WITHOUT F EAR OR FAVOUR

Nepal’s largest selling English daily Vol XXVIII No. 110 | 8 pages | Rs.5 O O Printed simultaneously in , Biratnagar, Bharatpur and Nepalgunj 37.6 C 15.6 C Sunday, June 14, 2020 | 32-02-2077 Nepalgunj Jumla House unanimously votes to endorse ’s new map Diplomatic, political dialogue with necessary to bring Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani back into Nepal’s possession, lawmakers say.

BINOD GHIMIRE constitution amendment bill for KATHMANDU, JUNE 13 changing the map of Nepal to include parts of Indian territory,” said Anurag The House of Representatives on Srivastava, spokesperson for India’s Saturday unanimously endorsed the Ministry of External Affairs. “We second amendment to the constitution have already made our position clear of Nepal to update the country’s new on this matter.” political map on the national emblem. In line with what it said earlier after All lawmakers present in the House Nepal released its new map, Delhi on voted for the bill as all the parties had Saturday once again called it “an arti- issued a whip. ficial enlargement”. “All 258 lawmakers present in the “This artificial enlargement of meeting voted for the bill while there claims is not based on historical fact was no vote against it. I announce that or evidence and is not tenable,” said the bill has been endorsed by more Srivastava. “It is also violative of our than a two-thirds majority,” Speaker current understanding to hold talks Agni Sapkota announced. on outstanding boundary issues.” The bill now needs to be endorsed The Cabinet, on May 20, had issued by the National Assembly and authen- a new administrative map of the coun- ticated by the President before it try putting Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh comes into effect. and Kalapani, all territories disputed Four lawmakers from the 275-strong with India, within Nepal’s borders. House have been suspended, either on The government, two days later, regis- POST PHOTO: HEMANTA SHRESTHA corruption charges or criminal offenc- tered a bill in Parliament, seeking to A protester carries a placard welcoming the parliamentary endorsement of the country’s new map while questioning where all the money claimed to have been spent on the fight against es, while 12 others were absent during amend Schedule 3 of the constitution Covid-19 went, at Maitighar in Kathmandu on Saturday. the vote. The bill needed 184 votes, two to update Nepal’s new political map in thirds of the Lower House, as per the national emblem. Article 274 (8) of the constitution. Nepal decided to release its new The territories that Nepal has political map after India earlier last depicted in its new map have been month opened a link road via Lipulekh Prime minister’s adviser reveals expenditure report claimed by India as its own. to Kailash Mansarovar in the Tibet Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Autonomous Region of . after the bill was endorsed, said there The development came on the heels would be dialogue between the two of fast-changing internal dynamics in but no one knows where it came from countries. Speaking to the media, Oli the ruling said that all the parties had showcased (NCP), with Prime Minister and party unparalleled unity. chair KP Sharma Oli facing a tough Officials profess ignorance about a report breaking down the amount the government has spent so far to fight Covid-19. “We will now start dialogue and the challenge from his opponents in the negotiation process will move ahead,” party. Internal struggles had become PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA cial letterhead, date, stamp or signa- most despite having a relatively small- another government institution that he said. , however, was so intense until April that Oli was KATHMANDU, JUNE 13 ture. There is no indication of the er number of infections. could likely have drafted the report, quick to react to the developments in under pressure to face the Standing ministry or agency that drafted the Sudurpaschim has reported 192 cases also did not take ownership of the Kathmandu. Committee and step down as prime Amid widespread calls for financial report with officials at the CCMC, the of Covid-19 while Karnali has report- expenditure report. “We have noted that the House of minister. transparency regarding the govern- High-Level Coordination Committee ed 912. Province 2 has reported the “The Finance Ministry has released Representatives of Nepal has passed a >> Continued on page 5 ment’s spending on the fight against on Prevention and Control of highest number of infections, at 1,987 Rs6.56 billion to various ministries, Covid-19, Surya Thapa, the prime min- Coronavirus, and the Finance cases, and has spent Rs133.94 million part of which has gone to the provin- ister’s press adviser, released an Ministry all professing ignorance to respond to the outbreak so far. cial and local governments,” said expenditure report on Saturday via about who had drafted the report, rais- There is no indication on the report Uttar Kumar Khatri, spokesperson for social media. ing questions about its authenticity. as to how these figures were calculat- the ministry. “But we have not formal- The report was released as per As per the report, all three tiers of ed or by whom. The report is so far ly released any data on the expendi- the decision of the Covid-19 government have so far spent Rs8.39 only available on Thapa’s Facebook ture in combating Covid-19 by incor- Crisis Management Centre (CCMC) billion in combating the pandemic. page, and not on any of the websites porating data from provincial and Directorate Committee, according The federal government spent Rs4.10 of the relevant ministries or govern- local governments.” to Thapa. billion, the provincial governments ment agencies. Repeated attempts by the Post to The report, however, lacks any offi- Rs1.3 billion, and local governments “We did not issue the expenditure reach Finance Minister Yubaraj Rs2.98 billion in total. list,” Narayan Bidari, member secre- Khatiwada and Health Minister Federal ministries, including tary of the High-Level Covid-19 Bhanubhkata Dhakal for comment health, defence, home, foreign Coordination Committee, told the Post. were unsuccessful. affairs, urban development and Officials at the CCMC too expressed But the Health Ministry on Saturday education, together spent Rs4.10 ignorance about the report. corroborated the expenditure figures. billion, with the defence minis- “The CCMC did not make public the Jageshwor Gautam, the Health try spending Rs2.4 billion, the expenditure report,” Brigadier Ministry spokesperson, said at a regu- highest amount. General Bigyan Dev Pandey, the Nepal lar press briefing that the ministry Among the provinces, Army spokesperson, told the Post. had spent Rs1.58 billion, out of a total Sudurpashchim has spent the The Army is also a part of the budget of Rs2.71 billion that it had highest amount, at Rs364.87 mil- CCMC, where it coordinates the secu- received to fight the pandemic. The lion, followed by Karnali, which rity portion of the Covid-19 response expenditure figure matches the amount spent Rs239.28 million. These and hosts the CCMC Secretariat. on the report released by Thapa. POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC two provinces have spent the Officials at the Finance Ministry, >> Continued on page 5 The House voted to update Nepal’s map on the national emblem, on Saturday.

