineer, the Germans have nepalitimes.com to destroy all of Paris before planted thousands of explosives  Trailer they lose control of it. We are left at strategic points, including all

NEPAL ARMY BOTH NEW FACES: The new US Ambassador to Nepal Alaina B. Teplitz calls on Army Chief Rajendra Chhetri at Nepal Army Headquarters on Tuesday.

BIKRAM RAI BRAND NEW: Hero Motorcyle Nepal launched its all new 111 CC Hero Dash on Thursday.

GOPEN RAI ANOTHER BLOOMING FESTIVAL: A woman picks marigolds from a garden on Tuesday. The flowers are used extensively during the upcoming Tihar festival. 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 13

Placards: BLOCKADE Special page 1 editorials MADHES AGITATION

Bhanu Bhattarai in Naya Patrika, 28 October New Delhi faceoff has hit its lowest point. So the blockade must end Himal Khabarpatrika, 4-10 October – India needs to lift it right now. We can’t take it anymore. y punishing Nepal, a state that may be geographically smaller QUOTE OF THE WEEK Bbut has a bigger heart, India has nothing to be proud of in the Kantipur, 28 October international arena. In fact, India hasn’t done much to improve relations not just with Pakistan, but also with Sri Lanka and he blockade imposed by India a month ago has adversely affected

Bangladesh. Even Bhutan and the Maldives regard India with Tthe country’s industries, businesses, transportation and thrown the “It’s not only to end the suspicion. By browbeating good neighbour Nepal to teach it a lives of Nepalis into turmoil. The blockade also threatens the relations current crisis but also lesson by ruining its economy, the world is going to ask India: “What between the two countries. Even though there are no protesters at to begin commercially “ kind of superpower are you trying to be?” Power is not just about border crossings other than Birganj, India has refused to allow normal importing fuel from China. territory, population and military might – it is also about international supply of fuel to Nepal. This situation must come to an end. India legitimacy. By losing the confidence of neighbours on all four sides, should immediately end the blockade, which it has been imposing India has jeopardised even its status as a regional power, and this without any sort of explanation. Its interventionist activities in Nepal Nepal’s ambassador Mahesh can only have negative consequences for the aspirations of 1.25 must also stop. For this to happen, Nepal’s rulers must not hesitate to Maskey after signing a billion Indians and their leader Narendra Modi. True, Nepal hasn’t raise the issue of the blockade in the international community. petroleum deal with China tried to internationalise this sensitive diplomatic impasse, but a world Likewise, Madhesi protesters should also stop staging sit-ins at Annapurna Post, 29 October exposed to social media is not unaware of what has been happening. border points, vandalising buses and attacking travelers. They must The UN and the EU have already spoken out , tomorrow there will work to find a peaceful solution to this crisis by stopping their protests be more voices from all corners of the world. As the world’s largest and engaging in talks with the government. But the government must democracy, India will find it difficult to defend why it is stopping the first create a conducive environment. A journalist’s request transportation of medicines and food to this earthquake-ravaged The talks that have begun with the protesters have been positive country. There is no alternative for India but to lift the blockade and so far. As soon as possible, both the agitating parties and the I have been reporting on the Madhes movement for a long time restore its reputation. This is in the interest of both India and Nepal. government should find common ground and end an atmosphere and despite the challenges brought on by continuing protests that makes external intervention in our country possible. and economic blockade, I continued to do so. My reports have Karobar, 28 October highlighted the movement. Rajdhani, 28 October But the regular closure of the region and the blockade has uel crisis is just the most visible mainfestation of India’s blockade caused an acute shortage of fuel and resulted in the flourishing against Nepal. In fact, it has affected Nepal’s overall economy ndia has been denying imposing a blockade in Nepal, blaming F of black market. As I need to travel regularly on motorcycle for already devastated by the April-May earthquakes. At a time when the current situation on the protests at the border. In recent days, I coverage, I have been forced to buy petrol at exorbitant rates. they should have been busy rebuilding the earthquake-devastated however, there have been no protests in borders crossings other During the course of my reporting I was harassed by cadres of country, Nepalis are now forced to spend days and nights in petrol than Birganj. But supplies are not coming in even from these areas. Madhesi Morcha, who spilt the petrol from my motorcycle’s fuel queues. This is unfortunate, to say the least. The protesters on the other hand have continued to vandalise public tank all over the road. It is impossible to continue reporting from It is already late to find solutions to problems created by the vehicles. From current events it is clear that if both the government and the ground given the circumstances. I apologise to all leaders, cadre blockade. Diplomatic efforts to get the blockade lifted have already the agitating parties don’t resolve the internal conflict, the pressure and well-wishers of the Madhesi Morcha, but there’s no way I can failed, and the government must now look beyond India to explore from India will build up further. do my job in such difficult times. other sources of fuel. While India needs to lift the blockade on Nepal immediately, RK Patel India has cited protests by Madhesi people as the reason behind both the government and the disgruntled parties need to create a Journalist with Prateek Daily/Radio Birganj what it merely calls ‘a disruption of supplies’. To be sure, Madhesis conducive environment for positive outcome of the ongoing dialogue. on Facebook, 25 October have blocked only Birganj, but freight movement has not been If both the parties move forward by bearing their responsibilities in allowed even through other border points. As a result, Kathmandu- mind, the agitating parties can be included in the mainstream. 14 NATION 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781

