#244 22 - 28 April 2005 16 pages Rs 30

Weekly Internet Poll # 244 Q. How will 2062 compare with the year that has just ended? What about us?

Total votes:376 Weekly Internet Poll # 245. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q... Would lifting the emergency be a good idea?

Pampha Bhandari of Makwanpur with her two children, Pooja and Puspa, at the Maoist victims' refugee camp at Tundikhel where 300 families have now spent a week to draw the government's attention to their plight. LAXMI NARAYAN MAHARJAN Four years later, political parties are still asking: what next? ANALYSIS by home on Thursday. Sher Bahadur was in hiding but neither seems cut. Officials seem to believe that SHIVA GAUNLE Deuba has also defied summons, to have come up with any new agreeing to international human and commission sources told us ideas during that time. rights monitors should placate ing Gyanendra may have he may be arrested soon. This week, zonal and regional donors for now. But a UN isolated himself Ninety days after 1 February, administrators assumed their resolution in Geneva on K internationally but within it is clear which way the king posts to take royal rule to the Wednesday called for the the country there hasn’t been wants to go. But the parties seem countryside, asserting their immediate restoration of political much concerted opposition to to be waffling. They could chart a determination to “fulfill His and civil rights. his move. ‘third way’ but are stuck where Majesty’s wishes”. Their first job In the rest of the country, the The people in the country’s they were four years ago. Leaders is to monitor and coordinate 11-day nationwide strike ended 4,000 VDCs have suffered nine of the four parties that stand for security activities and start but the Maoists are enforcing years of violence and they were reinstatement of parliament preparing for municipal regional bandas and blockades. told to choose between Maoism finally met at Girija Prasad elections. Most schools haven’t reopened and monarchy. The microcosm of Koirala’s house on Thursday and Most UML leaders are still in after new year's day and those that this despair of rural Nepal is now decided to invite NC-D and the jail, there are no indications of did were bombed. Instead of at Tundikhel for the rulers in the UML to join in. either civil liberties being targeting the Maoists who are capital to see. But it’s not enough for the restored or the emergency being creating this mayhem, state Partly, the lack of dissent is parties to say they want lifted by next week. The ban on security seems preoccupied due to the emergency. The royal democracy restored, they have to mobile phones, news on FM and (except for actions in Khara and commission has politicians in its show a pragmatic way forward. cable tv news channels stays. Bardiya) with harassing crosshairs: Prakash Man Singh Koirala spent two months in Phone lines of politicians and politicians, activists and the was forcibly arrested from his house arrest and Jhalanath Khanal journalists are still selectively press. ISSN 1814-2613 2 EDITORIAL 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Abha Eli Phoboo, Aarti Basnyat Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Bhushan Shilpakar Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki, [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-5543333-6, Fax: 01-5521013 [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 01-5547018 China’s Davos The Boao Forum takes an Asian perspective on the world SAVING US FROM OURSELVES When revolutionaries start to bomb classrooms, it turns Mao BOAO—Sitting in Nepal, it is on ‘soft power’ which analysts downturn after 9/11, in 2003 it Zedong’s dictum ‘to rebel is a right’ into a farce. Such an awesome hard to gauge China’s have described as a combina- was Asian financial coopera- display of bravery: to treat the most vulnerable section of society as phenomenal growth. But here in tion of national prestige, tion and security. Last year the your enemy! And the only reason the comrades are able to get away China’s eastern seaboard, the economic clout and cultural forum discussed economic with it is the equally shameful absence of the state and its failure to changes are visible everywhere. presence. regionalisation in Asia and this provide quality education for the masses. Even the victims of Maoist atrocities have given up on relief and The booming cities, huge One way China is focusing weekend it will look at are camped out in Tundikhel for the past week from sheer investments in infrastructure, world attention on itself is enhancing dialogue among desperation. How can a government that can’t even win the hearts and industrial parks that export to through events like the Boao Asian entrepreneurs for intra- minds of people who have been brutalised by Maoists expect to get the world: the country is being Forum for Asia, its own Asian trade and investment. the rest of the public on its side? transformed as no other in ‘Davos’. The annual meeting in The sessions will zero in on The outside world is getting concerned about our lack of concern. this scenic resort on Hainan two main topics–international When the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights who has been GUEST COLUMN island is attended by movers cooperation in energy involved in high-profile war crimes Ambica Shrestha and shakers from across Asia development and monetary trials comes calling it must mean and the world. policy. CEOs of multinationals things are seriously wrong here. modern history and at the rate It is an opportunity for and Asian corporate leaders The UN has set up a bureau of its things are changing, our China to exercise its economic will look into the internation- Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Kathmandu. northern neighbour is going to and political diplomacy. Boao alisation of Asian enterprises, This week, the UN’s special be the world’s second largest has a distinctly unwestern, the governance and competi- adviser to Jan Egeland, the UN economy by 2020. China’s Asian outlook and tries to tiveness of Asian Emergency Relief Coordinator, was exports have grown ten fold to counterbalance the corporations in the in the country to assess the $250 billion since 1980, it is strategic predomi- world market, equity situation of the internally displaced. now the second largest recipient nance of America on markets and Egeland is said to be acutely of foreign direct investment the world stage. companies’ social concerned about deteriorating after the United States. China’s strong stand on accountability amid conditions in Nepal. The fact that China’s achievement has non-interference in the economic growth. The his advisers are here during the translated into political affairs of other countries is Forum will also see two Darfur crisis shows just how influence globally. But Beijing appealing to many. symposia on property seriously Nepal is viewed. On Friday, Prof Walter Kalin, is not trying to compete with There is a different focus development and motor vehicle the UN Secretary General’s Special Washington on military force every year at Boao. In 2002 it manufacturing. Envoy on the Human Rights of projection, it is concentrating was the world economic The program from 22-24 Internally Displaced People completes his fact-finding mission to Nepal during which he visited LAXMI NARAYAN MAHARJAN Kapilbastu, Dailekh and Biratnagar. These visits come just as the UN Human Rights Commission on Wednesday adopted a resolution allowing monitors and also called on King Gyanendra to reinstate all political and civil rights. All this adds up to rising international concern that the conflict in Nepal is spiralling out of control and the consequences will be untold human misery. Yet, in official circles we detect a sense of denial. Instead of addressing urgent humanitarian issues, there is knee-jerk defen- siveness and wounded pride. Instead of slinking into our xenopho- bic shell, it will be better to launch pre-emptive intervention to save us from ourselves. Both the government and the Maoists have said they respect international humanitarian law. The test for the government is how effectively it is going to help the million or so Nepalis displaced by the conflict. The Maoists have to realise that they can’t welcome the UN human rights monitoring mission, call for UN mediation to the conflict and in the same breath bomb primary schools.