C M Y K SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 | 02 MEDLEY

Inside the Post Quote of the day

Lockdown curtailed tuberculosis patients’ access to National health facilities, TB center says, Page 3 Detection of new tuberculosis cases has declined by 50 percent ever since the government enforced a nationwide lockdown on March 24, according to an assess- ment carried out in all seven provinces and Kathmandu Valley. The drop in the “We know that this is not a normal time number of TB cases has been attributed to the closure of transportation service and people are being deprived of the which restricted patients’ access to health facilities. services. If not addressed in time, this Opinion problem could lead to a public India and Nepal should talk and work together; nothing else matters at this most devastating time in human civilisation. The two countries can be supportive of health disaster.” each other even as they continue to pursue self-interests. Dr Dirgha Singh Bom on the danger of TB patients not getting their medicines and treatment due to the lockdown. Money The Federal Reserve is promising to use its “full range of tools” to pull the coun- try out of a recession brought on by a global pandemic, signalling that it would keep interest rates low through 2022. Most read online World Government move of forming a team to collect evidence on Brazil has claimed the unenviable position of having the second-highest corona- virus death toll worldwide behind the United States, where several states have Nepal’s boundary runs into controversy posted record daily case totals, signalling the crisis is far from over. Three weeks after releasing a new political and administrative map of Nepal depicting Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura as parts of the Nepali territory, the government on Wednesday formed a nine-member team of experts to collect Fiction Park historical facts and evidence related to the area. Without uttering a single word, he kept on rhythmically nodding his head. The violin piece was of course a masterpiece. He held a Cuban cigar in his left hand and was dressed in a silk gown that hid his silvery torso hair. Government’s odd and even rule not effective in Kathmandu, virologist suggest if vehicles and number of people on the road not controlled this will create havoc The government’s new rule of operating private vehicles on odd and even News Quiz licence number basis failed to be enforced on Friday, as hundreds of vehicles plying the road flouted the rule, leading to more traffic on the roads and streets of Kathmandu. 1. Local governments in which area with India? district have decided to buy pol- a. 12 There’s silence in ruling party as protests continue on streets. ymerase chain reaction b. 15 POST PHOTO: ANISH REGMI machines to expedite testing? c. 10 A man cycles to his destination as it rains in Tripureshwar, Kathmandu. But it could be the calm before the storm, insiders say a. Bajhang d. 9 Even as protests are flaring up, with youths across the country taking to the b. Bajura streets demanding accountability from the KP Sharma Oli government for its c. Makwanpur 4. Players of which football league poor handling of the Covid-19 pandemic, there is an eerie silence within the rul- d. Bhaktapur will have their names replaced On this day in history ing Nepal Communist Party. Opposition factions in the party that had upped the by ‘Black Lives Matter’ on the ante until two months ago also have gone silent. back of their shirts for the opening round of fixtures? Royal communique a. Bundesliga Making migrant workers pay for Covid-19 screening adds to b. EnglishPremier League KATHMANDU - His Majesty the King has, in accordance with Article 53(4) of the their desperation c. La Liga Constitution for the , 1990, dissolved the House of d. Major League Soccer Representatives and set Thursday, November 23, 1995 as the date for new elec- The Nepal government’s repatriation plan said that everyone coming to Nepal tions to the House of Representatives on the recommendation of Prime Minister via flights must have a certificate of a medical test proving that they have not 5. Unti Friday, what was the high- Manmohan Adhikari. contracted coronavirus. est number of Covid-19 cases His recommendation, also endorsed by the Council to Ministers, was made on REUTERS recorded within 24 hours in the June 9, 1995 citing various reasons. 2. An Armed Police Force team country? His Majesty has expressed the hope that the Council of Ministers under fired at a crowd on the Nepal- a. 448 Prime Minister Adhikari which, according to Article 36(7) of the constitution India border in which district? b. 512 shall continue to function until a new council of Ministers is constituted, will Corrections a. Siraha c. 385 successfully carry out the task of holding the elections in a peaceful, fair and b. Rautahat d. 601 impartial manner. Our reporters and editors do their best to make sure our reporting is free from c. Sarlahi errors. But when we make mistakes that warrant correction, we will be transparent d. Morang 6. Which of the following gases is The Kathmandu Post and clarify at the bottom of the specific article. used in cigarette lighters? June 14, 1995 If you believe we have got something wrong and it requires correction, please 3. How many members are there a. Methane email us at [email protected] with “correction” in the subject line. in a team formed by the govern- b. Radon Answers to News Quiz: 1(a), 2(c), 3(d), 4(b), 5(a), 6(d) For the most recent corrections, visit kathmandupost.com/corrections. ment to collect historical facts c. Propane and evidence in the disputed d. Butane HOROSCOPE ARIES (March 21-April 19) CANCER (June 22-July 22) LIBRA (September 23-October 22) CAPRICORN (December 22-January 19) **** *** **** **** You don’t always have to plan ahead if you want Watch for differing ideas that could create con- If you’re starting a new romance, get ready for If you are making travel plans, you should try to to travel, especially when your wanderlust has flict today. Not everyone is on the same page. it to take a surprising turn. Things are happen- finalise them soon. If you leave anything up in reached near epidemic proportions. Strike out You might feel the need to create harmony with ing between you two that you never expected, so the air, chances are good that it will fall through on a little adventure when you get the time. You everyone, but why put yourself through all that make sure to take it slow and keep the commu- the cracks. If other members of your party don’t have to dust off your passport and go to work? A little disagreement can be a good thing. nication open. If you aren’t in a romance, you aren’t quite ready to commit, you’ll either have the airport to go somewhere cool. How about It gets interesting conversations started and can two are about to enter a very exciting and to push them harder than you’d like to or make just checking out the other side of town? help innovation happen. empowering phase. up their minds for them.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) LEO (July 23-August 22) SCORPIO (October 23-November 21) AQUARIUS (January 20-February 18) *** **** *** **** Your public self and your private self want dif- You need to find a balance between what you You’ve been introducing more spontaneity into An opportunity you thought was already pretty ferent things right now, and it’s starting to make want out of life and what you know you can get your life, and all signs point to this being a good sweet could be looking even more attractive you feel out of place wherever you are. But the right now. It’s not that you have to settle for less, move. Sure, it may have encouraged a few out- today! The big question is, how do you make sure good news is that a confluence is coming soon it’s just that you need to get realistic about what bursts from friends, but there’s no real drama. you get the chance to be picked for it? Just stay and your goals for your personal and profession- you can accomplish. If your expectations are They might be having a tough time adjusting to prepared! Make it clear that you’re ready to go at al lives will be in harmony. Things are falling adaptable, you could start seeing more successes the new you, but you’re loving the increased a moment’s notice and take on anything those in into place! coming your way. positive energy in your life. power are willing to give you.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21) VIRGO (August 23-September 22) SAGITTARIUS (November 22-December 21) PISCES (February 19-March 20) ***** *** *** **** One of your partners, either in romance, life, or Your crazy ideas never come at a convenient Nothing can stop you today. Your creativity and Don’t pull rank on your underlings or associates business, may have changed radically. It’s still time, but that shouldn’t stop you from pursuing ingenuity can help you make fun out of any- today. You have power because you know how to taking you some time to get used to. They aren’t a good one! Today, when you think up something thing. Even waiting for laundry to get done can use it, not because you know how to lord it over quite the same person you always thought they just so crazy it might work, you’ve got to do be a good time when you’re on the case! Your people! You’ll be much happier if you join every- were, but you have to get comfortable with the whatever it takes to get the time you need and mind is wide open, you’re thinking positively, one else. Connecting with other people creates a fact that they might be happier now than they the resources you need to make it happen. Use and you are ready to connect with other people lot of warm feelings and the possibility to grow were back then. your creativity to create buzz. in a new way. even closer than you already are.

CROSSWORD SUDOKU

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

C M Y K 03 | SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 NATIONAL FORUM-ASIA urges government to ensure safety of migrant workers returning from India The human rights group has also raised its concern about poorly managed quarantine facilities.

