www.nepalitimes.com #135 7 - 13 March 2003 18+4 pages Rs 25

BHAGIRATH○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ YOGI An urgent ncouraged by a ceasefire that has held for six weeks, the government says it reconstruction, E is preparing a blueprint for reconstruction and rehabilitation in rehabilitation and insurgency-affected areas to present to donors next week. reconciliation Aside from the human cost of the seven- year conflict and the setback to drive is needed to NEPALNEWS.COM development due to lost opportunities, the bolster the Happy Losar country has suffered an estimated Rs 4 billion worth of damage to infrastructure. peace process. Traditional Buddhist Not only do we have to rebuild, but we rituals and festivities also need to catch up with lost time to two-thirds of Nepal’s total development Kathmandu-based donor representatives deliver basic services to large sections of expenditure. “We believe the peace RRRnext week. welcomed the Year of the Water-Sheep from 3-5 the country. process will be strengthened if some of “We want to provide a peace dividend, March. Showers of Donor representatives in Kathmandu the humanitarian and human rights issues and want to prioritise people who are most- are more than willing to fund rehabilitation are tackled,” says Norwegian ambassador, badly affected by the insurgency with continued p15 tsampa thrown skywards and reconstruction work, but say they want Ingrid Ofstad. The Finance Ministry and labour-intensive income generating welfare settled over crowds a viable strategy and the political will to see National Planning Commission (NPC) activities,” says NPC vice-chairman gathered to celebrate it through. are busy preparing for a meeting of Shanker Sharma. Losar under watchful gaze After the state of emergency in of the Bouddha stupa, and November 2001, the rebels started the Rimpoche of attacking “soft targets” including bridges, Tengboche Monastery hydropower plants and telecommunication (above) saw off a towers. Not even milk depots, post offices, schools, health posts, and VDC buildings motorcycle rally on were spared. The Maoist leadership later Thursday to mark the new seemed to realise that it had made a year. Tashi Delek. mistake, and ordered cadre not to target infrastructure directly benefiting the people. But the damage was already done. Weekly Internet Poll # 75 The Maoists rampage has destroyed Q. Is there a need for outside mediation in the Nepal 1,675 of the 4,000 VDC buildings in the peace process? country. “We don’t even know what the full damage to public property is in monetary terms,” Ganga Dutta Awasthi, joint secretary at the Ministry of Local Development told us. But the ministry has asked for local surveys of loss so reconstruction funds can be released.

Foreign donors already provide nearly USHA

Total votes:1,034

Weekly Internet Poll # 76. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Which of the following would break the current political deadlock: Reinstate parliament, All-party interim government, Keep Chand govt till next polls, Letter to the Maoist leadership on Women’s Day

None of above/don’t know

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ARUNA○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ UPRETI CORRECTION Dear male Maobadi comrades, the walls of jails? Did you consult the women lawyers, writers, doctors and nurses who Due to a data-transfer error, the result of the Nepalitimes Mao Zedong said women hold up half the sky. But there is not a single woman in your have helped you at considerable personal risk even though they didn’t agree with Nepalnews.com Internet Poll last negotiating team with the government. everything you did? week was mixed up in the For the past seven years, you have tried to convince us of your more enlightened view In 1990, Nepali women came out onto the streets, some went to jail leaving their hardcopy edition (#134). on the role of women in society. You have tried to raise our status in various ways, babies at home. All so that an era of equality and liberty would dawn. But the political The result of the question “Is the US right especially in the midwest where gender discrimination is at its worst. You broke the taboos, leaders who came to power after that (all of them men) promptly began to squander the in insisting on war against gave us a political identity, and involved us in your movement. freedoms we had won. They would give florid speeches extolling the need to involve Iraq despite UN It may not have been right to send women with guns in their hands to fight and kill, women in the development process. But they were empty words, and we were just inspections?” should have been as shown. Results but you challenged tradition by empowering women, and showed us that given the decoration. In the last few years, under immense pressure from civil society, parliament in our online editions were correct. We regret the opportunity Nepali women are as capable as men and can perform any job given to did pass some laws reforming property rights and reproductive health, but the men mistake. -Editor. them. continued to monopolise positions of political power. We never agreed with the brutality of your methods, we condemned the abduction of Despite being a revolutionary party with strong egalitarian belief, you are behaving school children, the terror, extortion and intimidation. But now that you have agreed to a no differently than our “men-stream” political parties. We never expected our male- ceasefire and are involved in negotiations with the government, we are worried that you dominated government to involve women in the peace process, but we thought you were could go back to the old ways. going to be different. You are engaged in peace, but you are neither involving women Don’t you trust your women cadre enough to involve them in the peace process? nor are you listening to them. This way, it will just be a piece of talk about power, and Haven’t you thought of the sacrifices made by women in the remote regions? Aren’t you not a peace talk. thinking of the tears of the mothers and sisters who gave up their sons and brothers for If her women live in insult and misery, your cause? And what about the hundreds of women who were inspired by the hope of Tell me, truly, is that country free? emancipation that you provided? Did you ask the grandmother in Rukum who gave you water when you were tired after walking all night? Did you ask the women who broke down (Dr Aruna Uprety is women’s health and reproductive rights activist.)

Untitled-56 1 9/27/04, 12:17 PM 2 EDITORIAL 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 NATION 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 3 Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL OPINION by DHAWAL SJB RANA Design: Kiran Maharjan Webmaster: Bhushan Shilpakar [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki [email protected] Sales: Sudan Bista [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Misunderestimating Merton Tel: 01-543333-7, Fax: 01-521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hattiban: 01-547018/17 A society that doesn’t celebrate the rise of a genius, or refuses to mark the nce more, we have an armed struggle, shun the brutal

passing away of one, isn’t prepared to produce one of its own. opportunity to find a peaceful campaign of assassinations, stop ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ TERRORISM VS T OURISM ○○○○○○ O resolution to the senseless killing extortion and intimidation, and join n the five months after the Bali bombing, Indonesia made some pretty y having nothing to do with the Nepali newspaper took notice. We were so noble about obtaining a Green Card that and anarchy that has brought the the mainstream of democratic politics, smart moves. behind-the-scene negotiations obsessed with the showdown between the those who stay back must put up with their country to its knees. We have no the people will still accept them as the I It didn’t waste money on publicity in Australia, Europe and North B between the emissaries of the palace Bulldog of Baghdad and the Texan Terrier. consistent outburst of off-shore patriotism? choice this time, the ceasefire must be parliamentary entity they once were. America. Instead, it launched promotion blitzes in Japan, South Korea, and the insurgents, mainstream political Editors, as is their wont, pay more Perhaps the Dishwashers of Disneyland converted to lasting peace. The big But the patience of this brave, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore. As a result, through the Chinese new parties have been carrying out a self- attention to “US actress Pamela Anderson need to justify defection by denouncing the question is: how? peace-loving nation is wearing thin. year last month, Bali hotels were nearly full once more. Through a strategic fulfilling prophecy. standing on a balcony” and devote the front rot back home every chance they get. It has now been five weeks since And the sooner the Maoists realise phase-wise plan of rescue, rehabilitation, normalisation and expansion, Bali The Maoists aren’t doing any better. page to the state of her strategic assets. We Here is a teaser for sociologists of the the guns fell silent. Extortion, this, the better it will be for them. If is rebounding (see page 10). The proposal for a roundtable is going clearly “misunderestimated” the passing university located on Kirtipur’s slopes: to There is a lot we in Nepal can learn from how the Balinese have handled intimidation and threats are still going they decide to break the ceasefire and around in circles. None of the respondents away of the father of modern sociology. which category of Merton do you honestly on in the districts, and although there sabotage the peace process like they a cataclysmic event in which two terrorist bombs on 12 October 2002 killed of Maoist interlocutors’ interviews have belong? Students stampede to get into the The range of Merton’s sociological is a general relaxation in the national did in November 2001, then the nearly 200 people: most of them Australian tourists. Here we have a country evinced any interest in a full-fledged scrutiny is astounding—he managed to sociology course, but the last original idea where tourists have never been harmed, and yet, we have not countered the “focus group” discussion over their long- explore everything from the sociology of to emerge from Tribhuvan University was mood, things are still far from normal. consequences will be too horrendous negative publicity that has reduced the number of visitors to Nepal by half in SAGAR PANDIT standing demands. media to the functioning of bureaucracy Dor Bahadur Bista’s Afno Manche. At the national level, the public has to contemplate. There is no victory at the past four years. and from the history of science to the Merton’s ideas survived Vietnam, Gulf the impression of disunity among the end of that road. There is only Whenever we talk to tourism leaders and the political powers that more ruin. officials—both private sector and psychology of deviance from the Bureau of War I and they will take on a universal government—everyone has excuses. Applied Social Research, his academic meaning in the globalised world. That is one be are working at cross-purposes in A code of conduct that is currently Oh, it’s the IC 814 hijacking, the Hritik perch at Columbia University. reason to go back to his work. A society trying to destroy the chances of lasting being negotiated needs to go into Among Merton’s various intellectual that doesn’t celebrate the rise of a genius, peace. Preventing Peoples’ War II force immediately so it doesn’t derail Roshan riots, or the royal massacre, they tell us. Or they blame India- explorations, my favourite is his exposition or refuses to mark the passing away of The king’s emissary is talking the truce. The Maoist leadership must Pakistan tensions, which for some of Durkheim’s concept of “anomie”. another, isn’t prepared to produce one of its secretly with the Maoists, the cabinet The Maoists must realise now that power is attained by winning steer its cadre away from the culture of reason never seems to affect tourism According to Merton, the situation of own. Unlike the tall claims of self-pro- cannot speak in one voice, the political the hearts and minds of the people, not by killing them. arms to one of competitive politics, to the Maldives even though it is a anomie arises when those who have claimed intellectuals foraging for consul- parties are united only in their where power is gained by winning the tancy works, Merton, preferred to introduce South Asian country. internalised the value of monetary success opposition to the royal move of 4 hearts and minds of the people, not The problem is that very few find that they have no access to legitimate himself as “the economist’s father”, alluding It is secondary who will be prime biased banter of your lazy opinions. mechanism to get there is multiparty Nepalis seem to say “we need means by which they can ever hope to to his Nobel winner son Robert C Merton October, but hold completely by killing them. And as the peace tourists”, they say “I need tourists”. attain it. Conformists still pursue the goal with a mixture of pride and self-deprecation. divergent views on what to do about minister or hold the home ministry It has been said many times before, democracy all the way from the ward process begins, there will be So, our promotional campaigns are ad by prescribed means, even though their task Wonder what the senior Merton would it. Let’s try to untangle this knot. portfolio. The primary aim should be and there is no harm in repeating it: we level to municipality to national bargaining about disarmament, hoc and lack staying power, there is is hopeless. This perfectly describes the think if he were to find that a newspaper Firstly, it is clear the ball is in the to stand united so we can restore the will not resolve the insurgency just by parliament, where all communities, induction of the Maoist militia into little strategic diversification of market predicament of the Nepali middle class— published somewhere in the Himalaya had king’s court. He has the prime main achievements of the 1990 stopping the violence. In the long term marginalised geographical and social the state’s security apparatus and a and our open sky policy protects they grow old in the daily grind without written about him. Perhaps he would responsibility to bang political heads Peoples’ Movement. They can then all we have to address the root causes gropings have their say. All it needs is redesign of the political process under favourites. Our individualism also getting any closer to their cherished goals. attribute it to the "Matthew Effect" (in together to get them to pull in the get back to the naughty political games buried in political, social and economic a sense of integrity, accountability a reformed constitution. means we commit harakiri by Then there are those who “innovate” academic and scientific research, greater same direction. It will be no mean feat, they play, but hopefully this time they inequities in society. Until we begin to and good management skills among We can understand that the initial undercutting each other. The government of royal nominees has and seek success by resorting to dishonest recognition and resources are given to those Terrorists directly and deliberately killed tourists in Bali, Egypt and Kenya, and for this he needs to start cobbling will have realised that it was their take these problems more seriously, elected leaders. contacts between the government and run into its own conundrum: it is facing the means. Examples of such a tendency are who have already a certain level of together a new all-party cabinet that selfishness and greed over the past 12 there is no surety that Peoples’ War II We don’t have to wait for full the Maoists needed to be discreet. But but all three are regenerating the industry. There is no reason why Nepal unforeseen and unintended consequences of aplenty in the Nepali bureaucracy. Sample recognition over those who have yet to can’t do it. Especially since our conflict has never involved tourists. It needs commands mass support. This years that has besmirched democracy will not begin as soon as we resolve peace to be restored to start working the peace process must necessarily be trying to run the administration by the explanation of a responsible officer of make their mark). strategic thinking, good timing, a media savvy Nepal Tourism Board, a and brought the country to this state. Peoples’ War I. on education, land reform, tourism, whimsical fiat. The petty tyrannies of the Robert King Merton will remain a wouldn’t be too difficult to do if transparent. The people must have a dynamic and competitive national airline, and an overall policy that makes it the Public Service Commission: “If I don’t Multiparty democracy is not just We may not be able to have socio- taxation, domestic and international trouble-shooting Daudaha Tolis have earn by taking bribes, how will I ever realise cherished “role model” of many aspiring everyone kept themselves above their say, or at least be informed, about as easy as possible for as many visitors to come to Nepal and stay as long individual egos and illusions of glory. about freedom, it is also about political economic equality overnight, but it is investment, employment and income what is being negotiated on their as they want. created a situation where a) rules in the my childhood dreams with Rs 7,000 rupees sociologists the world over for years to hands of employees have become end values a month?” Aren’t Maoists also some kind of come. Unfortunately, he is not around to The captain has the responsibility responsibility: taking responsibility for the state’s responsibility to begin to generation. And let’s not hear behalf. They need to know the In contrast, our policy still seems to be to make it as difficult as possible our actions, as well as our inaction. It is create equal opportunities. The result complaints about “lack of resources”. A for tourists to obtain information about Nepal, find flights, and get cheap and rather than mere means to some desirable innovators, making a living from extortion? coin a new term for that particular to maintain harmony, give enlightened compromises being made since they direct connections. And when they finally land in Kathmandu, the government ends, b) decision-making is a victim of Merton’s third category is the phenomenon. leadership and cajole a team to victory. about sharing power and jointly of development efforts take time to nation can put itself on the correct path will be the ones most directly affected. starts behaving like a tout. Instead of providing opportunities for tourists to passing -the-buck or procrastination, and c) “ritualist” who goes through the motions, The Nepali people know who the carrying the burden of governance. manifest itself, and we have wasted by enacting pro-poor, pro-development It does not matter to the people spend on adventure, shopping and family-friendly packages, we levy fees bureaucracy is sidelined and moribund. fully aware of the futility of their captain is for this critical match, and Politics is just the mechanism with too much time and money in ad hoc and pro-progress laws and be serious who is negotiating with whom, or every step of the way in a process that can only be called extortion. Why is Clearly, the Anchaladhis of a bygone era is occupation. Socialised to adhere to the hope he will take us to victory. which we choose the best leaders to trial-and-error. about implementing them. A leadership who is getting the credit and who is that any different from tales of khaobadis robbing trekkers? the wrong “role model” for improving rules, ritualists are unable to break free The political parties, for their part, govern, the ultimate aim is to govern In the last 12 years we had hit so addicted to donor aid, and so lacking losing out. We, the people, demand And while we are on the subject, we want to add our voice to the strong service delivery in a society that has tasted even when they know that they are in must give the benefit of doubt to the well so that the Nepali people get to upon one fundamental truth: it is in self-esteem will never be able to pull that our leaders stand united, remain calls by the Indonesians, Thais and Malaysians to the alarmist, thoughtless grassroots democracy. bondage. Whenever you want to complain king, and presume he means what he live more decent lives. grassroots democracy that will ensure itself (and the people it rules over) out above petty personal and party and ineffective travel advisories posted by the governments of Australia, The phrases used above (“self-fulfilling about the quality of education in a Here, the media and the development. Giving people the of the morass. European countries, the Nordics and the United States cautioning travellers says: uphold constitutional monarchy interest and for once rise to the prophecy”, “focus group”, “role model”) government school in Achham, please think “intellectuals” who pontificate in it political opportunity at the local level For the Maoists, this is just about to our countries. These advisories compete with our own incompetence in have crept into everyday language from of the teacher from Rautahat serving time and parliamentary democracy. There is occasion in the interest of the keeping tourists away. It is time to do away with these over-generalised, some of the pioneering works in the science in Managalsen. really no other option for the parties must hold a moratorium on cynicism is the surest way to ensure that the the last opportunity they will get to nation. often outdated, and absurd we'll-cover-our-ass memos. They may protect of sociology by Robert K Merton. The “retreaters” are most infuriating, than to forge a strong alliance with the and self-fulfilling prophecies of doom. people are guaranteed basic services. make a safe landing and lead this the governments of those countries from legal action in case something goes Merton was one of the most influential especially when they retrospectively justify monarchy and defend democracy. But Please hold your poison pens until this True economic decentralisation, country out of the ruin of conflict. (Dhawal SJB Rana is the wrong, but they ensure that our tourism industries will never recover even if sociologists of the 20th century. Sadly, their retreat. While there is nothing wrong for this, they must first look beyond situation is resolved, then you can go political devolution and self- We Nepalis have a forgiving nature, former UML mayor of we do everything right. when he passed away last week at 92, no in seeking one’s fortune anywhere, what’s Robert K Merton short-term power play. back to the careless cheering and governance are the answers, and the and if the Maoists truly give up their Nepalganj.)