DONKEYS CARRY EMPTY GAS CYLINDERS TO LUKLA AND PHAPLU. BHAKTA TAMANG, 32, CARRYING 90KG ON HIS BACK TO NAMCHE FROM LUKLA. HE IS PAID RS 25 PER KG. TOURISTS ON THE LUKLA-NAMCHE TREKKING ROUTE IN KHUMBU REGION THIS WEEK.

Trekking trails half-full PRANAYA RANA … at least not half empty

Busy in the Annapurnas

espite the earthquake and the Indian blockade, and dire predictions about dismal Dtourist arrivals, the trekking trails around the Annapurnas are surprisingly busy this season. Although the figures are not as high as this time last year, a substantial number of tourists have still come to hike after informations read that the trekking routes had not been damaged by the April earthquake. Between January and September of this year, 53,208 tourists visited the Annapurna region, a sharp decline from the 69,488 tourists it received in 2014. In the immediate aftermath of the earthquake, only 1,066 tourists were recorded in May whereas 9,578 tourists visited during the same time last year. YAKS CARRYING FOOD AND TREKKING GEARS TOWARDS EVEREST BASE CAMP. In Manang and Mustang, lodges aren’t full, but PHOTOS by there are tourists. According to Pranaya Rana, who SHANKAR DAHAL recently trekked up to Tilicho Lake in Manang, the Tilicho Base Camp Hotel in Khangsar was full, with at least 15-20 people sleeping in the dining hall espite predictions that Nepal’s tourism because they couldn’t get rooms. However, most industry would collapse due to the of the visitors were foreigners and the number of earthquake, the real damage has been done Nepali trekkers is still low. In October, 2,183 tourists by the Indian blockade. Even so, some of the visited Manang, compared to 4,517 last year. trails like the Everest and the Annapurna Trekker numbers fell last year after a deadly Dregions which were not so badly affected by the April blizzard struck the Annapurnas last October, killing earthquake are seeing healthy traffic. 43 tourists and local guides and porters. Trekking There is considerable trekking traffic along the Everest traffic was almost nil in November and December trail, with about 12 flights every morning from Kathmandu 2014 in the Annapurna Conservation Area. to Lukla. In the peak season last year there were sometimes In Lo Manthang, tourists were scattered around up to 30 flights a day. Lodges along the way say they are lodges during the annual Yartung festival in August, seeing half the number of tourists as in normal times, and and the region received only 1,717 tourists in admit their real problem is the shortage of cooking gas. October. However, ACAP figures showed that the The entrance to the Sagarmatha National Park used to numbers are steadily increasing. ACAP registered see up to 200 trekkers per day during the peak season last 5,353 trekkers in the region in September alone. year. Park authorities say the figure is down by 50 per cent Ayesha Shakya this year. THIS LANDSLIDE DAMAGED THE TREKKING TRAIL NEAR PHAKDING, BUT HAS BEEN REPAIRED. MOST OTHER TRAILS ARE INTACT. 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 NATION 15 A race against winter The Indian blockade has impeded reconstruction and humanitarian efforts to protect earthquake survivors before winter sets in