POST REPORT KATHMANDU, JUNE 13

The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has raised its concern regarding the management of Nepali migrant workers returning from India. Inadequate quarantine facilities and mismanagement of Nepal’s migrant workers returning from India could lead to a human rights crisis, the organisation has warned. In a joint statement, the Forum Asia and seven of its member organisations urged the Nepal government to ensure safe border-crossing and adequate quarantine facilities to protect its returning migrant workers. “Driven by poverty, environmental degradation or social instability, a large proportion of Nepali migrants are from the most vulnerable communities and worked as daily wagers,” reads the statement released on Friday. “Without sufficient social protection, they are prone to shock and adverse impact. Being exposed to a pandemic would only exacerbate their pre-existing vulnerabilities POST PHOTO: ELIT JOSHI and poor human rights condition.” People celebrate the parliamentary approval for the new map of Nepal, which includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, at Shahid Gate in Kathmandu, on Saturday. The House of After both Nepal and India went into a complete lock- Representatives unanimously passed a constitution amendment bill to update the country’s new map on the national emblem. down in March, thousands of Nepali migrant workers, employed in India were stranded in various parts of the country. Many walked for several hundred kilometres to reach the Nepal border. However, due to the border clo- sure they were stranded on the Indian side. India has been one of the most popular destinations for Nepali migrants due to its proximity and the 1,870 Lockdown is relaxed but construction projects km-long open border. An estimated 37.5 percent of the two million absent population of Nepal work in India. “Since the onset of the pandemic, both the Nepal and India governments were unable to manage the cross-bor- unlikely to resume due to rainy season der movement in a coordinated manner,” FORUM-ASIA said. “Since late March, thousands of migrant workers from both sides of the border have been left stranded due The lockdown period coincided with the time when construction projects usually gather momentum, contractors say. to lockdown measures imposed by both countries.” The government came up with the plan to allow Nepali PRITHVI MAN SHRESTHA ed once the monsoon begins. But the gov- sanitisers and the vehicles carrying the us to bring workers from other parts of the citizens living in India and other countries to return KATHMANDU, JUNE 13 ernment relaxed the lockdown just ahead of workers are disinfected daily. country, we employed locals to build a view earlier this month. The Nepal government decided to the monsoon,” said Rabi Singh, president of But the contractors question how they can tower in Panchapur, Baglung,” said Ram allow entry through 20 border points. Just days after the government decided to Federation of Contractors’ Association of recruit workers when the government hasn’t Sharan Deuja, managing director of But after they were allowed entry, the returnee work- relax the Covid-19 lockdown to allow con- Nepal. “Reopening of the construction sec- allowed the movement of vehicles from one Sunlight Construction. “My company ers were kept in poorly-run quarantine centres. struction work to continue, a leading con- tor now makes no difference to us.” district to another. trained the local people, but they often make FORUM-ASIA has said that heavy congestion and lack struction company in the country has said He said the contractors would not want to Sharma and Company resumed the work mistakes.” of basic facilities in Nepali quarantine centres have that it plans to halt its projects because of restart work during rainy season, as it at the new building of Bir Hospital recently. Deuja said his company has been unable raised the fears of coronavirus spreading in the country. the monsoon season. would be costly to set up labour camps and “But I have been able to recruit just around to resume work on a bridge project in Thimi, The organisation has also pointed out the cases of Sharma and Company plans to halt work arrange machinery at the project sites. 100 workers for the project. There were 500 Bhaktapur, because an Indian technician migrant workers fleeing from quarantine centres. on bridges it is building in , “Also, work can’t be done properly as rain workers before the lockdown,” said Sharma. hired to prepare the foundation has not More than 500 migrant workers have escaped out of Saptari, Jhapa and Taplejung from Monday, frequently interrupts things,” he said. Most of the workers he employed were from returned to work. fear and due to the influx of returnees in a short period The Cabinet on Wednesday decided to Even before the latest government the Tarai region. The government has suspended interna- of time, the authorities have struggled to provide basic relax the lockdown rules for the construc- announcement, the construction sector was He also expects to face similar issues at tional flights since March 22, and it will last needs such as food and accommodation for the returning tion sector. But contractors say the decision partially re-opened on May 6 as the the new Citizen Investment Trust building at least till June end. “The government has migrants, according to the statement. came a bit late, as the monsoon has entered Cabinet decided to allow projects and indus- his company is building in New Baneshwor, not allowed the entry of foreigners and the FORUM-ASIA and its member organisations have said the country and they cannot work during tries that produce construction materials Kathmandu. project has been affected,” said Deuja. that the rights and safety of migrant workers should not rains. such as cement and iron and steel to resume “Most of the workers skilled in fixing iron Officials also admit that construction be compromised especially during a public health crisis. “We have been forced to halt construction production.. and steel are from Saptari and Siraha. It is work may not pick up pace. “I don’t see the They have called on the Nepal government to coordi- of all bridges due to the risk of floods in the But that didn’t help the contractors difficult to bring them to Kathmandu as our possibility of rapid progress in development nate with the Indian government to facilitate the safe rivers during the rainy season,” said resume work as they had wanted to. They own engineers fear that they might have projects because of the monsoon,” said return of both Nepali and Indian migrants from both Ramesh Sharma, managing director at said that they could not find workers due to been infected with Covid-19,” he added. “It Shivahari Sapkota, spokesperson for the sides of the border and ensure the meaningful participa- Sharma and Company. “We also may not the suspension of transportation facilities. will be difficult to convince the local people Department of Roads. tion of migrant workers in the decision-making process continue work on the Getting construction materials was also an in Kathmandu about the risk as well,” said Due to the prolonged lockdown, the of their concern and provide adequate social safety net. Highway section connecting Sindhuli and issue. Sharma. department hasn’t not been able to spend its They have also urged the government to allocate suffi- Udayapur due to the rain,” he added. With the latest relaxation, the govern- According to the contractors, local people budget. According to the department, only cient budget and establish a strong monitoring mecha- The government-enforced lockdown, ment has opened up transportation and don’t allow outsiders to come to their area 34.6 percent of the budget has been spent so nism to ensure the full implementation of policies and which began on March 24, was relaxed only mining and quarrying. As per the latest amid Covid-19 fears. far. “We also don’t expect to receive the measures responding to the pandemic, ensure equal after 79 days, which coincided with the time decision, companies can transport workers Some contractors have started hiring whole budget allocated to us as revenue col- access to safe shelter, suitable sanctuary, food, water, of the year when construction activities in vehicles by keeping one person per seat locals, but not all of them are trained in lection is going to take a hit this fiscal year,” healthcare services, and care-giving support during peri- speed up. “Most construction works are halt- while also ensuring they wear masks, use construction work. “After locals didn’t allow said Sapkota. ods of obligatory quarantine. Monsoon arrives in Nepal two days late Lockdown curtailed tuberculosis patients’ Clouds bring rain in the eastern region; west will have to wait a few more days. access to health facilities, TB center says CHANDAN KUMAR MANDAL KATHMANDU, JUNE 13 ARJUN POUDEL in 2019, the number of TB patients and epidemic” KATHMANDU, JUNE 13 infection rates are far more than the esti- Public health experts have warned that Monsoon clouds finally entered mates. The study shows around 69,000 TB patients discontinuing their medica- Nepal’s skies from the east on Detection of new tuberculosis cases has people across the country get infected tion could lead to a major public health Friday, two days past the normal declined by 50 percent ever since the gov- with tuberculosis every year, 24,000 more disaster. date, said the Meteorological ernment enforced a nationwide lockdown than the World Health Organization esti- “Had the new case finding declined by Forecasting Division. on March 24, according to an assessment mated. 50 percent in a normal period, it would be The clouds have brought rain to carried out in all seven provinces and The UN health agency has estimated great news,” Dr Dirgha Singh Bom, senior Province 1 and Province 2 in the Kathmandu Valley. that every year 45,000 people get infected chest physician and TB expert, told the eastern parts of the country, and The drop in the number of TB cases has with tuberculosis in Nepal, but only Post. “We know that this is not a normal are moving west, said the division been attributed to the closure of transpor- around 32,000 patients were identified time and people are being deprived of the as various parts of the country, tation service which restricted patients’ last year. services. If not addressed in time, this including the Kathmandu Valley, access to health facilities. Basundhara Sharma, a senior public problem could lead to a public health witnessed rainfall on Friday and Due to the closure of transportation health officer at the TB center, said that disaster.” Saturday. service and fear of transmission of Covid- the study has also shown an alarming According to Dr Bom, cases of mul- “Monsoon clouds from the Bay 19, patients have been unable to reach dropout rate among TB patients. ti-drug resistant and extensively drug-re- of Bengal have entered the health facilities for examination and “If TB patients discontinued the medi- sistant TB will increase if the patient country from east,” said Samir treatment, according to the assessment of cines, then the same medicines they use stopped taking medicines. Shrestha, a meteorologist at the the National Tuberculosis Control Center. to take earlier may not work,” said Mortality rate of TB is about three division. “Although the monsoon POST PHOTO: KESHAV THAPA “The ongoing lockdown and Covid-19 Sharma. “And if the patients infected percent more than that of Covid-19, started two days late this year, it People head towards their destinations as it rains heavily at Patan Durbar Square in epidemic have hamstrung our fight with multi-drug resistant TB stop taking according to public health experts. won’t make a big difference on its Lalitpur on Saturday. against tuberculosis,”Dr Anuj medicine, they effects.” Bhattachan, director at the center, told spread the same dis- The monsoon season in Nepal Shrestha. tion which leads to economic the Post. ease to others.” normally begins on June 10 and With the onset of the monsoon growth in the country,” said TB is the seventh leading cause of Treatment success ends on September 23 every year. season, the weather office has Shrestha. death in Nepal which accounts for 5,000 to rate of multi-drug This is the second consecutive alerted the public to stay safe and Although the rain is crucial for 9,000 deaths every year, according to the resistant TB is only year that monsoon clouds entered urged the concerned authorities to the country’s agricultural sector, center. As many as 18 to 22 deaths are around 70 percent, the country after June 10. Last launch preparedness plans. months of lockdown, which caused attributed to TB daily. Similarly, 123 new whereas first line year, the onset was delayed by 10 The country is expected to a shortage of labour and chemical TB cases are reported daily and 27 percent TB’s treatment suc- days. But in 2018, it had begun two receive a normal amount of rain fertilisers could offset any poten- of the cases (34) are missed to be reported. cess rate is around 90 days in advance. this year. The 16th session of the tial gains from the monsoon, econ- Bhattachan said that undetected and percent. “The eastern parts of the coun- South Asian Climate Outlook omists have said. untreated TB could lead to a major spike “Our study shows try are receiving rainfall because Forum, a consortium of meteorol- The monsoon season, which in the new cases and deaths. that people are not of the monsoon, but the rain in the ogists and hydrological experts delivers around 80 percent of the “Number of TB cases could spike even seeking treatment west can’t be attributed to the from South Asia, in April, had country’s total annual rainfall, after the lockdown,” said Bhattachan. “ due to fear of stigma monsoon,” said Shrestha. forecasted a normal monsoon generally lasts for 105 days. But, in We are concerned by the setback caused related to Covid-19, The clouds will take around a over South Asia, including Nepal, recent years, it has been taking by the lockdown and Covid-19 epidemic in as most of the symp- week to spread across the country. this summer. more time to withdraw. Between our fight against the TB. We are working toms—chest pain, “By June 18-19, monsoon-triggered A normal monsoon, supported 2014 to 2019, monsoon clouds with- to prevent such risks.” respiratory prob- rainfall will take place across the by the timely arrival of rain, drew from Nepal only in October At the United Nations high-level meet- lems and fever country,” he said. translates into favourable condi- every year. ing on TB in 2018, Nepal had signed up to matched with coro- The western parts of the coun- tions for agricultural production, “The monsoon season has been the WHO END TB Strategy by 2035. navirus,” said try are receiving moisture from mainly paddy, and is further linked extended up to October in the past However, the country’s fight against the Sharma. “All are vul- the Arabian Sea to the west of with the country’s overall econom- few years,” said Shrestha. “The disease has been far from satisfactory. nerable to Covid-19, Nepal, and this caused rainfall in ic growth. country still receives the same According to the National Prevalence but we have a Sudurpaschim Province, Karnali “Adequate rainfall and on time amount of rainfall, but the num- Survey of TB, carried out by a team of challenge to save Province and Province 5, said rainfall can boost paddy produc- ber of rainy days has gone up.” national as well as international experts TB patients in this