LETTERS

NEPALINESS hill-ethnic as the so-called There is no such thing as dangerous. Nepal, which used to be and work towards resolving Tara Nath Dahal, Ramesh Khagendra Sangraula’s story TARAI language, there is irony and “The celestial duo looks Upadhya Bahun in looks? Nepali-looking or Indian- As Christ and Mary Kathmandu Valley anyway not the political, social, cultural Nath Dhungel, Madan translated by Manjushree CK Lal has raised important satire, we can find allegory, Nepali because Shiva hung Phenotypically speaking, looking or Pakistani-looking or become black in African and too long ago. factors that underly the conflict Krishna Shrestha, Hari Thapa (Nepaliterature, #134) I points about the exclusion of allusion, aphorism, farce, out in the Himalaya and where do the Chhetris Bangladeshi-looking, or African American churches Pramod K Mishra so that the ceasefire can be Bansa Acharya, Sundar Mani could see the face of tarai people in “Tarai cauldron” sarcasm, euphemism, Parbati is rightly sung of in belong? More like the Rai- Bhutani-looking or Sinhalese- and blond in Scandinavia, as Augustana College, turned into lasting peace. The Dixit, Trilokya Nath Upreti, “yamadoot” in the (#134). I want to add two more comedy, tragi-comedy. And Nepal as Himala ki chhori. So, Limbu-Magar, etc or more like looking, phenotypically the Buddha looks more like a Illinois, USA role of the major political Sindhu Nath Pyakurel, accompanying photo. How to his list: the Royal Nepali there is a lot of pure the poster by artist Subhas the Upadhya Bahuns? If speaking. These myths are brother to Confucius in China parties is essential to effect Rajendra Khetan, Shambu can a person make joke about Army which does not have any nonsense, which is the best Rai depicts a very hill-ethnic Chetris and Upadhya Bahuns circulated by the dominant and other parts of South-East PEACE NOW this process. Likewise, civil Shrestha, Dev Prakash his own mother like that? It is senior officers of tarai origin. part. Just read between the Shiva, and sitting by his side look Nepali, then you can find group to perpetuate its Asia (all results of a cultural The peace process has been society needs to manage Tripathi correct that a mother’s name Also, very few tarai people can lines, and you see he also on a chautari pedestal is a millions of such “Nepali- hegemony over the institutions imagining of the deity of welcomed by all as the most conflict and work on national seldom comes in official be found in the foreign service. reflects the pathetic situation Chhetri-looking Parbati looking” people in every high of the nation-state. To equate reverence), as Hindu gods positive initiative to restore reconciliation. It is very DIGITAL DIVIDE documents but how can a Mr Lal should discuss these in the country. His columns (tilahari, chaubandi-cholo, caste (Rajput-Brahman- nationhood with phenotype is and goddesses look different security and development important for all sides to be If we want to stop the person forget his mother’s gaps in future columns. make me want to laugh and rhododendron in hand).” Bhumihar) village in North the most dangerous myth of in the temples of Angkor Wat ("Peace now, talks later", present strongly and actively widening digital divide in name? Things would have M Mangal, email weep at the same time. Your blurb for the poster India from Uttar Pradesh to racial stereotyping that is in Cambodia from how they #134). This process should with honesty to take Nepali society (“Nepal’s been different if he could not Gaurav KC, Battisputali (“Shivaratri”, #134) has made Bihar and Bengal. But if Rai- mostly propagated by the look in many parts of India, it be allowed to move ahead in a responsibility so that the digital divide”, #133), the first remember his mother’s KUNDA DIXIT me realise that we have a long Limbu-phenotype is “Nepali- ruling class ideology. And it is perfectly common that a positive direction. The nation peace process is not derailed. thing to do is to ensure that nwaran name. In some cases, You readers just don’t get it. I Is that a cigarette way to go and much to looking,” then what name has caused much suffering painter or a sculptor would cannot shoulder the burden of Civil society needs to do its quality education is provided the relationship between don’t understand how you hanging down Kunda Dixit's demystify about Nepali should we give to people in and bloodshed in many parts realise the image of Shiva- conflict any longer. The main homework to make the in schools: private as well as mother and son can sour. don’t understand Kunda Dixit’s lips? (Under My Hat, #134) nationalism. What is “Nepali North-Eastern Indian states— of the world. Parbati according to his or her priority of the Nepali people is upcoming dialogue success- public. Without quality There are so many topics Under My Hat columns Sure hope not. Nepali Times looking” anyway? If “hill- the Manipuris, the Khasis of It is true that dress codes, ethnic conceptual framework. peace, and all parties need to ful. This is a great opportunity education for all, the digital Sangraula could write about (Letters, “Not really funny”, sets examples, leads, urges ethnic” is indeed more like Meghalaya, and the Bodos of cuisine, cultural specifities are But such realisation has understand and respond to to re-establish peace, pros- divide will widen. that Manjushree could trans- #132). For me, Dixit’s mocking and advocates. Please don't “Nepali-looking,” then, pray tell Assam, etc who may “look” regional and local but these nothing to do with nationality this popular will. The role of perity, civil liberties and Bhumika Ghimire, late. Why does he chose to satire carry deep meaning and take smoking lightly. Not us, what is hill-ethnic in the Nepali (whatever that means) should never be identified with or nationhood—that is, Nepali the monarchy is a crucial and sustainable development on Kathmandu make fun about his mother? great entertainment value. If even in a satire column. first place? Are Rai-Limbu- but have nothing to do with the very political idea of the looks. Nepalis look different in important one to ensure trust the basis of a national con- Shame on him. you analyse them from a You'll really be sending the Tamang-Magar and other Nepal in dress, languages or entire nation. This is not only different or even the same part and goodwill. The political sensus. SANGRAULA’S MOTHER Sudhamshu KC, literary point of view, the wrong signals. such nationalities the same ancestry? blatantly false but quite of the political boundary called parties need to be proactive Khagendra Bhattarai, When I finished reading Chiba, Japan columns have figurative Rupa Joshi, Mumbai

Untitled-56 2-3 9/27/04, 12:17 PM 4 NATION 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 NATION 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 5 Dinesh Bhattarai of the Royal aid efforts with other donor DOMESTIC BRIEFS Nepali Embassy in Washington DC, countries. Our diplomatic

Donald Camp and Chitra Tiwari at personnel in Kathmandu have New CEOs the Heritage Foundation meeting taken the lead in intensive ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ “Differences between the palace, the government last week. dialogue with their counterparts Mohan Prasad Khanal (top), director of the Corporate and Marketing Division from India and the UK, and in of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) has been appointed acting regular consultations with other general manager of the national flag carrier. He replaces KB Poudel. Khanal missions. Indeed, it has been said brings with him 25 years of experience working in the state-owned airline that Nepal is one part of the that may come handy in its possible new avatar as a public limited company. and political parties threaten to undermine the world in which Indian, Chinese Meanwhile, Tek Bahadur Dangi (below) has been appointed new Chief and American interests are in Executive Officer of Nepal Tourism Board (NTB) and succeeds Pradeep Raj almost perfect consonance. Our Pandey. Dangi joined NTB when it was established in January 1999 as complementary policies will director for tourism and marketing promotion. NTB selected Dangi after an encourage a political settlement, intensive selection process. chance for dialogue that the ceasefire provides…” Meanwhile, Royal Nepal Airlines has introduced an on-board lottery assist in alleviating the root causes of the insurgency and help scheme to entice more Indian tourists to visit Nepal. Passengers on flights to and from India can win free flights and holidays in Nepal. On a recent flight dominated society into a budding Maoist statements defending the element of our strategy is Connected to this aid are steps bring peace to Nepal. The In a speech that is seen as a United States unambiguously from Bangalore, however, a Nepali passenger on seat 11-A was the lucky democracy, open to the world. Khmer Rouge give one indication crucial. The insurgency is fueled that encourage human rights winner. Indian tourists registered a 40 percent increase in February compared supports a political solution to significant statement of current US Unfortunately, as we all know, of the kind of instability and by grievances over corruption, improvements among the to last February, as Nepal’s tourism industry continues to rebound. the Maoist insurgency that has humanitarian catastrophe that vast inequalities in opportunity, security forces. We have the crisis in Nepal. government thinking on Nepal, US plagued Nepal for the past seven might follow a takeover. Such a access to government services, unfortunately seen an We believe that the recent Deputy Assistant Secretary of State years threatens to destroy so development could destabilise and poverty, and any real unacceptable number of abuses Maoist decision to talk, rather Choppers here than fight, is a tangible ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Donald Camp told a conference in much of this progress. the wider region, and Nepal solution must address these over the last year—on both Two Russian-built MI-17 transport helicopters bought by the British We welcome the could quite easily turn into a problems. In FY 2002 and 2003, sides. The US has successfully demonstration of our policy government for the Nepali government arrived in Kathmandu last weekend. Washington last week that “from a announcement of the ceasefire, failed state, a potential haven for we will provide Nepal with over pushed for the establishment of a success. A number of elements The British Embassy in Kathmandu said the government had agreed to restrict its use to logistical, which we hope will lead to the terrorists like that which we have $70 million in development human rights cell within the undoubtedly informed the medical and humanitarian purposes only. The assistance comes under the British government’s humanitarian standpoint alone, the peace that all Nepalis desperately transformed in Afghanistan. This assistance, a portion of which RNA, and all of our joint decision to suspend hostilities, Global Conflict Prevention Fund. The allocations to Nepal under the fund this financial year alone US does not wish to see (the want and need. possibility is made more acute by will support local development exercises undergo comprehensive but we believe that the were £ 6.5 million. The Maoist insurgents in Maoist statements expressing to create needed employment. human rights vetting before they international community’s Maoists) prevail”. He was speaking Nepal have ruthlessly shattered common cause with other South Engaging Nepalis at this level can take place. At the same time, support for the government— security throughout the Asian extremist groups sharing helps to inculcate democratic the training we provide to the including our own security Nepali Napster? at a 1½ hour meeting in Wasington ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ country—particularly in the similarly violent agendas. norms and ensure that our military and civil police includes assistance—played a key role. The web-savvy can download free Nepali music at gorkhali.com. Gorkhali Network Inc, a US-based DC on 28 February titled countryside. In their attempt to We are meeting this money is getting to the people a human rights component. We will continue to help Nepal initiative by young Nepalis, has launched a new Beta version of nepalisong.com, with the largest “Preventing a Communist overthrow the government and challenge with an integrated who need it most. Another Behind our development and defend itself, and will maintain collection of Nepali songs on the web. The website aims at promoting Nepali music, culture and replace it with an autocratic, strategy that involves a number portion of our development economic assistance programs our assistance programs to ensure literature. It has thousands of Nepali songs of different genres ranging from religious bhajans, Overthrow of Nepal” organised by single-party state, the insurgents of elements. On the assistance assistance will support the lies a diplomatic and political that the Maoists remain movies and folk to Adhunik and Nepali pop. For now copyright dos not seem to be a problem. the conservative think tank, have destroyed schools, tortured side, we are increasing our government’s efforts to reassert strategy designed to keep the convinced that violence is not and killed civilians, bombed development aid to Nepal, in an its authority in rural areas, Maoists and the government the answer. Whether or not this Poor clinic