OM ASTHA RAI The World Food Programme FLYING LIGHT: (WFP) has been providing food UN helicopters used to deliver and cash to earthquake survivors earthquake relief to the he walls of the Ramche for rebuilding quake-damaged inaccessible parts of Nepal Health Post of Rasuwa infrastructure like roads and are running low on fuel. Tcracked when the 7.8 irrigation canals in six of the magnitude earthquake jolted worst-affected districts. But the central Nepal six months ago, but UN agency is worried that even health workers are still working this activity may have to stop. inside the damaged building. WFP Nepal’s Communication They have no other option. Officer Iolanda Jaquemet says: Health workers were hopeful “The diesel we now have will that they would have a prefab not last more than 10 days.” structure before the Dasain Jaquemet says helicopters festival, but the fuel crisis caused used by WFP to deliver relief by India’s blockade against Nepal to the inaccessible parts of has dashed hopes. Nepal are also running low “Now, I don’t know for how on fuel. “If we fail to deliver long I will have to work here,” food and emergency shelter to says midwife Maiya Kharel. inaccessible villages for three to “It’s very risky. I can see outside four months before winter, there through the cracks, and mothers will be a serious humanitarian are afraid to deliver babies crisis,” she warns. inside.” The earthquakes left Karuna Foundation, a Dutch- nearly 9,000 people dead, and supported charity, signed an destroyed more than 600,000 agreement with the Ministry of WFP houses. Humanitarian agencies Health to set up prefab structures say they have provided food to for all the earthquake-damaged manager Ratna Prasad Shrestha. passing a bill through parliament. containers are off the roads, and nearly two million Nepalis in the health posts in Rasuwa. The “But construction of our new The CEO appointed to head that the supply chain of construction six months after the earthquake, construction of a new Ramche building has stopped.” agency, Govinda Raj Pokhrel, materials has been disrupted. but they add that much more health post building is part of this The fuel crisis has halted has now resigned also from the Jiban Shrestha, who runs a needs to be done. project. transportation of construction National Planning Commission hardware shop in Chautara of The European Union last “Our plan was to complete materials, delaying whatever work because of turf battles between Sindhupalchok, says: “Not a week urged India to ensure three health posts, including the organisations and individuals the NC and the UML over single truck with construction essential supplies get through one in Ramche, before Dasain,” had started in the quake-ravaged the post. material has arrived here after the to Nepal, saying the blockade says Karuna’s Country Director districts. Sindhupalchok’s CDO Amidst confusion over blockade, our stocks are running only hurts Nepal which is still Deepak Raj Sapkota. “But the Balbhadra Giri says: “Full- reconstruction policies, some low and reconstruction has recovering from the April-May fuel crisis brought everything fledged reconstruction has not people or institutions had already stopped.” earthquakes. But India has not to a halt. We are not able to started due to confusion over started rebuilding structures With reconstruction a hopeless admitted that it is a blockade, transport construction materials the government’s policies, but damaged by the earthquake. cause, humanitarian agencies are thereby ignoring to lift it. to Rasuwa.” whatever work was going on has But now, there is no way to get now racing against time to deliver Sapkota of Karuna says: “A In Sindhupalchok, Radio also now stopped.” construction material to the food and emergency shelter to far- prolonged blockade would mean Sindhu is still operating from Post-earthquake reconstruction remote villages. flung mountainous villages before that more Nepalis will be pushed inside a makeshift tent set up was already in shambles due After India imposed a they are cut off by snow. But below the poverty line.” after the earthquake. “We wanted to the government’s failure to blockade against Nepal last month the severe shortage of diesel has to move to our new building revive the suspended National the flow of petroleum products prevented even that from being (With input from Kishor before winter,” says station Reconstruction Authority by has dried up. Heavy trucks and delivered. Budhathoki in Sindhupalchok) 16 BACK SIDE 30 OCTOBER - 5 NOVEMBER 2015 #781 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