C M Y K SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 | 04 OPINION Knowing enlightened self-interest

India and Nepal should talk and work together. Nothing else matters at this time.

ATUL K THAKUR

As official establishments in India and Nepal fail to balance out the finer ele- ments of bilateral ties, we are witnessing another round of ‘tussle’. This does not bode well for people on either side, dis- tressed as they are by the Covid-19 pan- demic and the lockdowns. On the border issue, the failure of both sides to find common ground through diplomatic talks is worrisome. The immaturity the top level has shown by engaging in rumina- tions and exchanging distasteful is unde- sirable. Such immaturity doesn’t help anyone but those who feed on public resources and harm public interests knowingly or unknowingly. The establishments in India and Nepal should repose faith in strong bilateral relations and sit at the negotiation table lest it gets worse from here. Considering the sensitivity of the matter, no space should be given to it on the streets of Kathmandu or the studios of ailing TV newsrooms in India. Both tendencies should ideally be kept away from this sensitive matter that concerns lives and livelihoods.

Wave of adventurism If the people-to-people connect has deep- ened Indo-Nepal relations, there is no reason for this part to be left out despite the wave of adventurism. Next, it is trade terms between the two countries as there are a number of industry players and associations on both sides that are inter-dependent contribute significantly towards shared prosperity. Economic SHUTTERSTOCK activities and sane dialogue must be At this point of time, decision-makers more than what is featured in official tial crisis. The boundary dispute with of wasting time. A sane voice is one that facilitated in trying times such as these. in our part of the world would do well to communications. India can be fixed through negotiations; you can trust amid the clanging of alarm The current deadlock can be perilous take into consideration the concept of In a world ravaged by Covid-19, politi- in no way should his focus be diverted bells. We should all expect that the deci- to the economic self-interests of both ‘enlightened self-interest’ as propounded cal leadership is expected to perform from stopping a humanitarian crisis in sion-makers will go along as they should. countries. by Alexis de Tocqueville in his work beyond rhetoric. Sadly, even with the pan- the country. In the year 2020, it will not serve any Similarly, in strategic terms, both coun- Democracy in America. They may or not demic and the near-collapse of econo- There is no reason why his Indian meaningful purpose to act as in the trou- tries should properly weigh in their inter- be altruistic—it is a matter of choice. mies, the post-truth era has not faced a counterpart should have a different prior- bled phases of the past. This is the best ests and fundamentals, including the However, when it comes to pursuing jolt yet. It is very much in vogue, and it ity in India, which is in terrible shape due time for Indo-Nepal relations to evolve open border. It would be wrong to bring in enlightened self-interest, spirit and rests on masterful escapist tracts and to the ongoing global crisis and needs the with greater sensibilities and respect China amidst an absolutely focussed action have to be forward-looking. Of absurd action plans; herd behaviour gives cooperation of its neighbours. Poverty, for individual, common and holistic bilateral discussion or for the sake of late, it is important to find virtue in it traction. One point that possibly hunger, mass unemployment and dwin- interests. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s compar- enlightened self-interest for ensuring a remains unnoticed by most of us is that dling economic prospects, and not silence, India and Nepal should talk and work ison of the ‘viruses’. It is a country greater degree of maturity in public the lockdown has resulted in the state’s exchanges of odd words and hampering together; nothing else matters at this with a temperament; a lot more about it discourse. excessive authority on citizens. This is of dialogue, should drive bilateral ties. most devastating time in human civilisa- can be known through lessons in It is not that all kinds of sentiments certainly not a positive development in Extraordinary times need extraordinary tion. The two countries can be supportive history. Unlike the heavily enchanted and should go on the wane, especially the love times when hope is elusive. measures. Going forward, political lead- of each other even as they continue to nay-saying policymakers, we, the general for the country and the neighbourhood. Broadly speaking, if a government is ership in both India and Nepal should pursue self-interests. We’ve been home- people of the two countries, should come In the homeland or beyond the border, capacity-conscious, it should protect the prioritise issues that matter to lives and bound physically, but let’s set ourselves out of the spell and accept that it is exis- much can be preserved by simply not enlightened self-interest of the state and livelihoods. free spiritually and reclaim moderation, tential matters that should shape our making the same mistakes again. It is its citizens. Accordingly, the plan of normalcy and smoothness in our bilater- consciousness. In socio-cultural inter-dependence that beautifully weaves action should be streamlined. Prime Economic recovery al ties. Let’s all live peacefully. terms, too, so many conventional and the true fabric of Indo-Nepal relations. Minister Oli, a powerful leader, must Collective enlightened interest should newly manoeuvred schemes of things are For re-imagining them, too, one has to think that the people are in panic mode come out of a deep crisis, and we should Thakur is a policy professional at stake. understand that we owe each other much and that the industry is facing an existen- work towards economic recovery instead based in New Delhi. Reflecting on our behaviours for positive change

taught, the practicality of this plan is For a nation that continues to dubious at best. Leadership development training is advertised as the cherry on top believe itself to be community- that increases the reputation of the school. But they are only taken seriously oriented, Nepal is increasingly if they fit within the prescribed schedule of the institution and does not come at becoming individualistic. the cost of getting lower scores in nation- al exams. DIVA SHRESTHA What can be done The conditioning that we have been taught and brought up with can be undone and we can learn to break these behaviour patterns. It begins with look- ing inwards and starting from the self. When we begin to think critically, ques- These are uncertain times. We are left tion our own behaviour to demand empa- questioning when this uncertainty will thy and equity and reflect upon our value end or if life as we know it will ever go system, we can then create a system of back to normal. It is natural for us to turn change towards the society that would towards our leaders to protect us, or for have been better equipped to deal with the leaders to provide some guidance on how current challenges. to move forward. But it can also be an One way to do this is to empower the important time for us to turn inwards education system such that the focus and pay attention to ourselves and under- SHUTTERSTOCK shifts from numerical success to moral stand behaviour patterns that uncover looking out for themselves so we need to Unless we make an effort to break the accord the same (if not increased) urgen- success. Schools can relax the output how we as a society collectively function do the same as well. pattern, the rift will continue on in the cy to empathise and rise to action to save driven mindset and steer the metric of through these testing times. The way we have reacted to this pan- form of a generation gap. those that are still waiting to return home success towards outcomes and increased I recently overheard a family member demic is also a reflection of this mindset. Parents look to schools as leaders in during these difficult times. emotional intelligence. And, most impor- talk about her experience with the hospi- For a nation that continues to believe that educating their children and schools put Our education system, mired by its tantly, parents must take stronger owner- tal system in Nepal where she voiced her we are a family- and community-oriented the onus on parents. There is a tendency own challenges, has done little to prepare ship of building this mindset collectively frustration about how the doctors are just society, we are increasingly becoming to shift the responsibilities and point fin- us to be ethical and moral citizens. While to change the narrative around success trying to dupe patients and get them individualistic. There is not enough gers when such responsibilities do not get moral studies used to be a part of the and progress; the current understanding addicted to various medications. I have investment put into teaching about good fulfilled well. But by doing so, we are curriculum, society has decided that the is not preferred by the employment eco- heard many of these narratives that over- citizenship from the two places where we refusing to look inward and accept the sole focus should be on outputs such as system in the country. Young people emu- shadow any conversations related to pro- expect it: educational institutions and realities. This shows that as a society we percentage and grades. This obsession late what they see. If we do not change gress or grey realities during these gath- families. have failed not only on matters related to with grades as a measure of success goes our own behaviours and patterns, we erings. The opinions are similar about good governance, economic progress but beyond the individual student and is also cannot expect the next generation of citi- other institutions as well: the schools are Society and education in raising good citizens and creating a the metric by which schools are judged. zens to bear the burden of change. This is out there to get us, the shops are out there We are a product of the society that we society that learns to analyse challenges, The new National Examination Board the time for us to reflect as a society and to rip us off etc. This indicates that we are part of. We learn from what we see dissect problems and innovate solutions. curriculum decided to add ‘life skills’ as a peel away the layers of challenges. have very little trust in what we expect around us. In our families, it is rare to Instead, we have passed on the attitude to subject to the required course list Otherwise, we will perpetuate the cycle from other people and social institutions have conversations around our emotions disregard health care workers and ostra- designed to ‘build internal perspective on further. in the country. The underlying theme and mental health, taught to understand cise front line workers in the midst of a life and develop personal values for seems to be that everyone is out there to that our elders function from the condi- pandemic. We are quick to invest our responsible citizenship’. However, with- Shrestha is Director of Nepal get us—meaning that everyone is only tioning that they have been raised with. attention into border disputes but fail to out any indication of how this would be Leadership Academy.