LLL ETTERS

MOU Nepal. And it doesn’t have a better ability (#243) misrepresents the scale of the press Lal for giving your pen and your position to The signing of MoU with the Office of the than those who are already doing the job. freedom curbs in Nepal. All she needs to do express those thoughts. High Commissioner for Human Rights By bringing the OHCHR to Nepal, these is refer to The Worst Of The Worst: The Charles Sydnor, email (Editorial: ‘Understanding the petty activists have delivered a serious World’s Most Repressive Societies memorandum’, #243) is nothing to be blow to the National Human Rights published by the United Nations this year to MAHARA happy about. Nepali human rights Commission and many institutions working see how much ahead Nepal is compared to I suggest that you offer a correction. Surely activists and western diplomats who think in the country to deal with the crisis other countries in terms of press freedom. your translation of the BBC Nepali Service they pursued a rightful cause for Nepal situation. With the takeover of power by the In the same report you will find that Belarus interview with Maoist spokesman Krishna suffer from their own personal king, the human rights sensitivity of the blocks Internet sites that is critical of the Bahadur Mahara should have appeared on aggrandisement. They have scant Royal Nepali Army has been further government or suspends independent your back page? knowledge on how the international strengthened. Local human rights newspapers, in Burma journalists have But more seriously, this was an system of human rights works. You in the organisations will now have to compete with been sentenced to death for reporting exemplary piece of obfuscation, the skill media also have the habit of looking into the OHCHR for money and resources, and something that the government did not like, with which Mr Mahara avoided answering things in surprisingly ignorant ways. If will have to deal with an ignorant mass of in Cuba reporters have been sentenced for any question, failed to provide any you think Nepal has become Somalia, foreign consultants, who will just end up years for ‘minor infractions’. Do you see meaningful information, skirted around Sudan, Congo, Haiti or Iraq, needing such living in Nepal as tourists. It is sorry to see these in Nepal? Does Nepal have a challenging probing questions and avoided intervention, then God help you. We have that we Nepalis know the problem so well problem with allowing absolute press facing up to the thrust of the argument was, a democratic constitution. We still have a but not the solutions. Now it looks like the freedom? Perhaps it does but if the freedom quite frankly, superb. A perfect politician’s functioning democratic mindset, despite solution is costlier than the problem. of press was as bad as Cooper thinks it is, performance. The BBC should now get him the recent chill, and civil society is more Sita Dahal, Australia or one of the worst in the world as she puts on Hardtalk. powerful here than in most other places. it, I don’t think her comments would be Name withheld, Kathmandu These factors will guarantee that Haven’t we learnt our lessons of what allowed to be printed in the first place. extremism will never rule. There is also a bloated, overpaid, ignorant UN bureaucrats Sushil Bogati, Seattle, USA NEPALI TIME system of independent judiciary and rule can do with the waste and confusion they Abha Eli Phoboo’s ‘Adjusting Nepali time’ of law which these insurgency-affected sowed in Congo, East Timor and Haiti? Or CK LAL (#243) was timely. Here is a suggestion: countries will have to work for at least stealing money from food for oil like in Iraq? I have long since given up reading CK Lal, Bikram Sambat’s first day, 1 Baisakh, can two decades to achieve, if not more. Our Do we want Nepal to become another since I found so much of what he wrote to be moved each year by one day so that it economy is a guarantee against any hotspot in which fat cat UN types stand idly be wrong-headed (eg: India is a lackey of ultimately catches up with 1 April in the further slide into lawlessness. We by with their hands folded? the US?). But the subheader on his State of Georgian calender in 14 years. Our certainly need UN assistance to meet the Oscar Sedlak, email the State column (‘Model multilateralism’, Baisakh will then perfectly coincide with crisis situation but the UN OHCHR field #242) piqued my interest. Having read the April and other months will match presence is not a requisite model for Anne Cooper’s interview ‘One of the piece, and as a fellow human being and accordingly and days can be gradually human rights protection in a country like biggest press freedom crises in the world’ expat in Nepal, let me say thank you to CK adjusted to Gregorian. Meanwhile, there is 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 3 April will also look at the new role of Asia, Asia-Europe MEDIAWATCH cooperation, critical business Despite signs of relaxation in and growth challenges in Asia, Kathmandu, crackdowns and economic growth and entrepre- Winning back friends intimidation of journalists is neurs, as well as addressing the continuing. needs of countries hit by the Poor and undemocratic states can’t expect respect at international fora Kathmandu CDO summoned Asian tsunami in December. Surya Thapa on 18 April and The guest list for this year’s hunned by benefactors, interrogated him for the seventh forum include His Majesty King ignored by well-wishers time over a cartoon that appeared in his paper, Gyanendra, the head of the S and barely acknowledged by big neighbours, Nepal is isolated Budhabar. The district Chinese People’s Political administration said it was Consultative Conference, Jia as never before. King Gyanendra expressed acting on orders from the Qinling, Singapore’s senior Home Ministry that action be leader Lee Kuan Yew, Malaysian his disappointment at this in his taken against Budhabar and Prime Minister Abdullah Time magazine interview. But Himal Khabarpatrika. Badawi, Australian Prime there is equal and opposite The Supreme Court on Minister John Howard and dissatisfaction from the outside Wednesday issued a show Austrian Chancellor Wolfgang world. Even Nepal’s cause notice to the government Schuessel. asking for clarification on the Former Philippine presi- STATE OF THE STATE ban on news on FM stations by Monday. FNJ and dent, Fidel V Ramos is the CK Lal Communication Corner had filed president of the Boao Forum a public interest litigation suit longstanding friends have Asian ans African leaders including Indonesian president Sukarno and and will also attend as will challenging the ban enforced publicly rebuked our rulers. The India’s Jawaharlal Nehru at the historic Bandung Conference in 1955. former Australian Prime after 1 Feburary. fact is that in today’s world no Minister Bob Hawke and Last week’s Pakistan’s former Prime one likes to be associated with a mocking the constitution in will not be the centre of issue of The Minister, Farooq Leghari. regime perceived to be anti- public is unlikely to make international attention. This is a Economist that Business leaders from all over democratic. Despite insistent horrified diplomats change their party where the successful look carries the the world, senior Chinese references to ‘the alternative to views. Unfortunately, whoever to the future, not at a failing state article executives and scholars will be democracy being democracy’, few makes our foreign policy these drifting back to medievalism. ‘Himalayan in Boao accompnied by 500 buy it and Nepal has a serious days doesn’t seem to have Apart from countries that have a horrors’ has been seized, journalists. image problem. realised the gravity of the direct stake in Nepal, the only according to news agents. Nepal has been an annual Not that the reality is too far situation. King Gyanendra will international players whose removed from the image. Nepal is be among mostly like-minded interests in Nepal is on the rise Six journalists working for two participant at the Boao over the Dharan dailies, Blast Times and a constitutional monarchy but leaders in Jakarta, Hainan and are relief and humanitarian years and late King Birendra had the Morning Post, were arrested addressed the Forum’s inaugu- our king has chosen to be chief Singapore this week. But with organisations. while covering political protests ral ceremony in 2001. This year, executive. We are supposed to the events dominated by formal The international standing of on 8 April. They were released the Nepali delegation will be led have parliamentary democracy speeches and the media a country hinges on the later after being warned not to by King Gyanendra with Vice- but there has been no parliament distracted by Sino-Japanese relationship between the ruling report on pro-democracy chairman Kirtinidhi Bista also for three years. The prime tensions, it is difficult to regime’s legitimacy (how it’s demonstrations. The day’s in attendance. This is His minister’s prerogative is imagine the Nepali diplomatic formed), its efficacy (what it issues of the two papers Majesty’s first visit abroad after paramount in a parliamentary team notching up major does), its effectiveness (its ability were seized and their offices locked out. 1 February and will be an system, but we don’t even have a diplomatic breakthroughs. to do things that it wants to do) Bheri FM news editor opportunity to clarify the premier. With the Chief Justice The royal trip to the Boao and its socio-cultural and speaking his mind at public fora, Forum for Asia should be more economic-military might. Poor Kamalraj Regmi was situation in Nepal to various transferred on 10 April to a the separation of powers is in substantive. The theme of the countries that pursue world leaders. His Majesty is prison in Surkhet after being due to address the plenary jeopardy. Checks and balances are fourth conference this year is undemocratic policies, held in custody for 12 days. session of the conference and becoming dysfunctional as ‘Asia searching for Win-Win: demonstrate an utter lack of A three-month detention hold talks with the Chinese newly-created posts and offices New Role for Asia’. Executives of respect for fundamental freedoms warrant was issued to Tanahun President Hu Jintao. The begin to interfere in the Fortune 500 companies eyeing and universal human rights, and Awaj sub-editor Robin Poudel meetings are expected to functioning of statutory bodies. Asian markets will be the stars of have no patience for dissidents for covering a pro-democracy strengthen Nepal-China Nepal’s head of state isn’t just this show, rubbing shoulders can’t expect respect. Burma, Cuba, protest on 8 April. relations. the head of government, he is with the likes of forum chairman North Korea and Sudan are all Landline phones of leading being projected by hardcore Fidel V Ramos, Lee Kuan Yew, great countries with proud politicians and some prominent monarchists as the very state Bob Hawke and John Howard. histories. So is Nepal. If we don’t journalists remain cut, and there Ambica Shrestha is a tourism itself. We may take ourselves very want to be treated like them we are no signs of the cell phone entrepreneur and social worker who network being reactivated any The spectre of extra- seriously here, but the cover story have to do things differently at has been attending the Boao Forum time soon. for Asia since 2001. constitutional appointees in Time notwithstanding, Nepal home.

the Nepali new year or what? She fellow Newar businessman called Gyan like manner, provided the present also reports that the lunar calendar Man being subjected to the harsh physical dispensation in the country is not of the ‘Newari’ Nepal Sambat was reaction of the then Rana Prime Minister inconvenienced in any way whatsoever? specific to only one community. As Chandra Shumsher because the jealous After all, we need ‘moral science’ lessons far as I know, the Nepal Sambat ruler happened to see him riding a polished once in a while, especially when Nepal is calendar is based on the same and spacious Victoria in Calcutta! Gyan hurt in every way for hundreds of years moon orbiting over our heads. For Man died shortly after the debilitating already. example, full moon day according experience. The government’s attitude and Peter J Karthak, The Kathmandu Post to Nepal Sambat falls on the practices, then as well as now, can be same day as in other lunar compared by reading Sansmaran, which is In medicine we now talk about calendars. The Newars do not finely produced and printed with no glaring practicing evidence-based treatment. have their own full moon days typos and bad copy-editing, alongside Likewise, Fareed Zakaria says in his that are different from the rest of Soch. And both must be read between the relevant, ground breaking new book the galaxy. lines at places and one must see the fine The Future of Freedom that almost every Bhai Kaji Bhaju, Kathmandu print as well. democratic success in the developing Amatya must be in his 80s now while world in the past 50 years have taken WISE MEN Karna Sakya is in his early 60s. The 20- place under a liberal authoritarian regime. I refer to Ashutosh Tiwari’s year gap in the active lives of Kathmandu’s If this is true, could Nepal be on the right Strictly Business column, two prominent citizens alone is worth track? For almost 15 years, I think we (‘Accidental Businessman’, #243) on Karna observing by reading their two books in have had a sham democracy which no sole authority in the Hindu religion, so it Sakya reviewing Sakya’s book, Soch, and tandem. This way, among many others, one fostered disenchantment and violence. will be very difficult for the public to accept why ‘Karna Sakya’s positive outlook needs can discern the wise men of Nepal who are Importantly, there were zero financial changes made by unauthorised astrologers. to (be) spread’. in a fading minority while most of our benefits for ordinary citizens, regardless Gyaneswor Pokharel, West Virginia, USA An admirable and revealing present leaders are poseurs as wise guys. of whatever other rights we may have predecessor to such books is Krishna Today’s rudderless Nepali youth have their obtained. What does Abha Eli Phoboo mean by Bahadur Amatya’s Sansmaran heroes in their own land and can learn from Buddha Basnyat, MD, Kathmandu ‘Nepali new year on 1 Baisakh’? I am (Reminiscences) published seven years the likes of Amatya and Sakya, in that order, confused because 1 Baisakh is also ago. Amatya represents the dwindling tribe who’re still kicking and having their CORRECTION celebrated in many countries as New of the previous generation of Nepali (also opinions circulated. In ‘Tiger at the Top’ (#243), the last Year’s Day. People in Tamil Nadu, read Newar) entrepreneurs who operated, Sansmaran was read out and reviewed paragraph should have said Tiger Woods Bangladesh, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, diversified and survived in Kathmandu by Prakash Sayami on Sagarmatha FM suffered a majors drought after having Myanmar and Vietnam celebrate new year during the stifling autocratic Rana regime in when the book was freshly out of the press. won the US Open 2002. on 14 April too. Were they all celebrating Nepal. One instance: Amatya mentions a Perhaps Soch can also be disseminated in 4 TOURISM 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 one wonders why there has been meet, a time when she would a drop. This is not a Maoism barely have time to sit down and hotspot, it is a tourism hotspot. eat, much less worry about having The stupendous north face of tourists come and eat. And Along Nilgiri looms over the town, the the Annapurna trail, hoteliers had Flying on empty new airport is clean and agreed not to let prices slide. efficient, the people are friendly “The competition is killing,” When the tourism industry hits rock and the food is wholesome. But says Gauchan, “everyone is trying tourism has hit rock bottom, and to steal guests from each other.” bottom, there is nowhere to go but up so have the prices. They line up outside the airport Every trekking guidebook waiting to pounce at the first about Nepal recommends that possible guest, offering rooms at tourists bargain because prices impossible prices to try and make tend to be hiked. But this does up their costs. “It’s bad for not refer to the food and lodging business and they won’t be able rates. “Everyone wants to bargain to keep it up in the long run,” nowadays,” says Pramila Technically, the Annapurna Gauchan of Xanadu Hotel in Conservation Area Project fixes all Jomsom, “earlier it used to be lodge and food prices and this only Israeli tourists but now it’s system worked well from Manang the Americans and the to Jomsom. Now, with the Europeans as well. The other day numbers falling, it is a cut-throat I was shocked when tourists business. came to my hotel and said they To resuscitate the ailing would pay for food and drinks tourism business, Jomsom but wanted the rooms for free.” Mountain Resort is now trying to Maya Thakali, a member of promote local tourism, targeting the Upper House, tells us, “This Nepalis and Indians. “Domestic lack of tourism has affected tourism is picking up and they Jomsom drastically and not only even tip better,” says Vinaya K has tourism gone down but due Singh of Jomsom Mountain to the lack of tourists even Resort, “ and we are promoting AARTI BASNYAT fierce afternoon wind. previous years is that the tourists agriculture is suffering. People packages to incite local tourists to in JOMSOM Lodge owners here don’t who are here seem to have are not able to cope and so look come to Jomsom.” (see below) remember things being as bad as skipped Pokhara completely or away when underhanded tactics Because of the army’s his time of year, Jomsom this, even in the autumn of 2001. just overnighted there. are used to incite tourists to their mountain warfare training camp should be bustling with There used to up to 800 trekkers The lodge owners are lodges.” nearby, security in Jomsom is T trekkers headed down from moving up and down through competing against each other for At a time when many hotel tight and an unofficial curfew Thorung La and waiting for Jomsom during peak season. the stragglers. Undercutting is rife owners can barely meet running begins at eight each night. But it flights to Pokhara and pilgrims These days ,there are barely a100 and trekkers have learnt to bargain costs, this is suicide. Gauchan is the strikes and blockades on walking up to Muktinath. This tourists. hard and bring prices down. remembers that 15 years ago, she the Pokhara trail that affect year, all you have are If it is any consolation, Jomsom is the air head for could run a small restaurant Jomsom more than what happens tumbleweeds blown up the dusty Pokhara is even more deserted. In trekkers going to Mustang or easily without having to bother here. Gauchan adds: “Most of us banks of the Kali Gandaki by the fact, the big difference with pilgrims visiting Muktinath and about bargaining or makings ends have managed to stay afloat.” “Get on the next flight to Jomsom”