Heritage Foundation. The panel also buildings, looted food from effort to alleviate the legitimate allowing NGOs to work more talking. Unfortunately, ceasefire holds, we will support ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ humanitarian aid projects, grievances that helped give rise effectively. differences between the palace, the government in its efforts to The second dispensary of Eco Himal-Society for Ecological Cooperation Alps-Himalaya opened on had Dinesh Bhattarai of the Royal devastated infrastructure and to the Maoist insurgency in the While the development aid the interim government and the retain control of the country and Tuesday at the premises of Shahid Gangalal National Heart Center at Bansbari in Kathmandu. Dr Nepali Embassy and Chitra Tiwari, forcibly conscripted children. An first place. At the same time, we is the greater part of our political parties threaten to protect the Nepali people. Gerda Rath, an Austrian physician who has worked as medical consultant for Eco Himal for six estimated 40 percent of rural have begun supplying the assistance program, it is our undermine the chance for The Maoist insurgency has years, will head the dispensary. It will provide free medicine to poor patients who need to be who recently interviewed Baburam government infrastructure has government with security aid security assistance that has dialogue that the ceasefire seriously exacerbated the referred there by their doctors. Bhattarai for the rightwing been destroyed. Last month’s intended to give the Royal Nepal received the most attention provides. The dangerous tremendous challenges Nepal ceasefire is a big step in the right Army the ability to contain the lately. The Royal Nepal Army is situation facing Nepal is no time already faces in strengthening its Enough!

Washington Times newspaper. In a direction, but we must remain on Maoist threat—including rifles, a dedicated, professional fighting to let such differences prevent a young democracy and developing ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ statement to media, the Maoists guard—after all, the Maoists basic equipment, and military force, but is sorely under- unified front. We are economically. The United States A peace march organised by the Nepal chapter of the Youth Initiative for Peace (YIP) wound its broke a similar ceasefire in training. This combined equipped and in need of specific encouraging all sides that faces a number of foreign policy way from Patan Darbar Square to Kathmandu Darbar Square on 2 March to protest the prospect of reacted strongly to Camp’s S concern with virtually eradicate malaria from November 2001. From a assistance strategy, along with training. In coordination with support multiparty democracy challenges around the world, and a US-led war against Iraq and to support the ceasefire between the government and the Maoist reference to the Khmer Rouge, events in Nepal the tarai, diversify agriculture, humanitarian standpoint alone, our political and diplomatic other donor countries, including and the constitutional monarchy Nepal is on this list. We keep forces. Two hundred students from local schools laid out oil lamps at Hanuman Dhoka at dusk, has increased over lower child mortality, and attract the US does not wish to see these efforts, is designed to help create India and the UK, we have to work together, for the good of our eyes on the situation daily, while Salil Subedi played the didgeridoo to chants for shanti and Shishir Yogi sang Nepali peace saying it was “motivated and ill- “U the past couple of investment in hydropower. insurgents prevail. a more secure environment in begun helping the RNA to meet the nation. and work constantly to ensure songs. intentioned”. Significantly, Camp years, and our assistance levels Nepal hosts one of the largest But the Maoists threaten US which Nepal can continue its its critical basic needs. The US We have other political that our policies pursue US have gone up accordingly. In Peace Corps contingents in the interests for other reasons as well. badly-needed socio-economic military assistance budget to instruments at our disposal as national interests and the Increase in infant mortality

twice draws attention to the fact January 1951, we became Nepal’s world, and former Nepal Peace The leadership has made clear development, as well as to stave Nepal is $14 million for FY well. So far, the US government interests of the Nepali people. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ first bilateral donor. Since then Corps Volunteers seem to turn that it seeks to replace the off a Maoist victory, convince 2002, aid that will help the has not included the insurgents In close coordination with There is not much to celebrate for Nepal’s health sector when it comes to child mortality. Safe that Washington is coordinating its we have contributed more than up in all branches of government constitutional monarchy with an the insurgents that they cannot government reestablish control on any of its terrorism India and Britain, we plan to Motherhood Network, a consortium of governmental and non-governmental organisations, said infant Nepal policy with New Delhi. $1 billion bilaterally and and many areas of business. We absolutist communist regime— win militarily and pave the way in the countryside and persuade designations, but we have made continue our efforts to help mortality rate has significantly increased recently. According to the network, 39 infants per 1000 birth die multilaterally to Nepal. Over the have watched Nepal evolve from one that would be overtly hostile for a political settlement. the Maoists to lay down their clear that we reserve the right to Nepal right itself, end the within 28 days of their birth, which is the third highest in the world. Nepal also has one of the highest decades we have helped to a closed, rigid, monarchy- to the United States. Recent The economic development weapons and work peacefully do so. In addition, we are violence, and return to the path rates for underweight babies. Out of 2.8 million infants born annually, 27 percent are underweight. toward a political solution. coordinating our political and of peace and democracy.” HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK In the March Himal The Shroud: An investigation into Indus-Ganga fog Even hawks are squirming Special feature on HIV in South Asia WTO: Western cash cow ‘Ordinary’ hat’s most terrifying about the coming attack on Iraq is not the fact that women’s lives ‘Denizens’ of northeast it’s happening at all. The ideological case for forcing Saddam Hussein India Historical South Asian Islam out of power is a strong one. Of all the evil leaders cavorting on the The Bush administration’s inner core W To subscribe: Call 543-333 or write to world stage, Saddam is one of the worst. It’s hard to find even a neutral thing to is incompetent and ill-suited to the [email protected] say about him. If you don’t believe me, ask a Kurd or an Iraqi who survives in exile. This is the man—don’t forget—who has invaded two of his neighbours and complexities of imperial diplomacy used poison gas against his own people. Iraq would be a better place without him. and global leadership. So would West Asia and the rest of the world. Anyone who doesn’t believe that is EASYEASYEASY TIMESTIMESTIMES It’s never been easier either blind or gets envelopes of oil money from the nearest Iraqi embassy. to subscribe to No, it’s not the fact of the war that’s making so many people uncomfortable the task takes. Nepali Times around the world. It’s the sheer political and diplomatic incompetence on display Ahmed Chhalbi, the likely leader of a post-Saddam Iraq, has written as Just dial this number and in Washington, almost since the day that the Bush II administration was sworn much in The Wall Street Journal. Then there’s the Turkish parliament’s vote leave your address. in. Thomas Friedman of the New York Times, who’s been among those most against allowing American troops to use Turkey’s military bases. And don’t loudly blowing war trumpets, has confessed that even he feels great unease at the forget those leaders who are supporting George W Bush, men like Tony solid opposition to war shown by America’s once-staunch friends like Germany, Blair, Jose Maria Aznar of Spain and Australia’s John Howard. All three have 543333 and by the people on the streets of the world last month. Friedman blames the never been so unpopular with their electorates, again not because of Bush White House, citing its immense disregard for the feelings of others outside opposition to war per se, but because the Spanish, British and Australian the United States, and points out that much of the support for America shown public despise and distrust President Bush and his nest of hawks. Again, it’s after 11 September has been squandered, or at very least, not taken advantage of. because the administration’s inner core—excepting perhaps Colin Powell—is Friedman—and I quote him here because he is no peacenik or visceral Friedman concludes that he still favours an attack on Iraq, but he worries deeply seen as incompetent and ill-suited to the complexities of imperial diplomacy opponent of war as a matter of principal—finds a dozen areas where the Bush about its aftermath and the damage done to international relations. and global leadership. administration has shown contempt for international feelings. Scrapping the Well, yes, perhaps. But there’s also a strong possibility that things could America can rid the world of Saddam Hussein, with a small amount of Kyoto accord, failing to fund energy conservation in the United States, spurning be much worse. Has anyone asked an American official how an all-out assault help from a few other countries. That’s not in question. But how much the International Court of Justice, riding roughshod over Russian objections to on a weak, economically devastated Iraq is going to play in the “war against damage will be done to international diplomatic currents, the already battered Donald Rumsfeld’s long-cherished dream of space-based missile defence, terror”? More excuses for al-Qaeda and its clones, I dare say. Has anyone image of Washington and the West, and the global economy? These are Friedman lists all of these. He also questions the financial acumen of a presidency checked the opinions of Iraqi opposition groups lately? They’re overjoyed questions that remain unanswered and that amounts to uncertainty that that both cuts taxes and hugely inflates military and security spending, driving a that America may be about to get rid of the hated Saddam Hussein, but should have been settled months before war was ever a serious option. We are once buoyant and prudently run economy into deficits for the foreseeable future. they don’t want American troops remaining on their soil for any longer than about to live in even more interesting times.

Untitled-56 4-5 9/27/04, 12:17 PM 6 NATION 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 ECONOMY 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 7 SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED The good baddies “The government has Waronomics Wars don’t revive economies, they ruin them. Gulf War II ood thing Nepali Times’ international security system and Americans at bay. sticks. enough to get an invitation to hijackers came from Osama’s no business taxing will be bad news for us. Nepalnews.com opinion poll you will discover how easily power Such complexes don’t grip The Kremlin’s pronouncements remain as official guests for a week. native Saudi Arabia, Washington’s G on US plans to attack Iraq seeks to match power. If the US Nepalis because we are fatalistically are laced with the injured pride of a The trio, for their part, invited the closest Arab ally, you can grasp hile vast sections of the US Beed offering: with a per capita per day would point out neither the UK nor turned out to be wrong, otherwise wants to tower over the world, it resigned to our frailty, you might former superpower. The remnants Americans to visit Nepal and to the depth of the distress. public are taking to the streets expenditure of $1,000, the daily costs Spain are enjoying a season of surplus. it would have strongly rocked my must contend with the combined argue. While that may be true, we of the once-formidable communist establish diplomatic relations. One Sher Bahadur Deuba’s critics the bereaved.” W in anti-war demonstrations for the deployed troops could be $200 Shouldering the responsibility of belief in Nepali pacifism. So, it challenge mounted by envious allies also understand that the US is a party know they will need US thing led to another. By 24 May made a monumental and protests, a few economists are million, amounting to a monthly bill reconstruction could be a heavy turns out that 71.5 percent of the and angry adversaries. China and good baddy for many of its critics. approval for an International 1949, ties were so cordial that The misjudgement in mocking his crunching numbers. The pundits are of $6 billion—four times the annual financial burden. International aid 963 respondents actually said the Russia have struck a “strategic When Slobodan Milosevic had to Monetary Fund bail out should the New York Times had this editorial largely-symbolic decision to open busy predicting the cost of a war with budget of the United Nations. Now agencies are strongly advocating against US is wrong in insisting on war partnership” against the sole be clobbered before Kosovo set off rouble happen to crash again. China pitch for Nepal’s application for Nepali airspace and facilities to Iraq. Their estimates range from $25 factor in the cost of equipment and war with various governments on a against Iraq despite UN weapons superpower. a continental conflagration, the would love to see the Yankees get United Nations membership: the American-led warriors on their billion to over $100 billion. To the other capital to watch the sum go level they are bound to listen. This is inspections (#134). France has christened the US a Europeans knew they could count out of the Pacific, but they can’t “The Nepalis have given a way to Afghanistan last year. Beed these disparate sums represent one through the roof. Concede that the cost about real money and governments concrete fact—wars cost money. And the We may need to consider what “hyperpuissance”. The European on the behemoth across the overlook their $100 billion trade- century of demonstration of their Secretary of State Colin Powell’s of the fighter planes or other pieces of who can label human deaths as economy is more likely to buckle than equipment that are not specifically collaterals of war tend to be less marks some of the more virulent Union has pledged to field its own Atlantic. North Korea can afford to surplus with the US, which in its sturdiness, independence and deliberations at Army HQ thrive under the financial strain. produced for this war should not be dismissive when it comes down to strains of anti-Americanism today. intervention force to keep the up the nuclear ante because of the own way limits China’s foreign valour. They want now to join with ostensibly paved the way for Experts who point to the last Gulf included and we still end up with a the dollar. Extrapolate human nature to the carrots it sees behind the American policy options. war as an example of the US ecomomy’s massive bill. Of course there is no The Beed realises all this With more and more Nepalis resilience forget one fact: that was then guarantee that the war will end quickly conjecture is solely from the perspective winning Diversity Visa lotteries, the Extrapolate human nature to the and this is now. Gulf War I came at a or decisively. of the US and its allies but the rumbles US allure continues to grow. The time when the economy was on the of war will ripple through the world succession of national tragedies, international security system and upswing. It cost the US led allies $25 and affect our frail economies. Travel Samrat Upadhyay’s prose and billion to $60 billion, most of advisories to South Asia will once more Subash Gurung’s exposure of you will discover how easily power which—some reports say 80 percent— get strict, leading to a decline in airport-security lapses have seeks to match power. the US government squeezed from its tourism. Foreign investment already at evidently played a part in raising allies, reducing the net impact for that a low will not recover as regional risks the Nepali profile. (The war on the home economy. The for operations remains high. The price Washington Post ran an 800- the rest of the world in developing President George Bush’s White remainder was absorbed easily enough of oil will become even more volatile, word story on the Maoist political institutions. We should be House meeting with Deuba. The by the $8 trillion GDP of the early 90s which will affect the ailing Nepal Oil national convention last July.) recreant, indeed, if we turn a deaf $20 million Bush had proposed boom. Corporation and that will send The process actually began ear to such an application.” may have been whittled down to The cost of a new war is definitely industry and commerce tumbling like during the second-last Rana prime That nearly one-third of $12 million, but the substance of going to be higher. To begin with there dominoes. It is time for our minister’s rule. In a decision that Nepalis in last week’s opinion poll the partnership retains its shine. is the preparatory cost before the war government to look ahead. We need to stunned many, Padma Sumshere seemed to favour Uncle Sam giving So, did the arrival of American actually takes place, followed by the The bad news for the US if they draw up contingency plans for the war instructed Babar Sumshere, Kiran Saddam another bloody nose military trainers activate the actual cost of war plus the not are unable to gather enough allies is in the gulf whether it concerns Sumshere and Ekraj Sumshere, who reflected a certain, shall we say, government-Maoist peace MIN BAJRACHARYA inconsiderable expenses of they face the rather unhappy prospect evacuating the Nepali labour force from led the Gurkha contingent in the breadth of our worldview. There is process? Behind their verbose reconstructing Iraq should the US of footing a large part of the bill on the Middle East or the procurement of BC Sharma is the CEO of the Nepal Life Insurance Company (NLIC) succeed in implementing the “regime crude oil. War is bad news for World War II victory parade in some realisation that the scale of prose, the Maoists are saying so. their own. This would be less than and a veteran in the insurance business. After working at the Life change” that President Bush is welcome with a $300 billion budget Nepal—even if that war is being fought London in 1946, to go on to the the devastation in downtown They are too smart, after all, to aiming for. for 2003. An already sluggish thousands of miles away over the US and sent a personal letter for Manhattan on 11 September 2001 miss the great technological leap Insurance Company of India for more than 30 years, he has returned to Nepal to start his private sector company. He spoke to Nepali With over 200,000 forces now at economy, slumping stock markets and oilfields of Iraq. President Harry S Truman. was enough for many Americans to the Pentagon’s fire-power has the ready to go to war for peace, the unemployment will not be The Rana cousins appear to pre-empt a Saddam-Bin Laden link. acquired since the Vietnam Times and said the number one challenge is to change the peoples’ costs are already sky-rocketing. As an jumpstarted by war. As far as dipping Readers can post their comments or have impressed the US government When you recall that 15 of the 19 quagmire. mindset about insurance. Excerpts: example of conjuring numbers here’s a into the coffers of allies ago, the Beed suggestions to [email protected]