C M Y K 05 | SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 NATIONAL Delay in PCR test results compels many Haphazard extraction goes to remain in quarantine for longer period unchecked in Gadi stream BHUSAN YADAV Singhasan Kalawar and Manjur Alam, GADI (PARSA), JUNE 13 assembly members of Province 2. We have According to Provincial Health Laboratory, the delay in reporting results was due to an increase in swab collection. prohibited the use of their excavators, as The haphazard extraction of riverbed mate- they were extracting sand illegally,” chair- According to Ishwor Pandey, rials from the Gadi stream in Parsa has man Chaudhary said. chairman of Rural gained traction during the nationwide Locals say Kalawar and Alam were con- Municipality in Gorkha, delay in lockdown. tractors of construction projects before test results has created confusion Over 1,000 tractors are operating along being elected as provincial assembly and problems in the local units of the riverside, loading sand onto trucks, said members. “But now, they are taking con- the district. Hari Narayan Chaudhary, chairman of tracts in the name of their family mem- Four days ago, 47 samples were Paterwa Sugauli Rural Municipality in bers,” Sugauli said. Alam, however, denied collected after an individual in the Parsa. the allegations, saying he had provided his Gorkha District Police custody test- “Despite our efforts to control haphazard excavator on rent. ed positive for coronavirus. But the extraction of riverbed materials, contractor Although the Post tried to contact repre- results are yet to come, say local companies are working in collusion with sentatives of NK International Chitwan, the authorities. provincial assembly members to illegally company awarded to extract riverbed mate- According to data of various extract river materials,” Chaudhary said. rials from the stream, they were not availa- local units in Gorkha, results of 340 Legal extraction of riverbed materials ble for comments. The contractor sent his samples are yet to be published in from Gadi stream was put on hold when the people to settle down the issue after report- the district. nationwide lockdown came into effect on ers reached the excavation site. “Those staying in quarantines March 24. But on May 31, extraction works Meanwhile, Nek Mohammad Ansari, have to bear mental and psycholog- on the stream resumed after the District chief at the District Coordination ical stress due to extended quaran- Coordination Committee in Parsa allowed Committee, said the meeting of the District tine period and delay in test results. the tender holder to extract riverbed Coordination and Inspection Committee on And the rural municipality has materials. According to Chaudhary, extrac- May 31 had allowed the company to use also been compelled to expend more tion works resumed, as there was pressure machines while extracting riverbed materi- funds in quarantine facilities due from all quarters to expedite development als. “The committee only allowed the use of to the delay,” Ramesh Thapa, chair- works in the last few months of the running machines in the stream on the basis of the man at Shahid Lakhan Rural fiscal year. IEE report. We do not interfere with the Municipality, said. The excavation of riverbed materials is tender process. The rural municipal office In Myagdi, 45 swab samples were prohibited to parties other than the compa- should monitor ongoing extraction works collected from the Beni quarantine ny with a tender to extract such materials. within the standard of the IEE report,” facility a week ago and sent to On December 5, 2019, NK International Ansari said. POST PHOTO: AASH GURUNG Pokhara for PCR tests. But the indi- Chitwan was awarded the contract to According to the IEE report, extraction As of Saturday, results of 2,522 samples were yet to be received, according to data with the Provincial Health Directorate. viduals are still awaiting their extract 31,175 cubic metres of riverbed works should be carried out in the stream results. materials from the stream. But on Monday, by maintaining the uniformity of the stre- AASH GURUNG stay here with many people who among the people staying in other Similarly, in Baglung, the results the rural municipal office banned the com- ambed without digging pits. It has also LAMJUNG, JUNE 13 have returned from India and other quarantine facilities of Gandaki of 516 swab samples are yet to pany from extracting riverbed materials clearly stated that 25 metres of space should countries,” said Gurung. Province. Meanwhile, the expenses arrive, according to Suraj Gurau, citing haphazard extraction. be left untouched on both sides of the Man Bahadur Gurung has been Currently there are 33 people, of local governments have chief at the District Health Office “According to the IEE report, the stream stream and excavation should not be done staying at a quarantine facility set including Gurung, at the quaran- increased as the test delays have led in the district. area can be dug only up to 1 metre in depth below the water level. But this standard has up at a government office in tine centre set up at the building of to the increase in the quarantine According to the data of the but deep pits can be seen in the stream’s not been followed. Beshisahar, the district headquar- the urban development office. period. Provincial Health Directorate, as banks now; some are up to 3 metres deep,” Locals complained that none of the con- ters of Lamjung, for the past three The health officials have so far The quarantined individuals of Saturday, results of 2,522 sam- said Shiva Kumar Chapagain, a local teach- cerned stakeholders have taken initiatives weeks. He does not know how long collected swabs from 17 quaran- complained that one has to stay in ples in the province are yet to be er in Paterwa Sugauli. to stop the haphazard extraction in Gadi he has to stay there as his coronavi- tined people, but the results have the facilities for about five weeks received. Sapana Sharma, director On June 5, an inspection committee of stream. “We have been protesting against rus test results have not arrived yet. not come yet. due to the delayed PCR test results. at the Provincial Health Laboratory, Paterwa Sugauli Rural Municipality found the extraction of sand, pebbles and stones Gurung, a resident of Beshisahar The quarantined individuals “I have stayed here for 11 days said there has been a delay in test two excavators, owned by assembly mem- in the stream for a long time. But the local Municipality, was quarantined have been demanding their test now and my swab is yet to be col- results due to the increase in swab bers of Province 2, digging riverbed materi- unit and the local authorities are not mak- after he returned home from results at the earliest so that they lected for the PCR test. And even collection. als from the stream’s banks. ing much effort to stop the illegal extraction Chitwan on May 25. His throat could go home. after that, it will take many days to “Of late, the collection of swab “The two excavators belonged to of riverbed materials,” said Chapagain. swab was collected on June 5 and Chief District Officer of get the lab report. I don’t know how samples has increased by three sent to Pokhara for a laboratory Lamjung Krishna Prasad Sharma long I would be confined here,” said times and this is causing delays in test. But the test report has not admitted that the quarantined peo- a man staying in a quarantine facil- test results,” said Sharma. come yet. ple are in fear owing to the delay in ity of Phalebas Municipality in “I am forced to stay here as my the PCR test results. According to Parbat district. Dr Shishir Devkota, Agandhar Tiwari in Parbat, House unanimously votes to ... PCR (polymerase chain reaction) him, 49 people in the district are acting medical superintendent of Hariram Upreti in Gorkha, report has been delayed. I am wor- awaiting their PCR test results. the Parbat District Hospital, said Ghanashyam Khadka in Myagdi >> Continued from page 1 “However, the Nepali leadership has not ried I might catch the coronavirus Delayed test results have also the PCR reports of 205 swabs sent and Prakash Baral in Baglung But Oli’s release of the map earned him been able to handle the issue tactically with- here in the quarantine. I have to caused anger and frustration from the district are yet to come. contributed reporting. support