Nepali Times: Things look awfully quiet here in Jomsom. What kind of occupancy rate do you have these days? Vinaya K Singh: When we set up Jomsom Mountain Resort We are running on five or six percent but we want to at here in 2000, the flow of tourists was very good. The place least double that with special packages and promotions sold itself. Now, it’s slowed down for reasons obvious to in tie-ups with airlines. The new year Jomsom everyone. We have been looking at how to increase visitors Jamming was an example of fun events to bring people to Jomsom again. Cosmic Air helped us with daily flights up here to sample the great scenery and we hope that and other agencies are also promoting Jomsom. The profit once they come, they will keep coming. We have also isn’t for us only but also for the local economy here. But the launched campaigns in Germany, Singapore and India. drop in arrivals has made even day-to-day operations Do you at least break even? difficult. I don’t think it is a big secret that everyone here is But Jomsom looks perfectly peaceful. running at a loss. We are barely able to stay afloat. The Yes, it is the bandas and blockades in Pokhara and packages are priced at minimum profit, so you need the Kathmandu that affect the travel plans of potential tourists. numbers to be able to generate revenue. Trekkers face problems in Pokhara and turn back. They What would help turn things around? don’t want to come all the way here in case they get stuck. Well, first we need flights that are regular and the ANUP PRAKASH Mustang is a Maoist-free area and we have to spread the frequency of flights have to be increased. Once the word about it. road to Jomsom is finished traffic will automatically Vinaya Singh has been senior manager What about domestic tourism? rise. The potential of Jomsom being the next at Jomsom Mountain Resort since it Since we weren’t able to get tourists from abroad to visit destination after Pokhara is real. Also, we need to started in 2000. He spoke to Nepal, we began promoting local tourism. We are targeting spread the word about what a great destination Nepalis with packages for new year, Muktinath Darshan and Jomsom is, there is great accommodation and you Nepali Times about falling arrivals and other festivals. From Kathmandu to Pokhara and on to don’t really have to rough it. Get on the next flight to what can be done about it. Muktinath is a popular package. Jomsom! BUSINESS 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 5

Liberal democrats without borders

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Members of the North American diaspora have launched Liberal Democracy Nepal (www.liberaldemocracynepal.org) a web-based Action Asia forum, to host discussions on the future of liberal democracy in Nepal. A collaborative project with the Nepal Study Centre of the University of he last two weeks have seen Sandwiched between two emerging world New Mexico, LDN is committed to establish a forum to air and a frenzy of activity in the powers, Nepal can cash in on all the action exchange ideas among a wide range of actors and participants. T region—India-Pakistan cricket diplomacy, Indo-China economies of our neighbouring mantle of the regional energy

Fewer rhinos trade, US and India opening up giants create wealthier people. player, there is a lot of visible ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○ skies for unlimited flights, This could be an opportunity for activity. Discussions on Nepali The population of the endangered great Asian one-horned rhinoceros Burma’s emergence as a potential us to become an offshore financial hydro will of course remain an in Nepal’s biggest wildlife reserve has fallen to 372 from 544 five hydropower source and Bhutan centre, a haven to manage money, issue but we have missed years ago, mainly due to poaching say officials. In a census the Royal readying for a new constitution to like Luxemborg. opportunities before and will Chitwan National Park, home to the second largest number of single- embrace the market economy. horned rhinos in the world after India, showed their numbers had fallen Things are more complicated continue to miss them because to the lowest level in more than a decade. Environmentalists and Whew. between India and Pakistan. But the perception of loss of officials say poaching became easier after small security posts in the even here, there is tremendous sovereignty carries more weight reserve were merged with bigger ones because of Maoist threats. ECONOMIC SENSE bilateral business potential. than the actual amount Artha Beed Pakistan will soon have to find hydropower stations can earn. some other way to keep its army India opening up its skies to

Zero percent Nepal is sandwiched between engaged if Kashmir is resolved. US airlines adds a new dimension

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Syakar Company Limited has introduced a India and China which seem India and Pakistan need to to travel, tourism and therefore zero percent interest offer for the first time in ready to set aside their political conduct direct businesses because economics in the region. It is one Nepal. This scheme is available for Philips rivalry to become the world’s the costs of re-routing products of those steps that will spur new products Rs 6,000 and above, payable in 11 equal installments with a largest trading partners over the into markets have skyrocketed. avenues of growth. We can limit 20 percent initial down payment. next two decades. The idea is to Oil prices and projections these discussions to seminars or beat Sino-US trade volumes and provided by international take pro-active steps to cash in on

Shangri-la’s world travel award the way these two economies are consultants suggest that we need this development. America is now ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○ growing, there’s little doubt that’s to work on alternative energy going to be a one-hop flight from Kathmandu’s Shangri-la Hotel has received the reputed where they are headed. These two resources. This will mean that Nepal: how are we going to cash in World Travel Award for 2005 announced in Barbados territorially minded powers will Bangladesh gas and Burma hydro on this? recently. “We have won many awards before but this is even sacrifice their border could become potential sources. The growing middle class in the most prestigious,” says Daman Pradhan, CEO of disputes at the altar of economic With India running to don the both India and China is pushing Shangri-la Group. growth. their governments to In the midst of all think beyond politics.

Special fares this is Nepal. We can They realise that as the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○ either hitch our wagons composition of vote Air Sahara has introduced Advance Purchase Excursion fares for to these two locomotives banks change, market Ktm-Del-Ktm. It applies to all classes with terms varying accordingly. or shunt ourselves to a economy will be the NEW PRODUCT siding. Surely, we have focus, not subsidies or ROYAL CHOICE: Bhudeb Tea Company has the advantage of free meals. For us, it’s launched Hulas Royal Choice and Hulas Premium geography. There must never too late to start all in the market. Both products are available in 100 be some goods and over again. gm, 200 gm and 500 gm packets. services we can sell to both. The growing www.arthabeed.com 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 Mission statement Interview with UN OHCHR Secretary General, rights violations anywhere in Nepal. Especially Nicholas Howen by Yubaraj Ghimire in Samaya, after 1 February we have found that the National 21 April Human Rights Commission and other groups have not been allowed to work. We hope this will now What is your view on the MoU between the change. government and the OHCHR? We look at it positively. This was a response to the There have been reports of the presence of army pressure that was building up about the human and police personnel in the Nepali delegation to rights situation in Nepal. In that respect this is a Geneva. What is your view? KIRAN PANDAY step forward. Now the Office of the High We are aware that army and police officials were Student activists from the UML at a torch rally at Commissioner for Refugees will have to be the here. But they couldn’t play a very effective role Naya Baneswor on Monday. guarantor of the agreement. against human rights. More than what they did in Geneva, we are interested in the security of human What will be the mission’s main activities? rights activists in Nepal. Last month, in Nepal I met “I won’t return” reason to close them all down. At

The main goal is to improve the human rights the Home Minister to guarantee the safety of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ a time when the quality of situation. We have made it clear that this entails the human rights activists. I didn’t come away with Kantipur, 16 April government schools have been immediate release of political prisoners and we credible assurances to that effect. dropping and being affected by hope to immediately find out Nepali human rights activists He was drawn to Nepal by its the conflict, private schools had the condition of detention of played a laudable role in Geneva mountains and valleys and it been offering a quality prisoners in barracks. The and they are in the process of brought him back for the second alternative. Nepal’s schools are mission will consist of returning to Nepal. We will be time. But now, this lover of now war zones, children are international personnel and monitoring their security very Nepal says he will never return to being terroised, forcibly recruited experts and will begin its carefully. Their safety must be Nepal. and their classrooms turned into monitoring work right away. assured. “This is my last visit to your barracks. The latest threats have Will the mission also look at Do you think the Maoists will country,” said the Russian increased the exodus of Nepali the human rights violations take an agreement between trekker, Sergei Kyamikali with children into India. Aside from that have taken place post you and the government moist eyes from his hospital bed, the economic cost, this will February First? seriously? “I will never return.” Kyamikali affect their sense of belonging The mission will be looking at This is a big challenge and a is a radio engineer in Moscow and narrow their sense of human rights violations related test for them. After all, they and had come with a friend to nationalism. The Maoists must to the conflict. But its mandate have been calling for UN Nepal for a trekking trip and was seriously re-evaluate their own covers the overall human rights mediation. If the Maoists on his way to Kodari in a taxi last actions and desist from such situation. Certainly, we believe don’t cooperate, it will cast week. The taxi ran over a Maoist irrational and self-destructive that the preservation of human doubt on their credibility. We landmine at Chehere. acts and leave the school system rights is more possible in a hope that the Maoists will alone. They must stop the democratic society. help in the investigation of “I will tell the world about human rights violations just what the Maoists did to us,” he destruction and help build When will you begin the work? as the army and the security forces who are told Kantipur, “and I will tell Nepal’s future. Very soon. bound by this agreement. them not to go to Nepal.” The explosion wounded the 43-year- Royal rejection