How would you assess the present life insurance have a roof over their heads. If HMG desires, national market in Nepal? life insurance companies can develop products that Life insurance depends on two basic factors—the are within the reach of all sections of Nepali society. purchasing capacity of people and penetration of the insurers’ message. About 40 percent of the population What role does the Beema Samiti play in the IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF CHILDREN in Nepal lives below poverty and nearly 16 percent is market? above 60 years of age, making those segments The Beema Samiti (Insurance Board) and the technically uninsurable. That leaves us with 44 percent operators work together. Specifically, the consumer An open appeal for Children's Rights of the population. Of this, 17-18 percent are children education must come from them, increasing the market below 6-7 years of age. This narrows our demographic to for everyone. The insurers, on their part, must take We, the undersigned, welcome the recently announced ceasefire and its attendant measures: the people and leaders of Nepal are to be commended for taking the first steps on the road to peace, reconciliation and renewal. 20-25 percent of the population. The five life insurance advantage of consumer education. It is their companies cover only 1.5-1.7 percent of the total responsibility to create new products tailored to the At this critical time, we therefore call, on all duty bearers to remember their duty to one group that has, so far, had no voice: children. population in the country. needs of their consumers. To be honest, I have reservations about the We note that the conflict in Nepal has had, as elsewhere in the world, a profound impact on children direct and indirect, such as: That is a very narrow base, are you trying to government’s tax policies. If you treat life insurance as diversify the services you offer? a social security net, then you have no right to tax the ¨ The loss of education through disruption and destruction ¨ The wrenching effects of dislocation and separation from families We have an endowment policy that provides risk bereaved after the claim is settled. There are certain ¨ The trauma from witnessing acts of violence ¨ The ever present unease and fear that eats away at hope coverage for people between 15 and 50 years of age. types of expense that are not tax deductible from ¨ The pain of losing family and friends ¨ Injury and death Our second product is a money-back scheme called income. Secondly, all over the world life insurance “Dhana Barsha”. Two terms, one for 15 years and companies are taxed after the actuarial valuation and We strongly support the recent calls by civil society leaders as well as others including children in Nepal, for schools and children to become zones of peace. another for 20, are available but the policy age limit for we should follow set standards here in Nepal. We emphasize, that such an initiative, to be effective, must be under- girded by commonly accepted codes of conduct, such as: entry and exit are the same. We recently launched two types of polices for children that insures the father as Are you aware of Indian life insurers operating well. illegally in the tarai? ¨ No political activities in school ¨ No intimidation of students In fact, we have given this in writing to the Beema ¨ No disruption and closure of schools ¨ No recruitment of children in armed formations in support or any other roles How have you fared so far? Samiti and the Department of Inland Revenue. We Nepal Life Insurance Company is a new entrant. The estimate approximately Rs 3 billion may have been ¨ No harassment of teachers ¨ No bearing of weapons in/near schools promoters are renowned business people and our siphoned off from the tarai in the last five years. Most workforce is primarily local. We’ve done well from the people get duped with these policies. We are already We urge that children issues and rights be central to the peace process - not subsidiary. outset, especially after issuing company shares last focusing on these areas. About 60 percent of our August. The entire process for listing our shares on the policies are sold in the tarai. We the undersigned, representing national & international NGOs as well as special agencies of the UN, also pledge to play our parts to support the national vision for peace, reconciliation and renewal. Nepal Stock Exchange has been completed. Rastriya Beema Sansthan (RBS) is the market leader in life What challenges do you see for the insurance insurance, but among the three new entrants—ALICO, business in Nepal? LIC and NLIC—we are in the lead with a market share of The number one challenge is changing the mindset of 18-20 percent. To date, we have issued 16,500 policies the people. That can happen only through consumer and the premium collection is also on the higher side. education. The other thing that must be redressed is Our average per policy premium collection is Rs 6,000, agents taking licenses from many life insurers. This which is good in comparison to other SAARC countries. makes him less committed to any company, and the feeling of ownership is missing. How has the conflict impacted business? At the directive of the regulator, an investment I cannot speak for others, but it had no effect on us. We committee is constituted comprising all five life have received 13 death claims so far from which only insurers. We have to invest 75 percent of the surplus two appeared to be insurgency related. The rest were fund in government bonds or designated banks, 10 natural deaths. Of course, people in the worst Maoist percent in finance companies and 15 percent towards insurgency affected areas did not have access to life company development to maintain liquidity. Since insurance services. bank interest rates are dropping, we want to invest in All around the world life insurance acts as social long-term projects, say related to infrastructure security. If a certain individual is insured with us, the development. We have already conveyed this to the insured amount will go to the family. If the breadwinner government. I think the life insurance companies mortgages the house and dies, the insurance mortgage operating today can now pull in Rs 2 billion for long- policy can pay off the loan so the family continues to term investment.

Untitled-56 6-7 9/27/04, 12:18 PM 8 LEISURE 7- 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 9 restless who come in late afternoons for their blended vanilla mocha or double skinny tall fix. Java brews 100 percent arabica green beans and uses only fresh grounds of the day. It boils down to quality Knowing the importance of a good roast, Chikusa Coffee Shop in Most novices to the cult of coffee are confused by the Thamel takes pride in roasting the esoteric jargon surrounding it. Fundamental to ordering Wherever the aromatic beverage has tickled a nose, there is a frenzy for that organically grown beans from Palpa the right cuppa is being able to tell swill from superb, and perfect cup of steamy brew—now, right here in Kathmandu. themselves. “We serve real coffee what it boils down to is quality. brewed from Nepali beans, freshly There are at least 24 varieties of coffee, but the two names to remember are arabica and robusta. About two- ground,” says Bishnu from behind the thirds of the world's coffee market is dominated by bar. The Japanese owned coffee shop Coffea arabica, shrubs that thrive at a higher elevation in is clean and cozy. It is popular with a cooler and drier climate to produce a superior quality Japanese tourists, who much to their bean, more flavorful and complex than the robusta delight, find a small yet authentic trees. Coffea canephora or the hardier robusta trees produce more fruits than arabica and have twice the Japanese menu which includes maki- caffeine buzz. Robusta makes a bitter brew with a musty zushi, onigiri and Japanese green teas. flavour and is often used for instant coffee as well as in Fresh milk, from which homemade supermarket-grade blends. Arabica is favoured by the yoghurt is prepared right at the café, gourmet coffee drinker and any café worth their beans comes all the way from Bhaktapur. will swear to using nothing else. Nepal grows both robusta and arabica. The former For those who put a premium on thrives in the tarai but most coffee plantations stick to homemade, Kunal Lama’s jewel of a Where it's at...Java Fresh drip high altitude arabica beans that command a better price place, Café Mitra in Thamel offers a on the international market. parade of delicious desserts to accompany a snappy shot of espresso. knowledge of the brew has grown,” he What makes Jivin’ Joes in Nepali Times is now Indulge your sweet tooth and up the says. Kupondole stand out is it’s firm no available on PEPC sugar rush with a caffeine high within Alan Rudderham’s Lazimpat smoking policy—not even if you lean Worldwide vending the warm coral walls surrounded by Gallery Café doubles as an art out of the third floor window to blow machines at major airports and hotel stunning works of art on display after gallery where patrons encounter fine smoke. “A coffee house can be a chains. Receive 40 exhibitions at the Siddhartha Art art and the fine art of coffee together. unique location for the young where pages of the latest Gallery. With it’s tiny outdoor seating area they can study and get together, that editions of Nepali Times and blackboard menu, the place has is not in a smoky bar with a drink in and selected material At Via Via in Paknajol, a Belgian from based international chain, Phillip all the charm of a street side café. As a hand,” says Rajan Shahi. On Friday Himal South Asian Henderickx takes his coffee seriously. man with his finger in many pies, Alan nights live music brings in the punters and Chikusa's coffee jars all in a row ALL PICS: MIN BAJRACHARYA found he could combine varied who lounge around with coffee Himal Khabarpatrika For a superb South American blend, Espresso . Caffe Latte he uses a percolator designed to interests like education and brewed from Nepali beans. “Growing in Cappuccino . Mochaccino high-quality laser print. Man and his machine: Caroline release a full-bodied flavour using promoting art through his gallery café. coffee is expensive because it takes at Price: US$ 2.50, all major Phillip Henderickx at Sengupta steam. Via Via’s delightful espresso And with laughing irreverence Alan least five years before the first harvest Irish Coffee & more ... credit cards accepted. Via Via. outside Chez drinks are slowly gathering a following quips, “‘Art is anything that makes and roasting is an expensive process Caroline. among the art-loving coffee drinkers. the place interesting!” for most Nepalis. With our own The café operates as a platform for If the French Bohemians trademark we can promote export Nick Aggs of Afro Dizzi Act at Jazzmandu 2002. Nepali artists to showcase their talent invented café culture then the quality Nepali coffee.” Available worldwide in hard copy and, because the café is part of a Italians perfected it. At the So, in a strange turn of events an chain, the artists receive international Espresso Bar at La Dolce Vita in imported coffee culture will probably exposure for their work, which Thamel, life is sweet indeed with one day result in the export of Nepali travels around the globe. a trained barista who turns out coffee abroad, to sit beside beans Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal Espresso Through Himalatte superb lattes, espressos, from Colombia, Vietnam and Tel 260187, 265497 [email protected] desires at Specialty Coffee and Cuisine’s cappuccinos and mochachinos Kenya. Himalatte. window to the world, one can made from fine Italian arabica

spend time musing over the hustle beans to accompany perhaps the ○○○○○

SRADDHA○○○○○○○○○○○ BASNYAT quiet corner of Baber Mahal and bustle of Thamel. Rest assured best tiramisu in town. After 14 housands of miles east of Revisited feels almost the American menu is not years in the business, Chandan the Seine, the romance of Mediterranean. It is exactly this accompanied by infamous American Kayestha’s restaurant has a Tcafé culture is seducing ambience that French-born Caroline “coffee”—reheated instant grey patronage that has increased by Nepalis who have caught on to a Sengupta strove to create. “People slush on a platewarmer. A big coffee word-of-mouth among tourists and global trend—the joy of a perfect come, read, have a coffee, a cake and machine, imported with special discerning locals. cup of coffee, sipped in the people meet,” she says, “For me you care from Canada, churns out a An Italian aria is the perfect company of friends or in solitude cannot have a French place without whizz of various coffee drinks. aural backdrop to the delicious with a book as a prop over which good coffee.” For a hot beverage with a cyber scent of pizza and aromatic coffee to watch the world whirl by. The Good coffee is central to café twist, Nanglo’s Cyber Kitchen in that perfumes Fire and Ice in Americans call it “down time” and culture but it’s not enough. Gagan Jawalakhel will serve a range of Thamel. In the past eight years, in truth, the social coffee drinker Pradhan, the owner of the Valley’s coffees. Pranavesh, the resident Italian-born Anna Marie Forgione- today belongs to a lifestyle common most popular caffeine joint computer whiz, has set up a program Wiseman has seen her Nepali to millions of people around the Himalayan Java, adds two c’s to to order food and drinks from each clientele for coffee grow. She points world. Central to this tableau is a complete the trinity of what defines a computer station. Though Shyam proudly at a La Cimbali machine little bean that has sent the world true coffeehouse: conversation and Kakshapati’s brew of choice is a that turns out delicious espresso- spinning ever since the Ethiopian community. “And it is happening regular old drip, the CEO of Nanglo based drinks from a South goatherd Kaldi caught his flock here,” acknowledges Gagan. “Folks International intends to add some American blend imported from frolicking among the coffee trees. come in for a cup of coffee, meet pizzazz to Palpa grown beans with Thailand. Filtered Nepali coffee is Nursing a warm cup of french- people, converse and then form a different flavours to meet consumer available but Anna Marie laments press Nepali coffee in the dappled community.” Java has a devout demands. “Before we only knew the pick of the crop rarely sees the sunshine of Chez Caroline in a clientele, mostly the young and instant coffee but now the public’s domestic market. Cralsberg