in such a way that even the opposi- out hurting India’s ego,” said Karki. “While tion parties, and all the opposing factions in India is very important to Nepal, India too his party, were on the horns of a dilemma. needs Nepal equally. So I believe both sides Ruling party insiders told the Post on will come to the negotiating table.” Friday that they had stopped short of Karki, however, had a caveat. upping the ante against Oli, as they feared “I won’t be surprised if negotiations start Bardiya farmers are being forced to buy they would be perceived anti-nationalist after Oli is out of power,” said Karki. “Some when the new map was being endorsed by of Oli’s remarks, especially over their the House. national emblem, have hurt the Indians.” With Saturday’s developments, according While speaking in Parliament in late May, unnecessary variant of fertilisers to political and diplomatic experts, Nepal Oli had taken a jibe at the Indian national might have strengthened its position, but it emblem. Karki said the Nepali leadership could further escalate tensions with India. needs to showcase maturity both in its lan- Farmers are turned away from shops for refusing to buy two kinds of fertilisers. The Nepal government now has a real guage and diplomatic dealings to create a challenge ahead, as diplomatic dealing is the conducive environment for table talks. THAKUR SINGH THARU plants will not gr o w. farmers to buy SSP with urea. only way out to resolve the issue and India Before the amendment bill was put to a BARDIYA, JUNE 13 “If the plants don’t get enough fertilisers they Prem Subedi, chief of District Cooperatives’ does not seem to be very interested in going vote on Saturday, lawmakers from all par- won’t flower well. I can’t afford to buy the Association, said he is aware that many coopera- that route. “This amendment in the consti- ties had welcomed the bill but also asked the The fertilisers scarcity in Bardiya has eased but fertiliser I need due to the condition set by the tives have manipulated farmers into buying tution could further complicate relations government to expedite political and diplo- farmers say they are paying a steep price as the cooperatives,” Bachchu Chaudhary, another extra fertilisers, adding that the criteria is set by between the two countries,” Lok Raj Baral, matic dialogue with India to bring the land suppliers have been forcing them to buy two farmer, said. the Salt Trading Corporation itself, a claim professor at and for- back in Nepal’s possession. types of fertilisers. Mohan Singh KC, chief of Agriculture Inputs Chaudhary, the chief of Salt Trading, denies. mer ambassador to India, told the Post. “The The government has based the new map The cooperatives dealing in chemical fertil- Company, Bardiya, said that the cooperatives’ “Many farmers have been affected due to the task ahead is much more difficult.” on the Sugauli Treaty signed between Nepal isers have said that anyone buying urea should manipulation of customers into buying the SSP shortage of fertilisers,” Subedi said. “The bigger According to Baral, there is a huge trust and British India in 1816, which states that also buy SSP (Single Super Phosphate) even is wrong, adding that his office only provides problem than manipulation is the crisis itself.” deficit between the two countries now. all lands east of the Kali River belong to though farmers say they don’t need the latter. three variants of chemical fertilisers—urea, The fertiliser crisis is far from over in the dis- “The success of the KP Sharma Oli gov- Nepal. While Nepal has argued that This has caused a financial burden on the diammonium phosphate (DAP) and potash—to trict, with barely one-third of its necessity of ernment depends on how well it can restore Limpiyadhura is the origin of the river, farmers, many of whom are struggling to make a the cooperatives. 12,000 tonnes currently in store with trust,” said Baral. “There has been a com- India has claimed Kalapani as the source. living due to the protracted lockdown imposed in “The suppliers are taking advantage of the various dealers. A total of 120 cooperatives have plete breakdown of communication The government on Tuesday presented response to the Covid-19 crisis. Farmers unwill- crisis to earn some extra profit, which is been registered at the Agriculture Inputs between the two countries. There are multi- the bill to the House for theoretical discus- ing to purchase both variants of fertilisers are condemnable,” he said. “It’s not right to Company but not all of them have been able to ple ways to reach out to India but the Oli sion, which unanimously endorsed a pro- being turned away by the dealers. One sack of manipulate thousands of farmers who are sell the fertilisers. administration has failed to exercise them.” posal to consider a second amendment to urea is priced Rs802 at the SSP at Rs1,200. already struggling.” The district administration has corresponded The Oli government has consistently the the same day. Ashish Chaudhary, a farmer from Badhaiyatal, Ramesh Poudel, chief of Agriculture Inputs with the federal government demanding fertil- been asking for talks but Delhi has ignored Except for Samajbadi Party lawmaker could not buy urea because he didn’t have the Company in Banke, said that he has received isers but the latter hasn’t responded yet. calls from Kathmandu. Sarita Giri, no other lawmaker registered money to buy SSP. “I had saved Rs 1,000 so I could complaints regarding the cooperatives’ manipu- Sagar Dhakal, chief of the Nepalgunj-based New Delhi, for the first time, acknowl- an amendment to the bill. The Samajbadi get a sack of urea, but the dealers said I needed lation of farmers. Agriculture Centre which oversees Banke and edged the need for dialogue after Kathmandu party had asked Giri to withdraw the to buy SSP too, which I don’t even need,” Manoj Chaudhary, chief of Salt Trading Bardiya districts, said if the shortage of chemi- lodged a strong protest against the opening amendment upon threat of internal action, Chaudhary said. “I had to return empty-hand- Company Nepalgunj, which trades the SSP, said cal fertilisers continues, paddy production may of a road link via Lipulekh. but Giri refused to do so. ed.” Without urea, Chaudhary says his paddy that his office hasn’t made it mandatory for decline by up to 35 percent this year. Last month, Delhi said that both Nepal Giri’s amendment to the bill had sought and India were “in the process of schedul- to retain the old map in the national emblem ing Foreign Secretary level talks which will as there was no evidence to claim be held once the dates are finalised between Lipmiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani as the two sides after the two societies and parts of Nepal, she had argued. governments have successfully dealt with Speaker Sapkota, however, decided to the challenge of Covid-19 emergency”. scrap her proposal, as per Clause 112 of the Analysts and experts, however, said that House of Representatives’ regulations, India does not need to wait for the Covid-19 which say that any amendment proposal to emergency to end if it really wants dialogue a bill cannot contradict the primary spirit with Nepal. When India and China had a of the bill. Giri boycotted the House after border standoff in eastern Ladakh earlier the Speaker announced that her amend- this month, both sides had swiftly arranged ment proposal had been scrapped. for a meeting and resolved the issue. Minister for Law, Justice and Diplomatic negotiations are the only way Parliamentary Affairs Shiva Maya out to resolve the issue, say experts in Tumbahangphe had presented the bill for Nepal. The Nepal government, however, endorsement after a detailed discussion in needs to deal strategically and in a sensitive the House. She said the new map was adopt- manner, they say. ed as Nepal has all necessary evidence to Mrigendra Bahadur Karki, an associate claim the territory. professor at the Centre for Nepal and Asian “We have all the necessary documents to POST PHOTO: THAKUR SINGH THARU Studies, said that pressure had been build- claim our land when we sit for dialogue The fertiliser crisis is far from over in the district, with barely one third of its requirement of 12,000 tonnes currently in store with various dealers. ing to reclaim Nepal’s land. with our southern neighbour,” she said. Prime minister’s adviser reveals expenditure report ...