How will you take your work forward? How sure were you that the MoU would be signed? old tourist gravely on both feet, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ It is important to be clear that the mission will not The government waited till the last moment. It although his friend and the Dristi, 19 April be superseding Nepali laws. It won’t have the came only after Item 9 resolution was about to be driver were ok. He was authority to prosecute or take anyone to court. The tabled. But at a time when there were widespread immediately airlifted to the army The royal palace has rejected the mission is here to make Nepali laws themselves reports of human rights violations by both sides, hospital in Chhauni where he is Asian Development Bank’s more effective and ensure the rule of law. But it will it was the government’s duty to address the still recovering. “If the army proposal to bring a law through have the mandate to investigate serious human problem. hadn’t airlifted me, I’d not be ordinance for the transfer of the speaking to you now,” he said. management of the Nepal Water Kyamikali’s wife and two Supply Corporation. The children are waiting for him to rejection comes as a big blow to get well enough to fly back to the donors’ desire to enter the Moscow and the Russian drinking water supply business Embassy is taking care of in Kathmandu. For its assistance arrangements. “My wounded in the Melamchi water supply body is in Nepal but my heart is project aimed at supplying water in Moscow,” said Kyamikali, who to Kathmandu Valley, the ADB says he can’t wait to get back. had stipulated that the Kyamikali reserves his management of the NWSC be strongest words for the Maoists. privatised. The government had “What had we done to them that planned to bring an ordinance we deserved to be bombed?” he for the privatisation of the asked. The tourism industry, management in a bid to avoid reeling under a serious drop in legal hassles. The bank and the arrivals, is worried that news of government had sent the this unprecedented attack on ordinance to the palace but it tourists will make things worse. was returned because it didn’t clearly state details like the fee

Terrorising schools for drinking water. A revised ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ proposal is being readied. Editorial in Nepal Samacharpatra,

19 April Jaleswor jail ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Schools across Nepal were already Kantipur, 20 April affected by the conflict. Far from being ‘zones of peace’ they had Prisoners in Mahottari district been turned into war zones for have launched a campaign to forced recruitment of children, reform their prison in Jaleswor. digging bunkers and trenches in The prison now has twice the school grounds or turned into number of inmates it was Happy new year 2017 BS. barracks. Repeated threats and designed for, there is acute lack Himal Khabarpatrika, 14-29 April intimidation had already affected of drinking water, sanitation and school semesters and one-fourth even beds. Since the jail of the classes haven’t been held. administration failed to act, the QUOTE OF THE WEEK Now the Maoist’s student wing prisoners decide to do something “(Nepal) is a very serious humanitarian issue for the UN. It is very serious protection issue.” has ordered all private schools on their own. A health program closed with the demand that they of an NGO run by human rights Dennis McNamara, special adviser to the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator on Internal all be nationalised or turned into activist, Ram Adhar Kapar, was Displacement in an interview with IRIN after his visit to Nepal this week. cooperatives. It is true that there their source of inspiration. Kapar are complaints about high fees in is himself in jail now and private schools but that is no initiated the program. SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 7 Nepali students fleeing to India

Himal Khabarpatrika, want to present themselves as a the present crisis is not the 14-29 April responsible force in front of the private education systems. people they have to call off the Teachers, students, guardians NEPALGANJ—By bombing closure because higher and human rights organisations and threatening schools with secondary schools are will use non-violent methods to closure the Maoists and their providing special services in keep schools open,” says fraternal student organisation remote areas where there are no PABSON’s Hemraj Sharma. have once more shown colleges. There are now about This defiance would work if the themselves to be an irrational 10,500 private schools all over state acted to protect the anti-people force. This is not the country and there are 1.7 schools but it can’t defend all the first time they have million students enrolled in them schools against attacks. A threatened to close private and some 300,000 teachers and teacher in Nepalganj says he schools but an overwhelming staff are employed. There are can’t open his school with such public opposition had forced another 350,000 students in risks even though the them to back down and this is private higher secondary government is forcing schools just too risky,” says one teacher. Brightland was bombed this probably what will happen this schools with 20,000 teachers to keep their doors open. Some The parents and guardians of the week by Maoists. time too. In the past, these and employees. The Maoist schools have been threatened children are taking their children Of the 2,500 students threats have been linked to threats have affected 2,300,000 with cancellation of their across the border to India to study. enrolled in Simant School extortion drives from schools. people directly. registration if they don’t open. Parents are even pulling out and Radha Krishna Inter Schools that pay them off There have been bomb “We are caught in the middle,” children from schools in the College in the border town of adequately are spared attacks on schools that were says Keshar Bahadur Ale of capital and sending them to Rupedia in India, 70 percent bombings, however poor their planning to defy the Maoist Gorkha United Public School. boarding schools in India. “There of the children are now reputation in society. threats of closure in Banke, Here in Banke, none of the is a real danger that our schools Nepali. Says the principal of This time, the effect of the Dang and Nepalganj. The schools have opened after new will be empty at the rate our Radha Krishna: “In the past threats is seen more outside private school association, year’s day. Many haven’t even students are going to India,” says two years there has been an the capital and in remote PABSON, has decided to keep taken in new enrollments Bijaya Lama of PABSON in unprecedented flood of Nepali districts. And if the Maoists schools open. “The reason for because of Maoist threats. “It’s Nepalganj, whose school children.”

Nilambar Acharya recommendation of the council call himself a socialist and BP

○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ of ministers, one who looks after Koirala called his capitalist Political analyst Nilambar the affairs of the Narayanhiti multi-party democracy The new Panchayat Acharya in Deshantar, 10 April Palace and one who works with ‘democratic socialism’. Even Hari Roka in Nepal, 17 April the suggestions of the bodies Hitler, who was responsible for There is no dispute about the outside the purview of the the deaths of more than six Back to the street after a brief stint in the government, the leadership of the current state of the political ministers’ council but is within million innocent citizens, was political parties, who have been demanding the reinstatement of the third House situation in the country. When the constitutional domain. We the leader of the National of Representatives and formation of an all party government, have now got to the king himself says that the need to accept that the people Socialist (Nazi) party. Here in see the parade of the regional and zonal administrators. They are also getting to see how one after another former army generals are getting appointed as democratic process will return to can rule through representatives. Nepal, for 30 years, our own ambassadors. the country within three years, Such representatives are political authoritarian Panchayat system International pressure, the superpower countries’ two pillar policy of this is a clear admittance of there parties. If their representatives do celebrated 7 Falgun as ‘National constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy, the ongoing UN meeting on being no democracy in the not perform well, they can refuse Democracy Day’. None of these human rights in Geneva, were the hopes for the political leaders that regression country now. But this is a to re-elect them. What must also were truly democratic or truly would be corrected. Instead, they now have to bear with regional and zonal administrators. situation that our constitution be understood is that the socialist. If the developments in the past are any indication, very soon district never envisaged or accepted. constitution does not allow the Just because you call administrators will also be appointed. News about such appointments are already king to impose a state of yourself democratic, you don’t making the rounds. Based on these appointments, a ‘parliament’ will be formed. emergency, it is for the council of become one. The human body is Possibly, the ‘parliament’ will have representations from all electoral ministers to take the decision. In made up of many organs, if one constituencies. But all these parliamentarians will be absolutely nominated. These ‘representatives’ will form a government. Mainly, these people will remain the present context, the state of fails the others are affected. loyal to the king and they will receive royal orders to remain loyal to the people. emergency was declared after the Similarly, a democracy is made All these new structures will have the tenure of 33 months and steps will be king sacked the Deuba up of many institutions. taken with the commitment on the constitution of 1991, meaning commitments government and before the new Democracy is not just an will be expressed on constitutional monarchy and multiparty democracy, just like government was formed under ideology put forward by the way it was done on 1 February. If the speaker without parliament Taranath Ranabhat becomes the speaker his chairmanship. We can’t move someone, it is the result of of the nominated parliamentarians, that will be no surprise. But it will take time to ahead without reactivating the millennia of political evolution destroy a system that has already taken root. Even if they think they have constitution. starting perhaps from ancient destroyed it, shoots will push up from the soil. To do so, we need to establish Greece. Along the way it picked A species of pipal grows on another tree and can sometimes smother the the rights of the people, parties, up elements of British host that it once depended on. In Nepali politics, such pipal trees were never destroyed. Those in power never thought of countering the Maoists politically. press and other organisations. parliamentarianism, the What they always thought was: the army will kill off the rebels. What they never This applies to the people’s American declaration of thought of was the historical fact that whoever struggles ends up winning the freedom of movement, independence, was inspired by rights. They forgot who fought and won in 1990. They forgot history. communication and rights to Voltaire, Rousseau, John Locke, What we see now is that those who were all out to save the central power in expression—not just the freedom Jefferson. And this evolution the past have now become ambassadors, regional and zonal administrators. After all the state power is class-based. The minute changes that have begun to of supportive expression but also hasn’t stopped, democracy is appear in state politics now indicate such change in the state power. This can be the freedom to express still learning and developing. called the new version of the Panchayat. The government has been opposition. These freedoms and Around the world, there are formed under the chairmanship rights stem from this very different kinds of democracy: of the king. The government is in constitution and without Japan, India, Philippines, place, not just without the returning to it Nepal’s problems Britain, Australia, America all participation of political parties can’t be solved. have different models but they committed to democracy but also essentially share a few common at a time when their leaders have Democracy elements: minimum basic

been arrested and deprived of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ individual freedoms, you can’t their basic rights. The 1990 Kamal Koirala in Roadmap detain someone until proven constitution disregarded the Weekly, 7 April guilty, you can’t arrest anyone principle allowing the king to without cause, you can’t force take any step on his own Democracy is not just an anyone to change his thoughts judgment. The spirit of the 1990 ideology, it is a lifestyle. and beliefs. Democracy is about People’s Movement was that the Democracy is such a popular freedom but not just about people should be sovereign word that it is dog-eared with freedom. It must be the same through their representatives, use. Even Stalin used to call his freedom equally to everyone. either good or bad. Sometimes, regime a ‘people’s democracy’. There are many who use the the people did end up selecting Totalitarian countries of eastern word democracy without bad rulers. But to rule and decide Europe all called themselves knowing its meaning. Most the nation’s fate is the people’s ‘democratic’. After his military Nepalis know it is a system that work, not of bodies they did not coup, Pakistan’s General Ayub is desirable. Everyone in Nepal elect. Khan called his government one and outside is saying there is no The constitution recognises espousing ‘basic democracy’. The alternative to democracy in three kinds of kings: one who word ‘socialism’ was similarly in Nepal but do they really mean works in line with the vogue: Jawaharlal Nehru liked to it? Do they really believe it? NEPAL-BRITAIN SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT ON OCCASSION OF THE BIRTHDAY OF QUEEN ELIZABETH II