Untitled-56 8-9 9/27/04, 12:18 PM 10 WORLD 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 11

Love thy neighbour With a pinch of salt

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ OTTAWA - When the chief spokesperson for Canada’s prime NEW DELHI - An international campaign to get the Indian minister called US President George W Bush a “moron” in government to re-introduce a ban on non-iodised salt is going November, polls showed that about one-half of people here nowhere, thanks mainly to stiff opposition from groups that say agreed with her. the compulsory iodisation of salt benefits large-scale Cricket is war by other means manufacturers of packaged salt and can actually be harmful for “I hate those bastards,” added Carolyn Parrish, an MP in Prime Minister Jean Chretien’s Liberal Party critical of US plans some people. to attack Iraq. Have Canadians become anti-American? RANJIT DEVRAJ in Vajpayee symbolically crossed the banned its team from playing in India has seen a see-saw battle between the pro and anti-

The anger, say experts, is based on politics. Relations NEW DELHI Eyeball-to-eyeball, Indians and Pakistanis saw the iodisation lobbies since the early 1950s. The pro-iodisation ○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ border in a bus to sign the Lahore Pakistan. lobby won a major concession in January 1998 when the between the governments of the two countries have o sporting event can better cricket pitch in South Africa as the Line of Control. Declaration with then Prime The promoters hype up the fluctuated in the past 50 years, reaching a low point during central government banned the sale of common salt altogether the Vietnam War when US President Nixon was caught on prove the Orwellian thesis Minister Nawaz Sharif pledging rivalry. Some years ago, the sports and instead made it compulsory for all groceries to stock only tape calling Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau “that N that games between to “intensify efforts to resolve all channel Star-ESPN billed a iodised salt. asshole”. Economics could be fuelling some Canadian anger. national teams are a “continuation issues, including the issue of planned match in Australia Two years later, the anti-iodisation lobby struck back, Washington recently refused to lift a punishing tariff on of war by other means” than a Jammu and Kashmir” and also to between the two countries as forcing the government to lift the ban and leave it to consumers Canadian lumber, imposed at the insistence of US companies, clash on the cricket pitch between “refrain from intervention and “qayamat”, which roughly to decide what they wanted to buy. Voluntary groups like the which has caused huge job losses in rural and northern parts eternal rivals India and Pakistan. interference in each other’s translates from Urdu and Hindi Narmada Action Group oppose iodisation saying it takes away of Canada. “We did what we could not internal affairs”. as “apocalypse”. the livelihoods of thousands of poor people who depend on making salt from sea water and selling it. Author and former journalist Lawrence Martin believes the do on the battlefield,” Suhel Seth, The ink had hardly dried on At home, Vajpayee’s BJP has tension is a result of a clash between US neo-conservatism Reaction to lifting the ban came not only from the Indian and Canadian liberalism. Martin says Canada’s Liberal advertising whiz and the document when the Pakistani had to take notice of the medical establishment, but also from such groups as the government is under pressure to follow Washington’s policies commentator on public affairs, army, displeased with the deal, sentiments of its fanatic Geneva-based International Council of Nurses, the Hague- “because (a) they’re our ‘best friends’ and (b) they’re going to said, summing up the public opened up armed hostilities on supporters such as the Shiv Sena based International Pharmaceutical Federation, and the World retaliate against Canadian trade”. (IPS) mood in India following the border at Kargil, leading to an in Maharashtra state, where it has Medical Association headquartered in France. (IPS) Saturday’s sizzling Cricket World undeclared but full-scale war taken to ripping up cricket

Tug of war Cup encounter at Centurion that stopped only on the pitches to stop Pakistani teams Exotic pets ○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Park, South Africa, in which intervention of then US President from playing. Saturday’s win was BERLIN - The plan for peaceful disarmament of Iraq, submitted India convincingly outplayed sister city to the capital Islamabad, demobilised, and the warships military ritual complete with Bill Clinton. described by young New Delhi for the two countries to release religious sub-texts that spectators TOKYO - New domestic regulations by France, Germany and Russia to the UN Security Council Pakistan. demanded that the team and fighters returned to mock ferocity and anger. By October 1999, Sharif was “pent-up feelings on the cricket in each country worry more about Monday, is in tune with 80 percent of German citizens’ cricket fan Malini Dutt as “sweet may finally convince opposition to a second Gulf war. From Islamabad, Pakistan’s members be instantly hanged on peacetime locations late last year. Selected for their height, men ousted in a military coup led by revenge” for a Pakistani win over field rather than on the battle not losing to the “enemy” country consumers of the After consultations with German Chancellor Gerhard disappointment was reflected in return. Spectator passions ran At the Husseiniwala border from either side snort, stamp their Gen Pervez Musharraf. Relations India in the June 2000 Asia Cup field’’. Although people like than winning the tournaments urgent need to curb Schroeder, French President Jacques Chirac announced that the lament by college student high partly because the nuclear- post, several people were reported boots and glare at each other with India deteriorated so much tournament in Bangladesh. Khan would like to see politics themselves. their appetite for exotic the plan aimed at a step-by-step by disarmament of Iraq over Zehra Ali: “We always hate losing armed neighbours spent most of injured on both sides on Saturday menacingly with hands on their so that the two countries refused That was the last occasion stay away from cricket, both Pakistan was created in 1947 and endangered animal at least the next five months. to India, but this time the media last year with their troops, as Pakistanis and Indians who hips, before finally flinging open to meet each other even on the when the two teams actually countries have for decades used as a homeland for the sub- species. Japan Reports said China had also expressed support for the made it seem like we were totalling a million men and their had come to watch the retreat the gates or slamming them shut cricket field, much to the got to meet each other in withdrawal of permission for continent’s Muslims by departing continues to be one of proposal. The move runs counter to a proposal, also definately going to win and deadly toys, in an “eyeball-to- ceremony by border troops with as much violence as they can the biggest markets for disappointment of promoters between diplomatic impasses tours to score political points British colonials who, often illegally trafficked forwarded to the UN Security Council by the United States, this has caused much of the eyeball” confrontation on their resorted to pelting each other muster—symbolising the hostility Britain and Spain seeking approval for military action against who see dollars in the rivalry. and open warfare. often on the specious grounds accused of exacerbating religious wildlife: one estimate Iraq. heart burning.” common border. Subsequently, with stones. that spills into the sports arena Crowd-pulling test matches According to cricket icon- of security for their teams. strife through a divide-and-rule places the lucrative Schroeder agreed with Chirac that all means of peaceful Saturday’s encounter, closely they were persuaded to stand The daily retreat ceremonies and everywhere else. between the two countries, turned-politician Imran Khan, Khan called the tit-for-tat policy, also left behind the cricket Japanese pet that includes iguanas, fish and rare spiders disarmament had not been exhausted. While they reinforced watched in India and Pakistan, down by top-level shuttle by Pakistani Rangers and India’s Last month, the border guards revived after a 10-year gap as a who led Pakistan to World Cup refusal by governments to play legacy. market, at around $58 billion. But after years of uncontrolled their opposition to a US-led war on Iraq, observers said they was the first meeting of the South diplomacy led by US Secretary of para-military Border Security watched as the top envoys of each gesture conducive to the success victory in 1992, the game itself cricket “childish’’ and said the Ramesh Malhotra, whose purchase of endangered animals and products derived from must have been conscious that time was rapidly running out. Asian rivals in nearly three years. State Colin Powell. Force (BSF) at border posts, country drove overland back of Vajpayee’s Lahore initiative, has suffered because of the years game could be used to mend parents fled what became them, the threat now comes from within. The chances of resolving the crisis peacefully appeared After Pakistan’s loss, there were Considering the violent particularly at the Atari-Wagah home after being expelled—the were again withdrawn. In that have gone by without the two bilateral ties rather than add to Pakistan during the traumatic Recent reports of outbreaks of foreign diseases and environmental destruction linked to imported fauna have led the meagre. Germany fears a war will lead to instability in the dark allegations that the Pakistan incidents involving ordinary crossing, regularly draw hundreds two countries have banned 2001, India banned matches sides getting to play each other. the tension between them. But 1947 partition argues: “Who whole of the Islamic world, and that a pre-emptive strike by Health, Welfare and Labour Ministry to draw up new the Americans, far from creating the conditions for a lasting cricket team had been paid civilians that erupted on the of spectators who cheer their overflights by each other’s civilian with Pakistan, wrecking Khan, in India over the any game between Pakistan and cares about winning the World regulations to restrict imports of species linked to certain peace, could fuel hatred of the western world in the region, money by bookies to lose the border soon after the results of respective sides on as they go aircraft. commercial prospects at such weekend, told a television India, including hockey at Cup? What is important is that diseases. These could include raising fines, requiring and lead to stepped up terrorist acts. (IPS) match to India. the cricket match became known, through an exaggerated and In February 1999, Indian “neutral” venues as Singapore, interviewer from Star News which both once excelled, is so India has maintained its record ownership to be registered, longer quarantine periods, and Protesters in Rawalpindi city, it is just as well that the troops elaborately choreographed Prime Minister Atal Bihari Sharjah and Toronto. It has also channel that it would be better riddled with historical and of always thrashing Pakistan in a closer monitoring of pet shops, and are scheduled to come into World Cup meet.’’ (IPS) effect by end-2004. A list compiled by the Ecological Society of Japan contains more than a hundred species of foreign fauna and flora that are already affecting Japan’s environment. For activists in Japan who have struggled for years to prod the government into a position of more responsibility about its role on wildlife imports, the measures may be too little, and hopefully not too late. (IPS)

Balisays. Some half-wilted flower reboundsofferings for the dead area. “Some have 20 percent, some have no guests.”

$7.6 million solar project for India ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

lie against the fence. Efforts are underway, from neighbouring Asian ○○○○○ “The tragedy”, one Balinese calls it. “The bomb,” countries like Singapore and Australia, to jumpstart The Bali bombers are A new project announced this week between the United says another. “That incident,” others say. But tourism. Since October, Bali has been visited by going on trial and the Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and two of India’s whatever they call it, the October attacks remain several South-east Asian leaders in solidarity with largest banking groups will help 18,000 southern Indian very much with Bali, a majority-Hindu island of 3.4 Indonesia, and has hosted a range of international island is still recovering. households finance clean and reliable electricity from solar million people off the eastern end of Java island in meetings and seminars. power. this predominantly Muslim country. Until the blasts, Tourist arrivals dropped by at least 60 percent— helped preserve a large part of the local culture in In the southern Indian state of Karnataka, Syndicate Bank Bali had considered itself free from the violence that some say 90 percent—after the blasts, but the face of mass tourism. and Canara Bank have begun offering new loans in which has hit other parts of Indonesia in the post-Suharto Indonesian officials said arrivals have started to pick The damage to tourism in the wake of the UNEP is “buying down” the financing cost of photovoltaic solar era. up early this year. “Maybe Asian tourists are braver October attacks has raised questions about over- home systems. In effect, Indian households will be able to Tourism is the most obvious casualty, with than westerners,” remarked a vendor at the Ubud dependence on one industry and worries about the purchase systems at an interest rate 5 percent—compared to serious economic implications for an island that is market. “The owners of these places (bars and future. “Maybe we have too much of this, but right the normal consumer lending rates of 11-12 percent. The UNEP heavily dependent on tourism and gets 1 million cafes) do not know what they have to do to bring now I don’t know what we are to do,” comments a programme is made possible with support from the United visitors a year. Bali accounts for 40 percent of back the trust of tourists,” a local journalist, Amul local resident, who did not want to be named. Nations Foundation (UNF) and Shell Foundation. Indonesia’s more than 5 billion US dollar earnings Huzmi, wrote in the Bali Today. Many Balinese have reacted not so much with “This initiative helps to meet both environmental and from tourism a year. Now the streets of Kuta, a Asked if Bali’s tourism can go back to what it anger at the bombers, which authorities put at 15 development objectives by overcoming a major barrier to crowded hub of beaches, hotels and bars, are was before, taxi driver Nyoman Sudarman says, “It and say belong to radical Islamic groups from Java. increasing the use of renewable energy’s access to finance,” quieter, almost like a sleepy Sunday morning. Tourists will take time.” But even time is going by fast, says But Ballinger says, “We looked inside and asked if says UNEP Executive Director Klaus Toepfer. (UNEP) from Europe and Asia do come to towns like Sanur Rucina Ballinger, a US-born dancer who now gives we have too much tourism, and drugs and and Ubud—Indonesian statistics say that in January, educational tours in Bali and has lived here for two prostitution.” the largest group of tourists was Japanese, followed decades. “There is a social bomb about to happen (if Perhaps part of their reaction to the wound by Taiwanese and then Singaporeans, and things do not improve economically),” says Ballinger, caused by the October attacks has been to draw a in BALI