>> Continued from page 1 ment’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic is Officials themselves say the government’s In early June, Bidari had revealed that the being widely criticised. Poor quarantine facili- expenditure could be higher than presented in government had so far spent Rs9.87 billion to set ties have emerged as hotspots of Covid-19 and the the report, particularly at the provincial and up quarantine centres and procure medical government is being taken to task for relying local levels. “Provincial and local governments goods and equipment, prompting widespread largely on rapid diagnostic tests, which are unre- have been spending huge amounts to fight the calls for financial transparency. liable, over polymerase chain reaction tests. pandemic from their own resources too. So the On June 8, Health Minister Dhakal told The Oli government has already landed in one amount spent by them could be higher,” said Parliament that the government has spent Rs9.87 corruption scandal during this pandemic. Two Khatri, the Finance Ministry spokesperson. billion for fighting Covid-19. Cabinet ministers have been implicated in irreg- Provincial officials too said that they have Lawmakers and opposition politicians had ularities over the procurement of medical goods spent more than what has been enumerated. called for an accounting while youths took to the from China via the Omni Business Group. Jhapat Bohara, the economic affairs and plan- streets in protest. On Wednesday, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli ning minister for Sudurpashchim Province, said Early last week, the , the pri- said it was not time to seek the government’s they’ve spent over Rs600 million, as opposed to mary opposition, demanded an answer to how expenditure yet. The alleged irregularities while the Rs364.87 million shown in the report. the funds were spent with Members of Parliament procuring the medicals goods through Omni The funds had been spent on managing the too asking for details. Business Group have also made the govern- movement of people across the border and build- The calls for transparency come as the govern- ment’s expenditures questionable. ing quarantine facilities, he said.