OVERLAND TO NEPAL: LIONEL GREGORY We all have our dreams and harmed in any way or have my carry me on to my journey’s end. mine was ‘to restore old possessions stolen. It would not These were the thoughts that (clockwise from top left) friendships eroded by time and be quite that way today, such is encouraged me to compose a little 9555 DU approaches the Afghan ile, uile ko palama. That neglect’ using the progress. What made me persevere verse that would lend itself to border from Iran on its 10,000 km is how Nepali fairy tales Commonwealth as the ideal was not only the prospect of juwari treatment when the madals journey from London to Kathmandu 43 years ago Ustart, opening up a vista of starting point. And although meeting many of my old friends began to play in Pokhara. Refuelling at Amlekhganj in Nepal. magic and mystery in the Nepal is not a member of the in Nepal but also the inspiration 9555DU entered Nepal at The formidable hairpin turns on the imagination of children. Despite Commonwealth–although in my I would imbibe from them to Raxaul, continued along the newly-built Tribhuban Highway on the changes wrought by time and view it should be–a journey to single lane asphalt road across the the road to Kathmandu. circumstance, the tradition of India would have been Char Kose Jhari, stopping at The author photographed King story-telling remains. unthinkable without first calling Amlekhganj for petrol, then on to Mahendra being felicitated at This is one such story. I had on Nepal where so many of my Hetauda and up the serpentine Pokhara airport in 1962. long nurtured the dream of old friends lived. hairpin bends of the newly travelling overland from the By the time I got to Bazagan completed Tribhuban Highway. barriers and the polemics that oldest democracy in the world to on the Iranian side of the In Nepal, I was to meet many feed on them. the largest. The opportunity to Turkey-Iran border within sight of the Gurkhas I had known and From Kathmandu I flew to travel from Britain to India along of Mt Ararat, I was half way served with in the army, among Pokhara (the road hadn’t been ancient trade routes came in 1962 there. This was where the United them my orderly Purnaram built yet) and managed to take a and I set off in a reliable old Nations Asian Highway began, Gurung. photograph of King Mahendra Vanguard Estate car 9555DU. following the line of the old Silk We sang some of the old songs being garlanded at the airport The registration number Route between Venice and together and they were surprised I under the wing of his plane, a being divisible by seven was Hanchow. Alexander the Great could still remember the words Russian Illuyshin-14. I had met considered lucky. had come this way in the 4th and the melodies. Why ever not? His Majesty when he was Crown The war had long since ended century and Marco Polo in the These are just a few of the threads Prince at a reception given by the and as the curtain came down on 13th. And there was room for me that bind old friends and I had British Ambassador during a visit the British Empire there was an in the 20th! travelled 6,000 miles to prove it. that my brother of the 10th PMO urgent need to keep alive the I often slept under a canopy The thought pleased them. And if Gurkhas and I made to Nepal in comradeship that came off the of stars in the deserts of Iran, it could be done on a personal 1951. battlefields and channel it Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan and level then why not on a national I flew back to Kathmandu, towards the spirit of adventure. never dreamt that I might be level, sweeping aside bureaucratic upto Sim Bhanjyang and back to ‘The Nepaulese Polka’ When he sailed off to Europe in 1852, Jang Bahadur Rana became the Paris, Jang was so moved by a ballerina that he immediately took off first royalty from the subcontinent to visit Britain. his diamond studded gold bangle and gifted it to her on the spot. The He had just seized power by massacring nearly the entire Nepali Paris newspapers the next day couldn’t get enough of it. nobility at the Kot. He was suspicious of the intentions of British India Many books have been written about Jang Bahadur’s Europe visit and was curious to see if the Angrej were as powerful as they made but one fact that hadn’t come to light till recently was that a member of themselves out to be. the Johann Strauss family composed a ‘Nepaulese Polka’ in Jang He was taken on conducted tours of cannon factories and naval Bahadur’s honour. The British media had gone wild about the visit of the dockyards and got his hosts to organise military parades. He was prince of Nepal and Jang’s famous portrait and the score for the polka suitably impressed with British military might. But it wasn’t all appeared as the cover story of the Illustrated London News. This would business, Jang also savoured the delights of Bohemian London be the equivalent of Robbie Williams launching a hit single called and Paris. He attended operas, lived lavishly and flamboyantly and ‘Nepali Dream’ on Mtv to mark the visit to London by a modern Nepali showed a surprising adaptability in dealing with the London paparazzi royalty. of the day. The ‘Nepaulese Polka’ played by Michael Kuhn is a lively and Watching a ballet one evening, Queen Victoria noticed Jang happy tune that can be downloaded on mp3 for listening from the swaying with the music. She was surprised and asked him if he website of German musician Johannes Bornmann. understood the music. Jang replied through his Hindi interpreter: “Bulbul ke gan hum nahi samajte, agar achha to lagta...” Queen http://www.bilder-aus-nepal.de/Pages/Geschichtsseiten/Strauss- Victoria told everyone later she was impressed with the soldier poet. In Polka.html 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 9

The author (centre) with his Gurkha friends at a recent get-together and (left) Purnaram Gurung the Indian plains to keep an symbol of a little green pennant appointment with Jawaharlal bearing Prince Philip’s cipher and Nehru. That happy event led to the Asoka wheel in gold. the setting up of a committee to Those green pennants were to host a Commonwealth Youth become the Green Pennant Festival in order to organise a Awards ‘identifying the spirit of new consciousness in the adventure with crossing the Commonwealth. It was an barriers that divide people’ inspired initiative. But after inaugurated by Prince Philip in Nehru died, enthusiasm began London on 18 December 1980, to wane (a not uncommon endorsed at the 1995 phenomenon) and the idea of Commonwealth Heads of the festival was dropped. Government Meeting in New But in its place a Zealand and most recently Commonwealth Expedition, presented at the Edinburgh known as Comex, was launched summit of 1997. under the patronage of HRH The It is a matter of special Duke of Edinburgh. Made up of significance and not only to me, five contingents of 42 each, that my journey to Kathmandu from the universities of in 1962 should have reached Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, its own summit in this London and Oxford, Comex 1 remarkable way. z set off from London on 31 July 1965. There were 14 The 40th anniversary of Comex 1 expeditions in all, the largest of will be celebrated on the Internet 500 dubbed ‘the on 10 May. Commonwealth on wheels’ by Comex40.org.uk the Kabul Times as it passed Lionel Gregory OBE is the through Afghanistan. They founding Commanding Officer of were distinguished by the the Queen’s Gurkha Signals. 10 REVIEW 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244

MIN BAJRACHARYA A revealing blow-by- blow account of how the 1990 constitution Witness to history was crafted

enior advocate Mukunda Regmi was it public are included. What exactly one of the members of the 1990 transpired between the palace and the S Constitution drafting committee from interim Bhattarai government will probably the Nepali Congress quota. Others came be known as more of the actors involved in from the palace and the left quota the high drama publish memoirs. But (including today’s Maoists in the persona Regmi clearly outlines differences in the of the late Nirmal Lama). final constitution and the commission’s Regmi has taken eight years to collect draft. While it is wholly understandable all necessary documents as well as archival that the palace would do everything it tapes and transcripts to produce this could to maximise its prerogatives, what is massive two-volume work which will inexplicable are some of the changes stand as the seminal reference long into the introduced by the interim NC-left cabinet future not only for scholars but also that so militate against a decent democracy. politicians and others debating Nepal’s For instance, the commission’s draft governance. had a provision (Article 120(2)) that The first volume begins with the rare required political parties to submit annual 1948 ‘constitutional arrangement’ audited accounts to the Election promulgated by Rana Prime Minister Commission: it was removed in the Padma Shumshere and discussions and Author, Mukunda Regmi, and (above) a pro- promulgated version’s Article 113. The statements related to it. It is followed by an democracy rally in 1990 and (right) the draft also envisaged an upper house that account of the events and declarations Constitution Reform Commission poses at would not only have a significant voice in the people requesting a mandate to amend the City Hall. related to the collapse of Rana rule and framing legislation but also required that it this constitution or any of its provisions. promulgation of the interim constitution have quotas reserved for three women, three One only wishes Nepal’s political of 1951. The author traces the origins of the the 1962 Panchayat system, it was essential dalits and nine janjatis not represented in movers and shakers would listen to these ‘constituent assembly’ concept to Nehru’s that some of the positive features of the the lower house. In the final constitution, arguments so that the rest of her citizens proposal and not of King Tribhuban, the Panchayat that lasted all of three decades the powers of the upper house were could move on with the country’s Rana prime minister or the NC. should have been better analysed and massively curtailed and only the quota for development. Much of both volumes consist of retained with improvements. Especially three women was retained. accounts inexplicable is why the decentralised Similarly, given the controversy Dipak Gyawali is an academician with the Royal BOOK of the village and district units of governance of surrounding Article 126 and the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Dipak Gyawali 60 the Panchayat constitution were done away subsequent Tanakpur/Mahakali treaty, it is meetings with in 1990 and not replaced by anything a surprise to learn that the original draft held by the 1990 Constitution drafting legitimising local self-governance. was more stringent: it required all such commission transcribed from tapes The two volumes also contain resource sharing treaties be ratified by a preserved at the National Archives. They documented response from political two-third majority. The promulgated are supplemented with the author’s parties, civil society groups as well as the version eases matters, allowing any commentary essays on the matters raised Royal Nepali Army to the request from the government to do so with a simple majority and discussion of previous constitutions. commission for suggestions regarding the if matters were not of ‘a serious, grave or Since many of the other members of the future constitution. They contain views long-term nature’. Sadly, in the 12 years commission and the interim cabinet of and arguments on many issues still that the parties concerned were in Krishna Prasad Bhattarai that ultimately debated today, from the word ‘Hindu’ parliament, no attempt was made to define finalised the draft are still alive and active (which Regmi says refers to the king but this provision, thus leaving water resources in public affairs, Regmi’s opinions can not the nation which is de facto secular) to development cooperation with the lower hopefully be challenged by these the question of provisions for a referendum riparian in a limbo. eminences if he has digressed from the (which those who today clamour for a new Regmi is strongest in the last chapter truth. constitution seemed to be against then). where he argues against a constituent The second volume contains the 1958 The tapes containing the commission’s assembly. First, everywhere in the world and 1962 constitutions but commentaries discussions regarding the army (its 44th constitutions were made, not by associated with them, except for bringing session) are currently missing from the representatives elected to draft them but by to public domain the otherwise unavailable archives but he has provided invaluable representatives elected to legislatures as Sambaidhanik Bikas Ra Nepal Adhirajya Ko Sambidhan 2047 comments of Sir Ivor Jennings, disappoint. service to future scholars by bringing happened in India under its 1935 Act. (Constitutional Development and the If 1990 was a ‘restoration’ of the multiparty transcripts made then into the public Second, the Nepali people have already Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal 1990) democracy of 1958, there is little domain. given approval to this constitution by By Senior Advocate Mukunda Regmi explanation of its positive and functional Two controversial ‘palace drafts’ of the participating in three general elections Published by Sita Devi Regmi et al, features that needed retaining in the 1990 constitution that were at variance with under it, thus requiring no further popular Kathmandu 2004 version. Also, if the aim of the new what the commission produced, including endorsement. Finally, in all these three Bolumes 1 and 2, 2320 pages constitution in 1990 was to do away with the critical article in Gorkhapatra that made elections, no political party ever went to Rs 2,200 (soft cover) Rs 3,000 (hard cover) NATION 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 11 Amrit Medhasi Rugs for walls The soul of a Nepali soldier