JOHANNA○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ SON Australians who brave the travel warnings. who is married to a Balinese and has taken clearer line between local Balinese and non- early five months after the Bali bombing, the But it is just not the same, sigh vendors of Indonesian citizenship. Balinese, especially those from the main island of site of the blasts is curiously clean, areas of handicrafts, wood carvings, native ‘batik’ textiles and Many are giving the economy a three-to-six- Java. For instance, asked if there is prostitution, a Nemptiness in stark contrast to the maze of other items. “It’s been two weeks and I have not month space to recover after the blasts, and it is sales clerk said, “Yes, but the prostitutes are mostly stores, cafes and hotels that have long marked been able to sell anything,” says Christine, who has nearing the end of this period. Because Bali depends from Java.” Indonesia’s idyllic—and now wounded—haven for had to take a pay cut in the last few months. “My heavily on tourism, there is not much by way of an As Bali authorities prepare for the trial of the tourists. boss, he is angry at me because I have no sales.” alternative to this trade. There is a bit of exports of suspects in the bombings, a report last week from Green sheets of galvanised iron fence off what And when the vendors at Ubud central market do furniture and wood products and textiles, but The Jakarta Post newspaper said: “There has been was once the Sari Club, which was packed with make sales, these days they seem to take more otherwise other people are in semi-subsistence tension in predominantly Hindu Bali toward the mostly Australian tourists when the bombs went off seriously the traditional ritual they make for better agriculture. suspects and their lawyers, as most blame the on 12 October in Kuta district and killed 202 people business—they tap the bills they receive on their Tourism also supports many small businesses, bombing, which has crippled the economy, on from 20 countries. The area across the Sari Club, goods for a longer time than they used to. “For good down to the production of flower garlands that adorn Javanese Muslims.” once Paddy’s Bar, is empty too, save for young luck,” they explain, “for good luck.” hotels to the taxi drivers who drive visitors around. Bali officials are keeping an eye on the banana trees, planted, locals say, to ease the victims’ Hotels like the Bali Hyatt in Sanur have had to lay Hotel and guesthouse employees rely more on the suspicious entry of non-Balinese for fear of groups entry into the next life. off more than 100 staff, about a quarter of its tips they get instead of their salaries. Ballinger says disrupting the trial, expected to start this month. A few tourists stop by the site, peering at the employees. Some wings of the hotel have been these contribute to the income they use for their Some 3,000 police officers, supported by the military messages scribbled on a white cloth put up on the closed. “Thirty percent occupancy is a very, very families, or to carry out rituals that are so much a and traditional Balinese security guards, are green fence. “Indonesians love peace,” one of them good rate at this time,” says a hotel manager in the part of daily life in Balinese Hinduism—and have expected to provide security during the trial. (IPS)

Untitled-56 10-11 9/27/04, 12:18 PM 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 HISTORY AND CULTURE 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 13 Swiss interlude Back at Sundarijal >29 Shyam Shrestha in Mulyankan, Great grief finds no solace in tears February-March 2003 “Waiting and waiting and nothing happens...” Mohan Mainali in Kantipur, 3 March In the beautiful Swiss village of Montezilon on the border with It is a four-hour walk to Majhimtar Bazar for 60-year old Gun 14 March 1977 BP Koirala is getting more and more worried that France, 20 Nepali participants Bahadur Praja and Shankha Bahadur Gurung. They came to collect a Sundarijal took part in an important donation—Rs 3,200 to each family that had lost a member a year ago he is losing his mind. He is taking tranquilisers, seminar. Swiss Development at Kalikot airport when security forces killed labourers thinking they Didn’t have good sleep at night, emotionally disturbed. Since and wonders whether he and Ganesh Man Singh Cooperation (SDC) had brought were Maoists. The money came from Nepalis living in the US and we the morning I am again gripped by anxiety. The wave of together a group of Nepali anxiety lasted the whole day. Everything is seemingly all were there to distribute it. right—my health is normally good, the political situation has made the right decision about returning to Nepal to political and human rights The two elderly men were among the first to gather at Majhimtar activists, intellectuals, at least not worsened and we don’t find any fault in our be incarcerated. Ganesh Man assures him it was on the morning of 23 February. The crowd grew with parents who analysis or any cause for regret for the decision to return to businessmen, professionals as DHURBA BASNET had lost their sons, fatherless children and widows. They came Nepal, and I don’t see why family affairs can’t continue to be the right decision under the circumstances. The well as two leaders of the CPN dressed in their best but some, like Gun Bahadur, wore threadbare as they used to be before. Everything appears to be normal, (Maoist) who did not want to be except the state of my mind. This is inexplicable. If this state fact that they are kept in isolation, Ganesh Man clothes. Man Kumar BK and his brother Gyan Bahadur from remote Gyan Bahadur and Budhisara identified. Spokesman of the Thansigh were the last to arrive. “Why do tears fall on all our continues for long, I may even lose my mind. There is almost Biswokarma lost two sons in the Kalikot incident. Nepali Congress Arjun meetings? Today I would like to greet you with a smile,” Man Kumar a maniac seizure—of melancholic hypochondria—a thinks, is an indication that King Birendra hasn’t Narsingh KC, UML leader JN Khanal, Prem Suwal of NWPP, Sarita says, although his eyes are moist with unshed tears. suffocating dark despair. It has nothing to do with reality, made up his mind what to do with them. Giri of NSP, Bimalendra Nidhi of NC (Democratic), Krishna Khanal, It’s been a long time since any of them have genuinely smiled. these biscuits,” one of them says. nothing to do with reason or the situation, only a dark upsurge Devendra Raj Pandey, Prakash Sharan Mahat, Sindhu Nath Perhaps it was after learning that the Radio Nepal report of 17 The teashop didn’t have enough glasses for 26 people, so some from the innermost recesses of my psychology which suddenly envelopes my whole being. This is perhaps how the mind starts On the basis of this, GM feels the king hasn’t made up his mind one way emptiness didn’t last long. As long as it lasts I feel greatly relieved. I Pyakurel, Padma Jyoti, Shanta Thapaliya and myself were present. “terrorists” killed in Kalikot referred to their loved ones. All of them people waited while the others sipped the hot tea. Dhan Maya, Bhim The main presentations were on lessons that could be learned from Bahadur Thapa’s mother, says quietly, “I worked so hard ever since to fail. I wanted to do some mechanical work to keep me busy or the other about us. He therefore feels that we will continue to be washed some clothes and pressed them. I have discarded my woollen came to know the true circumstances 19 days later. and away from this desperate mood. I faired out a few pages of imprisoned in the present condition for some more time. clothes as the temperature is warm enough for cotton, started using conflict resolution in South Africa and Switzerland’s multiethnic, After the media made their story public, Nepalis and foreigners my son was a baby so that he would have enough to eat and now…” There are no tears, but the sorrow in her voice is my prepared statement to the court if and when I would be pajamas and kurta, which again reminds me of Varanasi and Sushila multicultural society. Some of the lessons from South Africa: sent gifts of cash and kind to the bereaved families. They don’t seem brought before it. But I soon got tired of it, and also I found and the others. The design for my kurta and pajama was made by to have come to term with their loss. Many of them were closed off heartwrenching. They say great grief finds no solace in tears. that the mechanical job of preparing a fair copy of the 15 March Sushila who thinks that this suits me the most along with Nepali clothes. If the main parties in the conflict don’t have the “irresistible urge” Everyone seems to instinctively understand why Dhan Maya does in their grief—only after repeatedly calling their names do they come statement was too tiring and psychologically unrewarding. It Sundarijal I have started using only one light quilt at night, which means from to sit for negotiations honestly, wait. Don’t begin talks in a hurry. not weep. forward to collect the money. only added to my sense of frustration and worthlessness. The Waiting, waiting and waiting and nothing happens. today I am celebrating the advent of the warm season. I took ½ a tablet It is a matter of urgency to develop mutual trust between the Many had not eaten since early morning so everyone was The death of a loved one is a tragedy for anyone but where mind doesn’t get serenity by doing mechanical work. Unless it of tranquiliser (Valium) to soothe my nerves. It is with most reluctance negotiators to resolve the conflict. Honouring commitments made offered tea and biscuits at a nearby teashop. The biscuits arrived bereavement to natural death will heal with time, unjust deaths sow is exercised, its restlessness is not calmed. And I am not in a fit that I took it. It did me some good […] I had taken ½ tablet the day during negotiations are important, and even minor violations can before the tea and some of them, hungry as they were, put the the seeds of further injustice and revenge. If the families of those state of mind to exercise it meaningfully. What a vicious cycle! 16-17 March before without much effect. That I am reduced to taking tranquilisers is result in a breach of trust. lost in Kalikot are not heard, their pain will one day erupt into anger. In order to conquer the present mental depression, the mind an indication of the state of my mind. I don’t understand what is biscuits into their pockets or gave it to their wives for safekeeping. has to be creatively exercised, and it can’t be so exercised [No entry] happening to me. I try to analyse, try to fight against the onset of A series of informal talks will have to take place in which both “The dead are gone, but the little ones at home will enjoy eating Their grief must be acknowledged, and their pain alleviated. sides learn of the real intentions, fears and minimum point of unless depression is removed, and depression can’t be depression but to no avail. Is it some psychological breakdown? Some flexibility of the other side. Long-term resolution is possible after removed unless the mind is creatively exercised. This is the 18 March awareness deep in the psychology that the decision has been wrong— army is nearly 125,000 while its most official buildings are support our families?” asks situation. decision to return. Even if the decision is wrong, why this speedy

the real intentions and misgivings of either side are identified and Status quo We got four days worth of newspapers today. The king has Sundarijal psychological breakdown? In politics of the nature that we pursue, such ○○○○○ addressed. ○○○○○○○○○○○ area is roughly equal to ours. Sri destroyed. Administrative Officer Bishnu Aryal, member of Porters cryptically replied to a question pertaining our return to Nepal. I had a good sleep last night and I got up as usual at 4 in a good mood. In decisions have to be taken. Again, in order to find out from GM if he The chances for results that are productive and acceptable to Deshanter, 2 March Lanka now has an army of in Bardiya, Bhim Prasad Tiwari, Development Nepal (PDN). The Put to him by Ramesh Pande (the question itself was in part in the morning immediately after I woke up, even before I sit up in bed, I see too has second thoughts about our decision, I ask him about it. He is all sides is higher if conflicting parties whose interests are at 150,000. The number of soldiers says that the government was last six weeks have been very the nature of condemnation of our previous activities: my face in the mirror. The face is generally flushed and lips are unusually calm and perfectly certain that ours was the only decision in the present risk are incorporated in the process of negotiations. The Excerpts of an interview with in Nepal is only around 50,000. planning to repair and maintain difficult because work is rare. As destructive, violent and anti-national and was suggestive of bright and red and the capillaries in the eyes are also red. I don’t know what circumstance. He also feels more emphatically that our present ownership of all the sides in the negotiation process is former chief of the Royal Nepal Given our geographical destroyed infrastructure. If the the main breadwinners for their the success of the Panchayat System and hence our frustration this is due to. I use a low pillow to ease the cervical pain as recommended by condition of isolation would be lifted soon after the king makes up his indispensable. Army, Satchit Shumsher JB Rana. conditions, Nepal needs to raise peace holds, Rajapur will return families, the porters say they leading to the direction we took, etc etc.) the question should doctors, and moreover I can’t be comfortable with a high pillow. I will have to mind about us. He feels our isolation is an indication that the king has Talks can succeed only when the concerned parties stand to the strength of its army to around to normalcy. Officials at the Mid- cannot afford to go home with be addressed to the people in general and the Panchas in send for a doctor to find out the condition of my heart. The authorities here not yet made up his mind. benefit. particular whose opinion finds reflection in the system. The are so reluctant to get doctors for us quickly that I don’t feel like asking them Can the ceasefire be turned 125,000. In that situation, Western regional office of Nepal empty pockets. king doesn’t want to answer to this question of a political nature for one. But I think I must speak to them about my condition and ask them to Always hold negotiations with authorised personnel, not with into lasting peace? problems like the Maoist Telecommunications Corporation Nuru Sherpa, a member of and hence refers the correspondent to the [….] of the get me a doctor. But in the morning I was psychologically all right—normal— 19-21 March the messenger. There must be give and take for insurgency can be prevented from (NTC) said that they have PDN, said the conflict had Panchas. which is what is not happening to me since my arrival here. But again this [No entries] the ceasefire to become lasting happening again. A nation’s already despatched a team to threatened their future. Pasang At the special request by the Nepali delegates, the peace. His Majesty’s Government security is as essential as survey the damage and install Tamang and Nima Lama said organisers agreed to hold a special session on Nepal in which and the Maoists can’t lead the education, health and services within a few weeks. porters are often mistreated along the Maoist representatives replied to the queries of participants BOOK REVIEW by MARK TURIN talks to a logical conclusion by development. trekking routes by locals who attending the seminar. They made three important statements:

themselves. Political parties, Armies on Everest refuse to even give them shelter.

○○○○○○ Who should control the ○○○○○○○○○○ The Trekking Association of If the parliamentary parties agree to step up to the Maoist social and human rights demand for holding elections for a constituent assembly, the organisations should all be taken army? Jana Astha, 5 March Nepal has fixed daily wages rebels will participate in the parliamentary process. on board. It is very sad to see It’s our good fortune the army between Rs 160-200 along with was not politicised and has His food and lodging, but the porters The Maoists are ready to accept the results of a constituent major political parties talking A joint team of the Royal Nepal Sixteen opinions on the state of the nation assembly. contradictorily regarding the Majesty as the supreme Army and the Indian Army will say there is no uniformity in what peace talks. commander. Otherwise, its fate make a bid on Mt Everest. The they get paid. In Solukhumbu Pointing out that the core Hindu institution in to Professor Tanka Bahadur Subba. For most As State of Nepal goes into its third reprint less If the king agrees to keep the army under parliament and fulfil the nation is actually the Crown, he posits that Indian Nepalis, he argues, Nepal is “politically his role as a constitutional king, the Maoists won’t have any would have been similar to that RNA will take care of managing porters are paid Rs 400 a day and than a year after its release, Mark Turin reviews How big an army does of the bureaucracy, police and the entire 30-member team, in the Annapurna area the going modern Nepali Hinduism is inherently as distant as Bhutan or Bangladesh”, and these reservations in providing an honourable place for the syncretic, and in many ways closer to folk citizens make every effort to search for an Nepal need? intelligence sectors. If the army which is being organised to mark rate is Rs 300 without food. The the book that has become essential reading for monarchy. religions such as shamanism and animism than identity within India. Subba's discerning had been politicised, the Maoists th sum is pitifully inadequate when a everyone interested and involved in Nepal.