its name. 5. If that doesn’t work, close down all Chinese In order to do so, we are furnishing restaurants in the National Capital Region and once and 10 unsolicited suggestions to the for all banish the dish called ‘chowmein’ from the Union Half-assed blockade Indian authoritarians. Only if these are Territory. implemented will the Nepal government be 6. Drill oil wells in northern Bihar and suck up hat you discuss in the privacy of For those of us old enough to have forced to give India whatever it is that India underground crude deposits so there will be nothing your own homes is none of the survived the 1988-89 Indian Blockade and wants but doesn’t even know it, without left on the Nepal side. WAss’ business. However, if the lived to tell the tale, let me reveal to you further national embarrassment to both 7. This week Nepal was ranked #2 in the World Bank subject of your conversation these days is youngsters that what we are experiencing sides: Index for Ease of Doing Business in South Asia, while blockade-stockade then it becomes a matter now is a picnic. In fact, as an authority India was at #4. India shouldn’t lift the blockade until it of national security and must be divulged on the subject, I would go so far as to say 1. The problem has always been the open border, how can overtake Nepal. in the public domain. Refusal to do so that this is a half-assed blockade. Even the can you enforce a blockade when people can just walk 8. What kind of blockade is this when Indian air space is punishable by a jail term in Tihar this Indians are so embarrassed that they are over and fill their jerry cans with petrol? Seal the border is being used for flights to and from Kathmandu? Tihar, or a fine of INR 5 lacks in counterfeit loath to call it a blockade lest they have now! Build a 1,500 mile 20 ft high wall, plant landmines Scramble the IAF MiGs. Indian currency, whichever comes first. to enforce a real one in unforeseeable on no man’s land, and beef up (as it were) India’s 9. Stop diesel supplies to all embassies in Kathmandu A word of warning to those of you future. This alleged, ostensible, purported security. that dare to issue statements about a ‘humanitarian whining and dining about the Indian blockade therefore lacks several of the 2. Expedite construction of unnecessarily elevated crisis’ in Nepal caused by the blockade. Blockage: how dare you complain about essential criteria necessary for a Very Big Indian highway embankments side so that the entire 10. Reinstate capital punishment for all crossborder something as petty as the shortage of Country to squeeze the gonads of a smaller border strip is permanently flooded on the Nepal side. petrol smugglers. oxygen at hospital ICUs when fellow- neighbour to achieve the desired outcome. Aside from the wall, this will also serve as a crocodile- Nepalis are sitting out in the hot sun The architects of this particular infested moat as further deterrence to those trying to These are all highly day and night manning the barricades in whatchamacallit in Dilli should be break the embargo and smuggle essential supplies like classified tips and I am Birganj? What’s that? Of course, the sun reminded that it’s not doing the trick. pomegranates into Nepal. revealing them to readers in doesn’t shine at night, you oxymoron. Isn’t The Neps are thumbing their noses at 3. Stop doling out medical scholarships to the offspring the strictest confidence on it just so predictable for the permanent elite you and going about their daily lives as if of Nepal’s political leaders. That should teach them condition that you do not of Nepal from the hill Brahmin ruling class everything is hunkydory for the hillbillies a lesson, the ungrateful wretches. Those already in tell anyone else. If you do, to quibble about such small things when in the boondocks. They are just not taking medical schools should be rusticated on national security you will immediately be the marginalised are camped at the border India seriously enough, and to show them grounds and be deported back to Nepal. sent to Tihar this Tihar. to uphold the principle of might is right in who is boss it is now time to make this 4. If China doesn’t halt the supply of petrol to Nepal international relations? a really air tight blockade that lives up to through the back door, India should also blockade China. The Ass

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