Now that Nepali carpets have floored most homes, let’s decorate walls PRAVIN RANA

ince Homer, stories have been written about the life, loves and courage of soldiers like Captain Amrit Medhasi. The S media in the United States, tough critics of the Iraq war, nevertheless publish stories that give a human face to the soldiers that have served and fallen in combat. Our media and some human rights group’s coverage of a soldier’s bravery comes with caveats like ‘if only the rest of the RNA were like this man’ or the obligatory coupling of Maoist atrocities with ‘both sides are massively violating human rights’ as if hundreds of summary executions, systematic political killings, drilling holes in pregnant women, and their crackpot vision of a communist State are equivalent to the army’s mission whose aim is to restore conditions for a return to democracy. The Army has had its share of troubling human rights violations but has never embraced a policy encouraging torture and indiscriminate killings. The work of fine soldiers during a war not of their making have been obliterated by relentless ankle-biting and the self-serving agendas of shrill activists and, even worse, our own confused political leadership who slur these soldiers even as they shamelessly crave to command them. Amrit Medhasi was a soldier’s soldier. In World War II, he might have been an outnumbered Gurkha beating back a Japanese onslaught but perhaps more appropriately he might have been the tragic platoon leader fighting a brutal house-to-house campaign in Vietnam, only to be portrayed by activists and the media in his own country as a drug-crazed baby-killer. He probably had the same reasons for joining the army as most young men: the attraction of genuine camaraderie, an opportunity to tour the world, to challenge one’s physical limits and pursue a relatively decent career track. Born in Parbat district in 1980, Amrit Medhasi came from a military family. I never had the pleasure of meeting him personally but from a brief encounter with his father, one can extrapolate that he must have been similar in character: the characteristic military bearing, the frugality of words and the Raju Tuladhar (left) with John Allen. steady confidence about his KIRAN PANDAY identity. ABHA ELI PHOBOO He excelled in academics and was a natural leader, nominated as an outstanding student and hen John Allen went version of ‘Lady in Black Dress tapestries, from afar, look like also a school captain. Blessed flying over Nepal, the with Zip’ is an example of Raju’s paintings. These shades change with a sinewy and lanky frame, he W texture and colours of fusion creativity. slowly and meditatively unlike was an excellent athlete. With the landscape stayed in his mind, “I was a bit shocked and brush strokes. “Mixing colours is a these attributes, a comfortable filtering into a design that he thrilled, his interpretations of my challenge because it takes a lot of career probably awaited him in translated on to a carpet. designs are amazing,” says Allen. careful calculation, knowing when civilian life but he joined the army This artwork of meandering A first for both artists, this to add the right thread and when despite objections from his rivers and rolling uneven hills collaboration has encouraged them to change,” says Raju, “but it’s a family. woven in inspiring colours is on to explore more possibilities. joy when it turns out right.” After receiving his commission, he was assigned to an infantry display at Spirit of the Place “Even when I use somebody else’s Functioning within the battalion in the east followed by duty in the west. Unlike most exhibition with other design design, I revisit the idea so it limitations of tapestry work, Raju soldiers in other countries that have the luxury of being rotated back home after a year or so of duty, most Nepali soldiers move experiences. John has been to looks good as a tapestry,” says experiments to find expression from one trouble spot to another. Many soldiers have gone years Nepal nine times but this is his Raju. through detailed intricate without visiting families due to Maoist threats in their own villages. first exhibition here. His carpets Having started out with weaving. Changing the Several successful missions followed where he earned the based on Australian aboriginal weaving Picasso’s paintings into consistency of tapestry designs respect of his men by using the only credible method in combat, by beliefs are intricate and beautiful tapestry, Raju’s ‘Curtain’ now found in the market, he creates directly engaging the enemy and demonstrating results. On 9 but even more fascinating is Raju hangs in the VIP lounge at the techniques to skirt shortcomings December during an offensive operation, his platoon was ambushed Tuladhar’s translation of these Tribhuban International Airport. adding to the feel of the design while clearing a pass in Mathura Danda in Argakhanchi. He was carpet designs into tapestries. He teaches tapestry at Kalaguthi itself. The result is not just a rug, injured in the initial firefight and despite continuing to draw fire, he Raju gives John’s carpet on Mondays and Thursdays, it is a work of art. had the presence of mind to order a tactical withdrawal, securing designs a new life, sometimes believing that tapestries will be John markets his Nepal-made his men’s safety but perhaps slowed by injuries, he was eventually destroying colours or creating the next Nepali handicraft to take carpets in London but is overwhelmed and died instantly in a second hail of gunfire. Less than four years into a promising career, his body lay broken on that shades as appropriate. Taking the on the market. And his belief is frustrated with the static carpet mountain pass. aboriginal base, Raju twists them not unfounded, take one look at designs from Nepal. “Nothing can Thanks only and only to soldiers like Amrit, there is still a at a tangent sometimes adding a his work and you’ll know why. compare to the Nepali carpet semblance of a country remaining where our politicians can even hint of Nepaliness. The Dhaka The rich, finely detailed works weaving skills but lack of creative today indulge their self-importance at the expense of their background in the tapestry have shades that make the designs is shutting the market. constituency and our activists pen therapeutic elegies. For the last 10 years, every time Yes, this conflict has had tragic consequences for all Nepalis– you scout the carpet shops in not just for soldiers and their families. But when we think of Keeping the spirit alive Nepal, it’s always the same soldiers like Amrit Medhasi, let us not patronise them by casually Susan’s Collection is a gallery in designs, the same colours, the calling them martyrs, slur their work or view them from the the ballroom of the historic Rana same thing. Carpet industries here reductionist lens of leftist intellectuals, unprincipled activists, the palace that is Kathmandu Guest should hire creative designers creepy Maoist leadership and some in the media, as a band of monarchy-grovelling rapists that need to be locked up. House, Thamel. It has a rare who think outside the box.” Let us remember such men as professional soldiers that lived collection of antiques, arts and John plans to showcase his crafts of Nepal, masterpieces such their life tragically and practically amidst the pathologies created carpet designs based on his Nepal as the Blue Tara carved in by others. To honour them, let us remember their mission is not the turquoise and the crystal experience in 2007 in London. moral equivalent of the empirically discredited ideologies of their Swayambhu with fine engravings of Raju exports his tapestries enemies. silver and stones. The gallery itself through friends in Canada and The souls of good soldiers like Captain Medhasi will fight again is a work of art with ancient elsewhere. z in another lonely mountain pass, a windy desert or jungle as they candlelight chandeliers the Ranas Exhibition at Susan’s Collection, always have through history. Let’s try to understand, respect and brought over from Belgium. Kathmandu Guest House, 10AM-5PM. celebrate this spirit. z 4700632 12 INTERNATIONAL 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 The return of romance The general sahab met the doctor sardarji, setting off positive vibes in New Delhi and Karachi With Gen Musharraf playing PIA Flight 273 was full of we are willing to be swamped by by the rules and Indian officials exuberant Pakistanis returning cheap Chinese goods, what could clear about what they wanted, from the resounding victory of be so bad about Indian imports?” everything went just right. In the One Day International, their said a broker. A former chief of the fact, the bhai-bhai vibes are so excitement enhanced by the fact Export Promotion Bureau too-good-to-be-true that it had that cricketer Shahid Afridi was believed that the blessings of one worried about how to make ensconced in the executive class regional trade would raise the this trend stick. The people-to- section up front, feigning sleep to entire ship of Southasia. An people contact so heroically keep off excited autograph entrepreneur with heavy promoted by the members of the seekers. A gaggle of young investment in port infrastructure Pakistan-India People’s Forum Anglophone socialites seemed to believed that “things have gone so for Peace and Democracy over have been doing their own far ahead that the hawks on both years of non-stop cynicism has people-to-people contacting the sides will not be able to derail finally borne a little fruit. It must night before. “My, the parties in this peace train”. he New Delhi media was But no, it was an now be allowed to ripen, to the Delhi! … did you see those Back at Rashtrapati Bhawan, breathless in its coverage of unremarkable mistake promptly full extent that the visa regime is farmhouses in Gurgaon? … Let President of India Dr APJ Abdul T the India-Pakistan Cricket corrected and the rest of the visit flung open for all Indians and me sleep, I was dancing all Kalam was giving the visiting Summit, but it started went swimmingly. General Pakistanis, with restrictions only night…” head of state a PowerPoint inauspiciously enough when the Musharraf received blanket to prevent mass migration from In Karachi, the sober people presentation on rural pilot of the PIA Airbus got the coverage in the Delhi dailies, one side to the other. in business were indeed looking development. When the subject Indian tricolour downside up as with only the RSS-favouring The possibilities of a forward to what the future might turned to bilateral relations, his he came in to the apron at Jaipur columnist Tarun Vijay seeming Southasian peace opened by bring. A cotton producer was advice to Gen Musharraf was: airport. to raise a diffident finger of human contact can’t be sustained hoping for across-the-border trade “Place all CBMs in one incubator skepticism in the Chandigarh unless there is rapid movement of the white fluff, so that his or good basket and then watch the SOUTHASIA BEAT Pioneer. to spark trade, commerce and customers in ‘Eastern Punjab’ did eggs nurture in this basket of Kanak Mani Dixit ‘Lahore’ and ‘Kargil’ were not economic integration. While New not have to be supplied from the goodwill.” What Dr Kalam even in the memory bank and Delhi was still acting host to the ginning factory in ‘Western probably meant to say through the Television reporters barely even ‘Agra’ and that vainglorious president general, this columnist Punjab’ by going through the port mixup of metaphors was probably into adulthood (they pick them televised meeting with Indian flew over the desert to Karachi. in Karachi, down to Bombay by this: “Do not put all your eggs in young, the Indian channels) were editors seemed to have been The purpose was to understand ship and up to Amritsar by rail. one basket, general. People-to- wondering whether a president forgiven. Unlike the handlers of what the businessmen of this “This makes no sense, and how people contact is only one known for his ambush diplomacy Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the aides to commercial hub thought of the long will we keep at this?” confidence-building measure, was not sending a message even Manmohan Singh were obviously India-Pakistan rapproachment A garment exporter said he which has to be followed fast and before he deplaned. Was the visit taking no risks with a general and possible future economic was willing to allow the law of furiously with the creation of new doomed even before the blessings who likes to make unscripted linkages. Would they be wary of comparative advantages work in economic facts on the ground.” of Sufi saint Khwaja Moinuddin handshakes (‘Kathmandu’) and an Indian swamping, or were the India-Pakistan sphere, even if That at least is what I would have Chisti had been received at Ajmer dyes his hair just right (‘New they enthusiastic entrepreneurs his industry suffered somewhat said, and the Karachi traders Sharif? Delhi’). hoping to reap the advantage? though he did not expect it to. “If would have agreed.