The strength of Bangladesh’s the 50 anniversary of the first it is to north Indian Hinduism. analysis make this required reading for anyone ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

would be ruling the country single meal in some trekking areas ○○○○○○○○○○○ ascent on the highest peak of the Sanjay Upadhya contributes a lucid travelling to Darjeeling or Sikkim. QUOTE OF THE WEEK today. world. Nepali soldiers, who have costs up to Rs 250. “The rates overview of Nepali democracy after 1990. He Saubhagya Shah’s highly intellectual essay perspective. Arguing that Nepal’s encounter history of Indo-Nepal political agreements and undergone training at the fixed by TAAN are too low even to writes, King Birendra’s surprising popularity offers a critique of the burgeoning NGO sector with technology has been enacted largely disagreements. “India overwhelms the Nepali “The monarchy is not only the symbol of unity for Nepal, but also is the symbol of independence. What about putting the Mountain Warfare High Altitude sustain ourselves. How would they Monarchy has played a vital role in keeping Nepal’s independence.” after the 1990 People's Movement was in large in democratic Nepal. While somewhat over- through development, the “new dharma of our landscape as well as mindscape,” writes army under the control of Training Centre at Kerung in expect us to save for our families?” part thanks to the “distance he maintained from reliant on American academic terminology, times”, Gyawali describes the time lag in the Ramachandaran. the parliament? Mustang will be part of the asks Arjun Prasad Chatkuli, general -Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, former chairman of the Raj Parishad standing committee in the political process”. Upadhya says the Shah’s contribution is nevertheless insightful. It nation’s “embryonic encounter” with modern The high-brow English and frequent The king has kept the army in Nepali team. The RNA has secretary of PDN. Maoists’ outsider status guaranteed them the notes both government and non-governmental tools, machines and processes. references to Western academic literature mean Jana Astha, 5 March. order. If it is controlled by the organised similar joint The lack of insurance is early support they needed to get their sectors are competing for the same resources and Bhim Subba’s contribution on ‘Water, that State of Nepal is inherently more geared parliament, the army can’t serve expeditions with the US army in another pressing concern of the movement off the ground. NGOs have begun to resemble HMG in both Nepal and India’ is replete with hard facts towards informing expatriates about the nation the nation properly. There should the past. porters gathered in Kathmandu. Kanak Mani Dixit deals with Nepali form and content. about the energy and water needs of the two than it is its own citizens. As “donor be a unitary command and the They accused employers of often kingship. Dixit suggests that while Nepal is In her contribution on Nepali women, Siera nations he describes, and is unrelenting in its education”, the collection is second to none.

army must remain under the head Porters for peace trying to avoid paying their life “robust enough a structure” to carry on without Tamang takes issue with the effective denial of the critique of the present policy. Subba argues that Perhaps it will be made required reading for

○○○○○○ of the state. ○○○○○○○○○○ insurance. PDN says four of its one, the nation is nevertheless fortunate to have “heterogeneity of women’s lived experience” by India should ask Nepal to store water rather development wallahs before they descend upon Tara Aryal in Rajdhani, 6 March members have died this year Recipe: Take 16 of the most articulate and a king. Dixit offers “a constitutional king need development discourses. Tamang pulls no punches than generate hydropower, and that Nepal must Nepal and start dispensing their advice. But it alone. incisive Nepali minds, give each of them not be a passive king” because in trying times as she rightly challenges the ability of “upper-class become strong enough to put a “monetary value is as important to have Nepali government

Rajapur around 20 pages to tell their story, stir very the nation “requires a proactive institution”. Hindu women”, the usual “native informants” for on such stored water”. bureaucrats read this book. ○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○ High altitude porters made an Nepal Samacharpatra, appeal to both the government little and publish immediately. Deepak Thapa’s essay on the Maoist foreign projects, to accurately represent the reality of We have come a long way, argues State of Nepal aims high and also delivers. 4 March and the Maoist rebels to restore Result: An exquisite book. It rather leaves one insurgency is heavy on fact and cautious in its women’s lives in Nepal. Pratyoush Onta, from the days when print Some compilations suffer from superficiality, peace so they can earn a living. wondering why nobody tried it before. analysis. He focuses on the Maoist decision to Sujeev Shakya, a chartered accountant by media in Nepal amounted to Gorkhapatra and since they sacrifice depth for breadth. The State of Nepal (and explicitly not The State tap into janajati discontent by “taking advantage training, offers a useful overview of the Nepali The Rising Nepal. The growth in all forms of present volume succeeds not because of any Rajapur, the Maoist affected “We are not demanding much, island in the Karnali, which has of Nepal), is an important collection of essays, of the perceived correlation between ethnicity economy. He presents a clear narrative of the media since 1990s, he suggests, has been unity of voice, since many of the contributors we just want our right to work to some previously published, others lightly and poverty”, and Thapa goes on to show how cluttered policies of successive governments. We qualitative as well as quantitative but probably disagree with one another, but rather worn a deserted look as Maoists be restored,” they said at a reworked, but primarily new submissions this “gesture” amounts to little more than an learn that increased liberalisation meant local investigative reporting is still sorely lacking. because each article is well-written, carefully targetted families of security program called “Porters’ Voice which “try and explain contemporary Nepal to expedient and “tactically motivated insertion” businesses would “have to compete with Manjushree Thapa offers a discerning edited and clear in its objectives. Let’s hope that forces and stopped harvests, for Peace in Himalayan Kingdom the world, particularly its evolution over the by the leaders of the movement. international companies both in quality and introduction to Nepali literature. She writes of they’re planning a sequel to be released in five seems to be recovering after the of Nepal”. last dozen years of democracy” (Preface). CK Lal devotes his chapter to a topic close price” so they chose the quick fix of the “hostile” conditions in which local literature years: Return of the State of Nepal. ceasefire. Transport and Porters said they lost their It kicks off with Rajendra Pradhan’s to his heart: the relationship of the tarai to the “protectionism by influencing politicians”. is being produced: far less than half the total electricity disrupted by Maoist source of livelihood because of discussion of “ethnicity, caste and a plural body politic of Nepal. Lal suggests, in his Shanta Dixit’s chapter on Nepali population is functionally literate in the State of Nepal. Kanak Mani Dixit, Shastri attacks have resumed. After rebels the drop in tourism caused by the society”. One of Pradhan’s main points is that characteristically pithy manner, that Nepali education illustrates how “each and every national language. More problematic still, Ramachandaran (ed). Title: Tomorrow’s dream… destroyed the pontoon bridge last security situation. They say the Hindu caste provides the organising framework identity was “built around the Parbatiya ethos malaise that the country is saddled with today Thapa suggests, is that Nepali poets and writers Himal Books, 2002. Rs 490. Banner: Every Nepali a Maobadi, every Maobadi a Nepali year, 11 VDCs in Rajapur have number of trekkers has decreased for the Nepali polity, and he offers good of the Gorkhali conquerors”, which in part harks back to the poor quality of schooling”. are isolated from the rest of the world. Street sign: Prachanda Road been cut off from the rest of the by 28 percent compared to the historical and anthropological data to support helped to form the perception that the “people Dixit argues that the system needs a dramatic shake The final contribution in the volume, by (Mark Turin is preparing a grammar and Hoardings: Peoples’ War Boxing Association, Baburam Restaurant and Great-Leap-Forward Plaza nation. But now, thanks to the same season a year ago. “Without his argument. Pradhan has a knack for tidy and of the hills were rulers while those of tarai up and a realignment to reflect “child-centred co-editor Shastri Ramachandaran, is a little lexicon of the Thangmi language of new found sense of security, most security and peace, the tourists succinct description. origin belonged to the subject race”. education” and “community participation”. slow moving. He relays the presentation and Dolakha and Sindhupalchowk districts, and Nepal Samacharpatra, 2 March VDC secretaries have reported will not come. If they don’t Sudhindra Sharma offers an intellectually Nepal has “no policy regarding Nepali- Dipak Gyawali assesses the history of representation of Nepal and her citizens in is currently with the Department of Social back to their offices even though come, how can we earn enough to rigorous history of Hinduism in Nepal. speakers living outside the country”, according technology in Nepal from a geo-historical India, but the result is more of a 22-page Anthropology at University of Camridge.)

Untitled-56 12-13 9/27/04, 12:18 PM 14 CITY 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 NATION 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 15 BOOKWORM Wood added. touring his constituency. “There is a However, the government still need to provide immediate relief to lacks the institutional and political the affected people and engage them Foreign aid and politics in Nepal: A case study Eugene Bramer Mihaly mechanism to move faster, even for in income generating activities which Himal Books, 2002 the urgently required humanitarian could also help in the reconstruction Rs 460 Waiting relief. As thousands of people who of the destroyed infrastructure.” First published in 1965, this book has now become a recognised classic on the had left their villages over the last few UN agencies are said to be subject. The author discovered there was good reason to doubt the ‘revolution of months gradually return to their interested in coordinating the rising expectations’ and reached the startling conclusion that foreign aid had villages in western Nepal, a massive reconstruction and rehabilitation probably harmed, rather than furthered, Nepal’s long-term economic growth. humanitarian assistance package needs programs, but are waiting for an for the peace to be launched immediately. exact assessment of the damage, a ABOUT TOWN “People are still scared to go to concrete blueprint for aid and a FESTIVAL AND EXHIBITIONS villages and are worried that they projection for the required funding. Tibetan authentic paintings, furniture and ritual objects at Pathibhara Thangka Art Democracy, pluralism and change: An inquiry in the Nepalese context don’t have any means to support But time is running out, they say, Gallery, Thamel till 10 March. 256004 Sanjaya Serchan themselves,” said Prakash Jwala, and how fast the relief moves may Mapping of Modernity in Nepal 5-18 March at Nepal Art Council, Baber Mahal. Chhye Pahuppe, 2001 former UML MP from Salyan who also determine the direction of the [email protected] for details. Rs 200 dividend projects in insurgency-affected areas, returned to the capital this week after peace process. Cycling for Peace by Pushkar Shah at Lazimpat Gallery Café from 2-8 March. The author submits that no matter what type of political system prevails, there is as per the request of the Nepal Shufti Photographs by Tashi Ghale at Via Via Travelers Café, Thamel. a triangular interconnection between knowledge, power and interest. He applies government.” www.viaviacafe.com The United States and Britain Kathmandu Valley through the ages Paintings by Hari Prasad Sharma organised by this theory to Nepal’s socio-cultural milieu that is dominated by Bahun-Chhetri Hindu males who speak khas-Nepali and live in Kathmandu Valley. have been in the news for high- Eco Himal. 5-18 March at Yala Maya Kendra at Baggikhanna, Patan Dhoka. profile military support for the Explorations of the Magical Realm Etchings by Seema Sharma Shah 3-21 March, Royal Nepal Army. They, too, have Siddhartha Art Gallery. 411122 pledged increased funds for Images from Ground Zero Photographs by Joel Meyerowitz till 14 March. Central Library, The People’s War in Nepal: Left perspectives development. Speaking in Tribhuvan University. 415845 Arjun Karki, David Seddon (ed) Washington last week, Deputy Themes in Jewellery by Angela Dodson Soulier 8-18 March at Indigo Gallery. 413580 Adroit publishers, 2003 Assistant Secretary of State Donald Rs 960 Camp said that the US government EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS This book aims to provide readers with an introduction to the Maoist insurgency would provide over $70 million in Sundar Shanta Nepal: Shanti Sangeet Yatra 2059, 8 March Saturday 4 PM, Basantapur in Nepal through a unique collection of documents, statements and analyses by aid this year in addition to $14 Kathmandu concert. Rs 10 Entry. Organised by Himal million military assistance for fiscal the Maoist leadership as well as political analysts and activists from the left. year 2002. (See page 4-5). Association 542544, managed by event nepal~laya Contributors include Prachanda, Baburam Bhattarai, Govinda Neupane and 537799. Britain last week appointed Sir Jazzmandu 2003 jazz till 15 March. Tickets: Upstairs Jazz Sujita Shakya. Jeffery James as its special representative to Nepal to coordinate Bar. 410436 Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] House of Noise at The Atrium on 7 March with DJ Chris international efforts to restore peace. David, Hotel Yak & Yeti. 248999 James arrives in Kathmandu 16 March and will be visiting the mid-western Peace Ride 2003 by The Himalayan Enfielders Join in an CLASSIFIED districts to assess Nepal’s needs in a 800km ride over 4 days. Details: 428650/ 981050432 Visit Ground Zero Fine wines, designer ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ terrace, overlooking English garden with post-conflict scenario. candles, cards, gifts, stationery, wooden tall trees in quiet surrounding. Contact: The donor community had been MUSICMUSICMUSIC urging consolidated efforts from items, perfumes and more. Darbar Marg, 524389 Live music every Friday at 5PM. Movie every Saturday at 4.30 PM. Jivin’ Joe’s within the country to turn the Restaurant, Kupondole, 539909 opposite Hotel de l’Annapurna ceasefire into permanent peace, and The Steam Injuns with Abhaya on Friday, The Strings on Saturday at The Red Onion Bar, Visit Femilines, the Exclusive Lingerie open dialogue between the monarch Lazimpat. 416071 Training RTC IELTS courses are taught by Store for ladies undergarments, nightwear, and parliamentary parties. But the Live music by Catch 22, Friday nights at the 40,000 ½ ft Bar, Rum Doodle Restaurant, IELTS examiners using the very latest bathrobes and more. Ladies staff. BED RAJ POUDEL continued political mess isn’t Thamel. 414336 materials. Too good an opportunity to Opposite Sajha Yatayat, Harihar Bhawan, The Bhojpur tower (above), among nine airports attacked by the Maoists, helping matters. Donors are most Rusty Nails 7.30 PM on Friday at The Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel. 479488 miss. Enroll now! Tel: 429590 Pulchowk. Tel: 547428 and a bombed out VDC building in Rukum (top right). worried about the vacuum at the Friday Nites at Jatra with The Strings. Free entry. Thamel village and district levels after the Gaines every night at Kantipur Restaurant, Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort. 680083 To Let In Jawalakhel near Zoo Fully On Sale 120 yr old American coin. Contact from p1 many agree that restoring the dissolution of local elected bodies.

Furnished Apartment 3 bedrooms, 2 ○○○○ 9810217027 development process and launching They have urgently called for local FOODFOODFOOD bathrooms, spacious living, dining, “Of course, we will mobilise our an urgent rehabilitation drive will elections to be held so that local leaders Saturday Asian Brunch at The Café Sunday European Lunch at Rox Restaurant. Hyatt modern kitchen individual telephone, Advertisements in all Medias: 428575 own resources but that will not be help enforce the peace process and can guide the peace dividend. Regency Kathmandu. 491234 sufficient,” adds Sharma. “So, we are perhaps even make it irreversible. “We think that putting in place Great Value Lunches at the China Garden, just Rs 249 weekdays. Pizza Promotion at For insertions ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. working out the estimated shortfall India used to be a major donor a committee comprising all sides the Alfresco, 50 percent discount from 3-6PM. Soaltee Crowne Plaza. 273999 and will be requesting development to Nepal till the 80s, and its embassy having interests in reconstruction Café Mitra goes Chinese Wednesday night with guest chef Ranjana Yonzone from 5 partners to chip in.” in Kathmandu promises full support and rehabilitation at the district level March. 259015 Nepal’s donors have already for the government’s reconstruction would help,” David Wood, of the Those who missed Titanic the first time around started making their own assessment plans. “There are on-going Traditional favourites at The Sunrise Café for breakfast and lunch. 248999 British aid agency DfID told us, now have a chance to witness director James of how much help may be needed discussions between His Majesty’s Stupa View vegetarian restaurant and terrace 50 percent discount for all women on 8 TITANIC adding that there was an urgent Cameron’s spectacle. Although the romance and where. The United Nations with Government and the Indian March, International Women’s Day. Boudha. 480262 need, particularly in the mid-west between Jack Dawson (Leonardo Di Caprio) and aid agencies from Norway and government for taking up suitable and far-west, for food and for cash Kilroy’s at 1905 in Kantipath offers great breakfast, lunch and drinks deals in March. Rose DeWitt Bukater (Kate Winslet) dominates the Germany have been discussing plans projects,” Minister for Economic in the form of employment. “We are 225272 movie, Titanic is great in terms of action, effects to rehabilitate people displaced from Affaires at the Indian Embassy, Javed interested in providing support to Traditional Nepali Thali Lunch at Patan Museum Café 11AM-4PM. 526271 and visuals. It also provides an excellent their villages, and to immediately Osmani, told us. “Right now, we are programs which would do all of Saturday BBQ Lunch at Club Himalaya Nagarkot. Rs 500 per person. 680083/ 80 commentary on the issue of class struggle through revive their “Food For Work” discussing projects related to these things and do them quickly Sekuwa Saanjh Friday BBQ for Rs 555 pp plus tax. Dwarika’s Hotel. 479488 the poor-boy-rich-girl theme. The dialogue is witty programs. education, health and irrigation because the peace process can’t and brilliant. Cameron takes his time telling the story. Danish charge d’affaires Gert sectors and will also be assisting wait for things to happen now,” GETAWAYS He could’ve skimped on dialogue, cinematography, Meinecke has just returned from Shivapuri Heights Traditional cottage with modern facilities. www.escape2nepal.com effects or authenticity and still come out with a JAI NEPAL CINEMA Achham and Jumla after inspecting Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort Indoor heated swimming pool. Packages available. great movie, but he doesn’t. He sticks to the formula damage caused to the district 11:30AM, 3PM, 6:30PM 680080/83 that has worked in other great epic movies, and he headquarters in Maoist raids last pulls it off one hundred percent. Telephone booking: 442220 Ultimate Bungy at The Last Resort. 439525 Online booking www.jainepal.com year. Meinecke’s field trip comes Tea House Combo Rs 700 pp at Tea House Inn, Nagarkot. 410432 amid growing interest among the The Great Godavari Getaway Special weekend packages. Godavari Village Resort. Europeans to support the peace 560675 process and rehabilitation. Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge $55 pp per night. 01-361500 Multilateral agencies like the TGIF Friday night package at Dwarika’s Hotel includes Friday BBQ and breakfast. on FM 102.4 World Bank and the Asian 479488 Development Bank have also said Mon-Fri 0615-0645 BBC World Today they will support specific government projects for Sat 0615-0645 BBC Reporting Religion NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL reconstruction and rehabilitation. A VIS -06 -03-2003 03:00 GMT Sun 0615-0645 BBC Agenda meeting of Nepal Donor Group last This satellite picture taken early Thursday shows thick haze month immediately after the ceasefire cover in the Ganga-Bramhaputra-Indus plains, with the lower Daily 2045-2115 BBC g]kfnL ;]]]jf Himalaya etched as a dark arc. The inversion phenomenon of announcement discussed this issue winter is now being replaced by wind-blown sand from the Daily 2245-2300 BBC g]kfnL ;]]]jf and gave it top priority. desert. Luckily for us, the wind till the weekend will be from However, there is still concern in the northwest which means the dust will stay over the plains. Sun-Fri 0740- 0800 Ps}}}}}l5g\\\\\ -/]]]]]l8of]]]]] klqsf_ some quarters about the fragility of But by next week expect visibility to drop with the onset of Sun-Fri 0800- 0830 8anL8anL8anL -ljifout-ljifout-ljifout cGt/lqmof_cGt/lqmof_cGt/lqmof_ the peace process with particular more typical spring dust in the air. Clear days will mean worry about the continued lack of steady rise in daytime temperature with moderate to strong Sun-Fri 2000- 2030 cfhsf s'''/f -;d;fdlos ljifodf ax;_ involvement of the political parties. afternoon westerly wind but night temperature will remain in Many also think that more than the single digits. Above 3,000m the minimum temperature is Sat 0800- 0830 zflGt cleofg still below freezing with plenty of snow still unmelted in the rehabilitation, the government in high passes. Sat 1930- 2000 cfrf/ ljrf/ -e|||i6frf/lj?4 ;xsfo{_{_{_ Kathmandu needs to make up for the neglect of development due to mal- KATHMANDU VALLEY Sat 2000- 2030 s"6gLlts d~r governance in the past six years. “In Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue Radio Sagarmatha most parts of the country there P.O. Box 6958, Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal hasn’t been any construction, so it doesn’t make any sense to talk about Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681, Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227 26-07 27-08 27-07 28-06 24-07 /]l8of ] ;u/dfyf reconstruction,” says one Nepali E-mail: [email protected], www.radiosagarmatha.org staffer at a donor agency. Even so,

Untitled-56 14-15 9/27/04, 12:18 PM 16 ASIA 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 7 - 13 MARCH 2003 NEPALI TIMES #135 17 COMMENT by HU SHULI Motorcycle masculinity Let a thousand newspapers bloom Nepali contextualising would of Are our men so Neanderthal that they can course require woman in back to

in industry, we must overcome have hair firmly covered with relate only to images of virility in bike ads? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

other obstacles. Official pressure helmet and the man in chappals, ○○○○○○○○ Chinese media but that would take away the remains enormous. Information origina, intendedl effect. question becomes all the more purchases? The recent shift in is moving that should be public is not The most mesmerising ad is pertinent when perusing through Pulsar ads in Nepali media to the available. Key officials reject the one for Pulsar: next to the logo the ads for Pulsar in India during emphasis on “horsepower” with towards requests to be interviewed without written in a jagged font are the the same time period in India accompanying action photo of explanation. Some listed companies words DEFINITELY MALE in all Today. One sees that it is the horse racing, while better, still freedom, if for try to prevent us from publishing caps. In various places, “solid gas mileage benefits that is hints at an underlying message stories by appealing to government muscles” and “looks like the male highlighted with only the that our men need pictures of no other reason agencies. of the species has finally arrived” “definitely male” slogan. muscle before they will get the than that the In China, where there are no can also be found. Indeed, the bike Wait, are our men so Neander- message. Dumb but vigorously laws protecting the media or does look muscular and it comes in thal that they can relate only to masculine Nepali men should buy authorities now freedom of speech, companies who 150cc and 180cc. Up until about images of virility and not economic these machines? don’t like our reports can sue us for mid-September 2002 ads ran the benefit? And are our men not recognise allegedly damaging their slogans with the bike picture masculine enough that they need (Seira Tamang is a social science reputations. More often than not, underneath in magazines. After to acquire it through material researcher in Kathmandu.) economic this date, until about January 2003, they win. underneath the main slogan a new There are also internal ANUP PRAKASH subtitle “Born in a Gym” was development obstacles to a free, independent

SEIRA○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ TAMANG right side glancing at the reader. added and in the background of will falter press. China boasts 7,000 otorcycles in Nepal are The message: this bike is meant the bike, a photo of the back of a newspapers and 8,000 magazines, no longer limited to for girls. very muscular man tying a string without it. but the government controls free scooters that look like Luckily, the market for manly around his head was added. access to the media market by Marmadillos on wheels. bikes is, if one goes by ads, The fact that this is issuing special licenses. Only high- With the entrance of cheap chock full of choice. We have the Hollywood’s Rambo makes him all henever I tell shifted, it still exists. Some of us investigative scoops or new in the report threatened to sue ranking state-owned organisations Chinese motorbikes, there is much Suzuki ad that is fit for any the more interesting. The fact that foreigners what I do walk right up to the line, even information. By simply reporting us. But our readers came to our are qualified to hold these licenses, variety to choose from. In the face mechanics’ workshop: two non- this form of masculinity is now for a living, many are nudging it every once in a while. the story and pointing out places defense, while the prominent which grant the ability to publish. of competition, advertisements for Nepali women in tight, golden passe in Hollywood (we now doubtful. “Is there Crossing it, however, remains where the system failed to Chinese economist Wu Jinglian Those outside the industry, motorbikes are hard to miss. And dresses with plunging cleavages, have the sensitive virile types, Wsuch a thing as a free press in another matter. protect small investors, we supported our report in an including readers, are unaware of increasingly harder to ignore has posing around and leaning on the who while certainly trim and been the gendered form that these China?,” they ask. “Are there really All the same, journalists and incited a stir. Government interview on Central Chinese this closed market structure. bikes. Yamaha shows its bike with muscled, are also caring, ads have taken in Kathmandu. a view on the side of two pairs of independent journalists?” The editors like myself are increasingly watchdogs immediately Television, China’s main thinking and articulate like Tom Despite these obstacles, I am Lifan has an ad for its legs—one in a short skirt with Cruise in various roles) raises answer is yes and no. confident in our role as economic criticised Caijing. officially sponsored statewide optimistic that the media will equivalent to the Honda Street boots (where are the fashion some questions. Ever since Deng Xiaoping watchdogs. In its first issue in April Our recent focus has been on broadcast network. become a viable monitor of Chinese Smart, a smaller bike, with 100cc police?) and the other in jeans and To begin with, it really is not launched his reforms in 1978, 1998, the magazine that I edit, securities markets. In October In many ways, the fund industry, if for no other reason than power. While all Lifan ads carry cowboy boots. You really sort of clear whether the manufacturers China has been moving from a Caijing (Business and Finance 2000, we published a management story was a that most authorities recognise by the strapline “Difference ho, want both pairs of legs to belong thought Nepali men to be dumber planned economy to the free Review), published a cover story on groundbreaking article called watershed moment for Caijing now that economic development Power Engine ko”, this ad is to gay men, which would make and in need of additional pictures market. Its media industry is Qiong Min Yuan, a little-known “The Inside Story of Fund and for the Chinese press in will falter without it. As the public framed in pink with the words the ads so much cooler, but alas to underscore the “maleness” of undergoing a transition equally as real estate company whose share Management,” which disclosed a general. The government left us becomes familiar with Caijing’s “Romancing with Power”. Lest the Yamaha ad that used to run in the bike. Secondly, how exactly wrenching. It is also a more prices skyrocketed by 400 percent. previously suppressed Shanghai entirely alone, neither banning brand of journalism, it is sure to you miss the intended audience, a Jai Nepal with a luscious girl in have they imagined “Nepali complicated process, because the The company’s stock was Stock Exchange analysis that nor criticizing our report. In a raise demand for more tough- young woman in jeans and t-shirt flowing hair clasping the manly masculinity” that they thought state, which embraces economic suspended from trading in 1997, showed that most of China’s speech around that time, the minded and scrupulous reporting in with a handbag is posted on the man in front says it all. Rambo would help sell bikes? This reform wholeheartedly, is not after it was charged with fledgling investment-fund- chairman of the China Securities China’s A share market in 2000, general, not only on markets, but certain about how much media overstating profits. A few insiders management companies were Regulatory Commission, Zhou posted a falsified claim of 700 also on developments in people’s reform to tolerate. were tipped off beforehand and trading illegally and irregularly Xiaochuan, announced that the million renmenbi ($87 million) in communities and governments. Yet the government’s attitude unloaded their shares, while 50,000 on the securities market. By securities market welcomed profits online. Within hours of Thousands of important stories to the press is not one of constant individual investors lost millions of publishing that article, our media criticism and supervision. publication, the company was remain to be told in China. Caijing suspicion. After it (belatedly) dollars. magazine became the first serious Since then, China’s financial suspended from trading, and is but one voice struggling to tell recognised the importance of Although everyone knew what publication ever to report media has become bolder. We’ve within a week security regulators them. (© Project Syndicate) transparency in capital markets, happened, no one dared publish criticism of the fund- exposed cases involving price had launched an investigation. journalists gained greater freedom details of the inflated profits or the management sector and the stock manipulation and falsified profits. Despite these successes, (Hu Shuli is the founder and to pursue investigative journalism. tip-off until we broke the silence. market. Last August we reported that establishing independent media in managing editor of China’s So, while the line between the Our article—“Who is Responsible The ten government- Yinguang Xia Holdings, the China remains a daunting task. In premier business magazine, permissible and the prohibited has for Qiong Min Yuan?”—offered no affiliated companies mentioned second largest listed company in addition to criticism from people Caijing.)

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