BBC’s radio rise

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ BBC World Service has stemmed its declining radio audience in India, according to an independent audience survey. BBC Hindi has grown by 4.3 million, taking its audience up to 14.5 million. The survey, conducted in the states of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Uttaranchal, Jharkand and Rajasthan, revealed that weekly listenership to the BBC confirms the BBC as India’s number one international radio provider. The BBC captures 40 percent of all those listening to the radio in Bihar and a third of radio listeners in Jharkand. In the remaining three states, just under one in five of radio listeners turn to the BBC Hindi Service every week.

South demands more say

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ WASHINGTON—Developing nations have issued a statement strongly condemning the ‘democracy deficit’ in two of the most powerful wardens of the current global economic system, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). During the joint meetings of the governors of the two Washington-based institutions, the Group of 24, which operates as an association of minority shareholders in the IMF and the Bank, said that the lack of representation of poor nations and developing countries was alienating the two financial institutions from their clients. Ministers note that the BWIs’ (the Bretton Woods Institutions) governance structures have not evolved in line with the increased size and role of emerging market, developing and transition countries in the world economy, said the statement by finance and economy ministers of the G24. The role of small and low-income countries in the decision-making process is extremely limited, said the statement. The ministers complained that the current under-representation of developing countries in the IMF and the World Bank Executive Boards undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of these institutions. Decision-making in the two financial bodies is far removed from the principle of one country–one vote. The 46 sub- Saharan African countries, for example, have only two executive directors representing them at the World Bank and IMF, while eight northern nations have one executive director each. The G24 ministers urged that that the two institutions develop a new quota that would give greater weight to measures of gross domestic product in terms of purchasing power parity and take into account the vulnerability of developing countries to commodity price movements, the volatility of capital movements and other external shocks. (IPS) SPORTS 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 13 Smooth finish To keep you from falling off balance tarting something is a lot easier than finishing it well. And this applies to every golf swing. S The smooth finish of a golf swing is reflected in a proper follow through. If you end well balanced and in the right position, chances are, you’ve made a reasonably good effort at hitting the ball. Watch weekend golfers and you will see what I’m talking about. At the end of their swing, most of them finish in all kinds of strange and awkward positions. Some even topple over or wobble frantically after impact. Unfortunately, this is the exact opposite of what should really be happening. Not being able to finish with the weight significantly on the leading foot is a sure sign of trouble. It affects distance and accuracy, almost always leaving the golfer hopelessly off balance. TEE BREAK Ever watched a Karate The Three Star Club team practicing Deepak Acharya exhibition where a player for the President Cup tournament at seemingly breaks through layers Buddhi Bikas Mandal field. of bricks and ice without much effort? Rest assured, there is more KIRAN PANDAY than just power at work. It includes a seamless combination of technique and balance. Finishing a golf swing with the weight on the leading foot requires a similar application of these elements. Recreational golfers usually use their hand to swing the club rather than their shoulders and hip muscles. Those who swing the All the President’s men club with their hands only will almost naturally have an ‘out to in’ swing path. This style in itself promotes resistance to finishing on Kathmandu prepares to host the first the forward foot. international football tournament of the year

ABHA ELI PHOBOO Upendra Man Singh, captain and training left some players goalkeeper of the Three Star team, injured. “We fear that the s the temperatures rises, “but we knew that a draw would training might not be adequate the football scene in qualify us for the President Cup. for some of the players because A Kathmandu is also heating Now, the responsibility of they missed out on a lot,” says up again with the first President playing for the country in an captain Singh. Cup international tournament to international match is weighing Dasrath Stadium is seeing a be held here next month. on our shoulders. We are taking major facelift to prepare for the The 10-day event, which things very seriously and matches. “We are doing all we begins on 4 May, will see Nepal, concentrating on our training.” can and the government has been Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Cambodia, The Three Star team has very supportive,” says Narendra Chinese Taipei, Pakistan, played with some of the other Shrestha, vice-chairman of All Tajikistan and Kyrgystan pitting teams before but as Upendra says, Nepal Football Association. “The their league champions against “it won’t do to underestimate President Cup is important to us each other. Organised by the your opponent. We know there not just because it is an Asian Football Confederation, won’t be much difference because international event but also the President Cup will be an we are all in the C category.” because it could direct the future annual event hosted in various The teams have been divided of football in Nepal and sports in member countries. into three categories according to general.” “To have the first match their financial and playing As the opening date nears, hosted in Nepal is a very good standards. C is where the teams the organisers are running over Yes, it’s back again to that ideal ‘in to out’ downswing, it’s a big opportunity for us,” says Ganesh from developing countries have some last minute details to clear step towards getting that perfect position on the follow through Thapa, chairman of the AFC been grouped. “There’s a good out hassles. “Security will be starting at the beginning of the downswing. Quickly clearing the left President Cup organising chance we might win,” says Lalit very tight, AFC officials shoulder while rotating the hips simultaneously promotes the club- committee. There are only eight Krishna Shrestha, chairman of themselves came over to check head staying well inside, providing plenty of room to throw it out countries participating this year Three Star Club, “we have had a and they have approved of our later. This helps keep both arms straight at impact. Go through the because the criteria says league lot of support from our system,” says Shrestha. swing, if the right leg has been used properly you should end up champions of each country can community. People have raised Singh says this is a great with your right heel well raised and most of your weight on a solid participate. Not all interested funds for us to buy uniforms and opportunity for his team to left foot. countries had their league further our training.” build experience, adding: “But During your swing there are stages of transferring weight from matches, Thapa explains. The coach of the Three Star we have our eyes on the prize one side to another. An example is, at the address position of a tee Nepal had its league team is Dhruba KC but other because it could change the face shot with a driver, your weight should be about 60 percent on the back foot. By the top of the back swing, 90 percent of your weight tournament in June last year senior coaches of Nepal such as of football in Nepal and the should be on that back foot. Back at impact, you will return to the when a draw between Mahendra Shyam Thapa and Bhim Thapa region.” The President Cup address position weight distribution and then on the follow through it Police Club and Patan’s Three are also helping the boys winner gets $50,000 and the is shifted almost completely to the forward foot. Star Club decided the latter as overcome their weaknesses and runner-up gets $25,000. Each In any sport, balance is the key to better and consistent the winner on overall points. “It focus on their strengths. The participating team takes home $ performance. Want to be a well-balanced golfer? Try following the was a crucial match,” says league tournament and initial 15,000. tips above or better still, schedule a lesson with your favourite golf professional and get it perfected. With a good follow through and finish, not only will your game improve tremendously, you will even look great on those first tee memento photographs.

Deepak Acharya is a golf instructor and Golf Director at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort & Spa, Kathmandu. [email protected] 14 CITY 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244

ABOUT TOWN Aditya (Salman Khan) is the son of an Indian FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS ambassador in an eastern European country. ™ This is Today Paintings by Mukesh Malla at Gallery Nine, until 26 April. Lucky (Sneha Ullal) is a 17-year-old girl ™ A Peaceful Nepal Photo exhibition at GAA, Thamel, 15-30 April, fascinated by Aditya’s charms. When a civil war Sunday-Friday, 10AM-4PM, proceeds go to Habitat for Humanity. breaks out, Lucky lands in severe trouble and ™ Thalara Framed Black and white photographs by Devendra SJB Rana at Aditya is her only hope. Enter Colonel Pindidas Siddhartha Art Gallery, until 30 April. Kapoor (Mithun Chakraborthy) who helps them AL CINEMAAL CINEMA CINEMA AL CINEMAAL AL CINEMAAL ™ Magic Pencil Artworks by Britain’s best children’s illustrators at the British AL CINEMA escape. Directed by debutante director duo Council, Lainchor. Until 6 May. 4410798 Radhika Rao and Vinay Sapru, the film has been EVENTS beautifully shot in Russia. ™ The Good Person of Szechwan Staged by Studio 7 at Hotel Vajra, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 22 April-8 May. 4271545 Call 4442220 for show timings ™ Toyoto Women’s Motor Rally on 23 April. 4478301 www.jainepal.com JAI NEPJAI NEP NEP JAI NEPJAI JAI NEPJAI ™ How can spirituality change your daily life Talk by Nun Anila Tenzin JAI NEP Namdrol on 23 April, 10AM-4PM at HBMC, Thamel. 4414843 ™ Temal Jatra at Boudha and Swayambhu, 23-24 April. 4435454 KATHMANDU AIR QUALITY ™ Teen Art Workshop at The Bluestar Hotel, 23-24 April. 4471957 Just when we thought Kathmandu’s air was getting a little cleaner, the pollution ™ Balaju Bais Dhara Mela on 24 April at Balaju Bais Dhara. level suddenly shot up. Last week, the concentration of PM10 (particles less than ™ Gori Vatra Film by Pjer Zalica, Bosnia at Nepal Tourism Board, Bhrikuti 10 micron in size) in the Valley was 60 percent higher than the previous week. In Mandap on 24 April, 5.30 PM. [email protected] places with heavy traffic, the pollution levels reached hazardous levels on 12 and ™ World Book Day Exhibition for children, 23, 25-29 April, 8.30-5.45 PM, 13 April. Even in rural areas like Matsyagaun, PM10 concentrations exceeded British Council, Lainchaur. 4410798 national standards in six of the seven days. The reduced visibility is affecting ™ Tibetan Education in Exile international flights. Lecture by Mati Bernabei on 29 April, 9.30 AM at Shankhar Hotel, 10-16 April 2005 in micrograms per cubic meter. Lajimpat. Entrance Rs 100 for non- Source: www.mope.gov.np members. Hazardous >425 ™ Tai Chi Free classes at Baber Mahal Revisited. 4256618, 4256693 Harmful 351 to 425 ™ 1905 Sundays Pet practices and Unhealthy 121 to 350 more. www.extreme-nepal.com O k 61 to 120 ™ Fun in the Sun at Club Sundhara, Go od < 60 Hotel Shangri-la. 4412999 ™ Rugby Practice Every Saturday. Putalisadak Patan H Thamel Kirtipur Bhaktapur Matsyagaun 4435939, [email protected] ™ Sanibaar Mela Saturdays at the NEPALI WEATHER by MAUSAM BEED Dharahara Bakery Café, 12AM-5PM. A prominent feature of this week’s weather MUSIC is the lowest ever record of humidity: 24 ™ All Star Jam Session Moks re-opens on 22 April, 7PM. 5526212 percent on Tuesday afternoon. The same ™ Full Circle Live at Indigo Gallery on 29 April, 8PM, Rs 750. 4413580 westerly breeze that is bringing in desert dust ™ An Evening with Manose at Patan on 29 April, 7PM, tickets Rs 650. from Rajasthan that has reduced visibility is ™ Rock Thru’ The Ages at New Orleans Café, Thamel on 30 April, 7PM, also bringing in dry air. The result is that in tickets Rs 200. 4700736 the absence of moisture there is cloud buildup ™ Live Jazz by JCS trio and Peter McTwister, Thursdays at Full Moon Bar. on thermals along the mountains. A reduction ™ Ladies Nights Wednesdays at Jatra, Thamel, with live music. in the haze level due to a change in wind direction raised the maximum temperature ™ Fusion Time Mondays at Jalan Jalan Restaurant, Lajimpat, 7PM. 4410438 b]zdf zflGt / ;'Joj:yf to 30 degrees this week but the haze is back sfod x'g ;s]df dfq ™ Live Music Everyday at Hotel de l’Annapurna, Darbar Marg. 4221711 and we will see a commensurate reduction ™ The Heart Breakers at Rum Doodle, Fridays, 7PM onwards. 4701208 due to filtering action. This satellite picture ljsf;sf] ult tLj| x'g ™ Jukebox experience Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at Rox. 4491234 taken on Thursday morning indicates nothing ;S5 . o;y { ;dfhdf zflGt, ™ Jazz at Upstairs Jazz Bar, Lajimpat, Wednesdays and Saturdays, 7.45 PM. of significance on the horizon, just the chance of a passing low pressure area that may ;'Joj:yf sfod /fvL Pstf FOOD trigger localised storm systems along the / /fli6«o lxtsf] efjgfn] ™ Marhaba Mediterranean Cuisine at Hotel Shangri-la, 15-30 April. midhills early next week. ljsf; sfodf{ ;xefuL x'g' ™ Sekuwa Sanjh on 29 April at Dwarika’s Hotel. 4479488 ;a } gkfnLx¿sf] ] k|d'v stJo{ ™ Great Value Lunches at Soaltee Crowne Plaza for Rs 299. 4273999 KATHMANDU VALLEY ™ Sunshine Weekend Brunch Free swim at Hotel Yak and Yeti. 4248999 xf ] . ™ Barbeque Lunch Saturdays at Club Himalaya, Nagarkot. 6680080 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue >L % sf ] ;/sf/ ™ Sekuwa and Momo Revolution Saturdays at the Tea House Inn. 6680048 ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ Arniko Special Lunch at Hotel de l’Annapurna, Darbar Marg. 4221711 ;"rgf ljefu ™ Barbecue Dinner Every Friday at the Summit Hotel. 5521810 30-12 30-12 28-13 29-126 29-12 ™ Exotic Seafood at Rox Restaurant, Hyatt Regency. 4491234 ™ Delicacies Pastas and snacks at Roadhouse Café, Jawalakhel. 5521755 ™ Earth Watch Restaurant at Park Village, dine with nature. 4375280 ™ Café Bahal Newari cuisine at Kathmandu Guest House, Thamel. 4700632 ™ The Beer Garden at Vaijayantha, Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 ™ The Tharu Kitchen at Jungle Base Camp. [email protected]

GETAWAYS ™ Stay One Night get one night at Shangri-la Village, Pokhara. 4435742 ™ Wet Wild Summer Splash at Godavari Village Resort. 5560675 ™ Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge World’s top room with a view. 4361500 ™ Shivapuri Cottage Nature, peace and bird watching at 6,000ft. 4354331 ™ Chiso Chiso Hawama at Nagarkot, special packages. 6680080 ™ Jungle Base Camp Lodge, Bardia, special packages and prices. [email protected] ™ Malaysia Dream Holidays Special offers till the end of May. 4247215 extn 013-14, [email protected] 22 - 28 APRIL 2005 #244 15 Picturing peace n unlikely amateur from eastern Nepal, bear costs. Alok and Greg hope to photography duo of testimony to the fact that the two raise enough money from their A teacher and student, Fr take their hobby very seriously exhibition to further subsidise Greg Sharkey and Alok indeed. building costs. Greg also wants Tuladhar, have been taking “Faces are my favourite the exhibition to promote the GAA pictures for over 20 years and a though Nepal is so photogenic I complex as a cultural and artistic selection of their work is on enjoy taking pictures of haven for ex-Xaverians and display at A Peaceful Nepal landscapes too,” explains Alok. Marians. NEPALNEWS.COM photo exhibition at the Godavari Greg is also inspired by Nepali Says Alok: “This exhibition is Alumni Association (GAA) in faces: “Most of the people I a chance for the Nepali people to BONSAI DIPLOMACY: Japanese Ambassador,Tsutomu Hiraoka, Thamel. photographed had their lives communicate with fellow-Nepalis inaugurating a bonsai exhibition in Kathmandu on Monday. Alok is an IT specialist who disrupted by the insurgency but it through their smiles. We are just owns nepmed, a medical is Nepali resilience that keeps the medium.” transcription company that is them smiling through such trying (Aarti Basnyat) outsourced work from hospitals times.” abroad. Greg is the moderator The photographs are priced at A Peaceful Nepal at GAA Hall, of GAA and director of the a moderate Rs 300 for reprints Thamel, until 30 April, 10AM-4PM, Jesuit Research Centre besides and Rs 500 including frames. Sunday to Friday, proceeds go to being an anthropologist who Money from the sale of pictures Habitat for Humanity. 4414785 specialises in Newari culture will go to the Habitat for Humanity and Buddhism. program which will build houses Their portraits and for the homeless at minimum landscapes, mainly

NEPALNEWS.COM

SEE YOU SOON: King Gyanendra chatting with British Ambassador Keith Bloomfield and Australian Ambassador Keith Gardener at TIA before his departure for the Asia-Pacific Summit in Indonesia on Wednesday.

KIRAN PANDAY

POETIC LICENSE: Govinda Bartaman, Avinash Shrestha, Tirtha Shrestha, Boond Rana, Bhuwanhari Sigdel, Symal and Bhuwan Dhungana at a year-end poetry reading organised by Himal Association at Yala Maya Kendra on 13 April. 16 I laugh atregularintervalsformedicalreasonscando example, thoseofunsoundmindwhoneedto realise thatthereisaneedtomakeexemptions.For are acivilisedanddemocraticsocietytherefore until helaughshisheadoff. dungeons andticklehisarmpits has fallenoffhischairtothe Guards! Takethatchapwho laughter untilfurthernotice. banning allunauthorised Laughter andSatireAct invoking Article27ofthe servants, thestateisnow morale ofourcivilanduncivil word-of-mouth thusloweringthe could beinfectiousandspreadby and consideringthatwildguffawing the above. snigger, chuckle,chortle,twitter,orallof individual’s perfectlynaturalurgetogiggle, stipulated periodtemporarilysuspendan national crisisthestatecanforalimitedand which categoricallystatesthatintimesofgrave promulgated theLaughterandSatireAct2017 bud forthwith.Thisisnolaughingmatter. unrestrained mirthcouldspreadandbedetrimental There isclearandpresentdangerthatsuch laughter goingoninisolatedpartsofthekingdom. What’s sofunny? still alotofuncontrolledandspontaneous that despitethestateofnationalurgency,thereis t hascometothenoticeofushigh-upauthorities UNDER MY HAT Where werewe?Ohyes,comparedtoBurma,we Since suchacrisisisnowathand Our foundingfathers,intheirwisdom, Kunda Dixit nipped inthe should be therefore security, and to national cases wheretherecipientstatehassuspendedits Convention anditsAnnexe13(d)whichstates:‘In in thehostcountryisgovernedbyVienna exempt fromthelaughterbansincetheirconduct it hasgoneinsane. to preventtheentirecountryfrompretendingthat strict regulationsarerequiredtothwartabuse,and actually stillsomethingtolaughabout.These gustily, andmoreimportantly,whetherthereis reasons whythesaidpatientneedstochuckle stating thepsychosomaticandphysiological triplicate dulynotarisedbytheAnchaladish But theymustbringtheirshrink’sprescriptionin so indesignatedsound-proofLaughingClinics. last? the stateofurgency,hewholaughsbest there tolaughabout?Don’ttheyknowthatunder laugh-ins atRatnaPark.Inallseriousness,whatis insist on Non-Nepali residentsanddiplomatsarealso written affidavitsdeclaringthattheywill sense ofhumour,consularmissionsand send onlyofficially-sanctionedjokesto each otherviaSMS. defying theregulationsandstaging it isinexplicablethatsomemiscreants their residentstaffmayonoccasion Despite suchadraconiancrackdown enjoy diplomaticimpunityandbe allowed toventoffalittlesteam as longtheydon’tindulgein boisterous jocularityinpublic.’ Nepal Telecomhasbeengiven the go-aheadtoresumeits hitherto immobilephone service (oops,didIjustsay In caseyouhadn’theard, something funny?)afterall fingerprinted andhadtosign subscribers were CDO Regd No.194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd. No.04/058/59 22 -28 APRIL 2005 #244

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