C M Y K SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 | 06 MONEY

FOREX US, Brazil in talks on US Dollar 121.65 Euro 137.61 funding to buy 5G Pound Sterling 153.65

Japanese Yen 11.33 gear from Ericsson, Chinese Yuan 17.19 Nokia: Paper Qatari Riyal 33.41

Australian Dollar 83.91 REUTERS SAO PAULO, JUNE 13 Malaysian Ringit 28.51 The United States is in talks with Saudi Arab Riyal 32.42 Brazil and its local telecommunica- Exchange rates fixed by Nepal Rastra Bank tions companies on funding the acqui- sition of fifth-generation gear pro- duced by Ericsson and Nokia, US PRICE PER TOLA ambassador for Brazil Todd Chapman BULLION told Brazilian newspaper Folha de S.Paulo. Fine Gold Rs 89,600 In an interview published on Thursday night, Chapman said this Silver Rs 935 type of funding is a matter of “nation- al security” to Washington and aims SOURCE: FENEGOSIDA to “protect data and intellectual prop- erty, as well as sensitive information of nations”. GASOLINE WATCH His remarks were a blow to the world’s largest telecoms equipment maker, China’s Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, which has consolidated its presence in Brazil over the last 20 years. The Chinese company has suc- cessfully conducted 5G tests with all four major carriers -- Telefonica Brasil SA, TIM Participacoes SA, America Movil’s Claro and Oi SA -- and is help- ing them modernise their infrastruc- ture ahead of a long-awaited 5G spec- trum auction. In August, Reuters reported Huawei would invest $800 million to build another factory in Brazil’s Sao Paulo state by 2022, pushing to ramp up its Latin American footprint despite US objections. US President Donald Trump’s administration has urged govern- ments worldwide, including Brazil, to POST PHOTO: DEEPAK KC shun Huawei because of spying con- Farmers plant rice at a field in Khokana, Lalitpur. Local governments across the country have loosened the lockdown for farmers following concerns that keeping tens of cerns but few have heeded those warn- thousands away from their fields during peak plantation season could lead to food shortages. ings so far. Construction of new international airport US Federal Reserve says in Pokhara on track despite lockdown ‘full range of tools’ in play Key equipment like lighting systems, communication and navigation aids, baggage handling and other goods, to counter pandemic however, have been stranded in Kolkata and Kerung. ASSOCIATED PRESS how long it could take labor market to WASHINGTON, JUNE 13 recover along with other renewed LAL PRASAD SHARMA bring workers from China and keep fears about the pandemic’s impact on POKHARA, JUNE 13 them in quarantine before allowing The Federal Reserve is promising to the economy helped trigger a huge them to work in the project but gov- use its “full range of tools” to pull selloff in the market on Thursday The Pokhara International Airport ernment hospitals were so busy that the country out of a recession brought with the Dow Jones industrial average project has achieved 59 percent of they denied conducting PCR tests on on by a global pandemic, signaling falling 1,861.82 points, or 6.9 percent. physical progress as of mid-June and the foreign workers. The test facility that it would keep interest rates low After the market plunge, President the facility is on track to be completed was not available at private hospitals, through 2022. Donald Trump sent out a tweet criti- by its stipulated deadline of July next said Munankarmi. In its semi-annual monetary policy cizing the Fed’s views that a full eco- year, despite the lockdown that According to the agreement, the report to Congress, the central bank nomic recovery could take a long time. impacted most of the development contractor company should complete said Friday that the Covid-19 outbreak “The Federal Reserve is wrong so projects in the country, the project the work by July 10, 2021, and then was causing “tremendous human and often,” Trump tweeted. “I see the officials said. hand it over to the government. economic hardship across the United numbers also, and do MUCH better The facility will serve as the aerial Sanjeev Khadka, a project engineer, States and around the world.” than they do. We will have a very gateway to the Annapurna region, one said that the project would be complet- In response, the Fed said it is “com- good Third Quarter, a great Fourth of Nepal’s major trekking destina- ed on schedule as they expect the mitted to using its full range of tools Quarter, and one of our best ever tions. The new airport is located at stranded equipment and goods to to support the US economy in this years in 2021.” Chinnedanda, 3 km east of the exist- arrive shortly. challenging time.” The report submitted to Congress ing domestic airport. The project con- As per the agreement, 25 percent of The Fed’s report comes two days this week included economic projec- tinued its construction activities dur- the loan from China EXIM Bank is after a policy meeting where the cen- tions from Powell and other top Fed ing the lockdown and currently, there POST PHOTO: LAL PRASAD SHARMA interest-free. The interest on the rest tral bank kept it benchmark interest officials. They showed that Fed are 250 Chinese and 100 Nepali work- Work in progress at the under-construction Pokhara International Airport. of the loan has been fixed at 2 percent rate at a record low of zero to 0.25 officials expect a steep drop in eco- ers working on the project daily. per annum. The loan repayment peri- percent and signaled that it planned to nomic growth of 6.4 percent this year The project has completed all 14 gage handling and other equipment unlikely now. China CAMC od has been fixed at 20 years, includ- keep it there through 2022. The Fed with unemployment remaining at a buildings including a terminal build- are expected to be delayed as the Engineering won the construction ing a grace period of seven years said it would continue to buy billions sharply elevated 9.3 percent through ing, air traffic control tower, immigra- certain equipment and goods are contract for the project in May 2014. where no interest will be charged. The of dollars of Treasury and mort- this year. A recently as February, tion office, customs, hangar, cargo, stranded in Kolkata, India and The construction work of the airport government will bear any risk from gage-backed securities to support the unemployment was at a half-century administrative, fire control, quaran- Kerung, China. was started in July 2017. The govern- fluctuations in the foreign exchange financial market. low of 3.5 percent, tine and rescue buildings. The project said that the issue relat- ment signed a $215.96 million soft loan rate. The airport is being built under Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome The economic projections showed Workers are currently working on ed to the stranded equipment and agreement with China EXIM Bank in the engineering procurement and con- Powell will testify before congression- that the Fed’s key interest rate, which the interior decoration of the con- goods has been relayed to the Prime March 2016 to finance the construc- struction model. al committees for two days next week, the central bank cut in March to a structed buildings. The drainage sys- Minister’s Office. The main road con- tion of the airport. Under this model, a single contrac- starting Tuesday, on the new report. record low near zero, is expected to tem including the runways, taxiways, necting the airport will be completed “But based on the current pace of tor takes responsibility for all compo- Lawmakers are expected to ask Powell remain at that level through the end international and domestic aprons within 10 days, project officials said. construction, we are confident that nents like design, engineering, con- to explain how the central bank plans of 2022 with only two of the 15 Fed have already been constructed. Vinesh Munankarmi, the chief of the project will be completed on time struction and procurement. to further support the economy dur- officials expecting a rate higher than The airport project faced a cement the project, said that construction if the stranded equipment and goods The contract binds the contractor to ing what is expected to be the steepest zero by late 2022. shortage during the lockdown but the would speed if the stranded equip- are delivered,” said Munankarmi. deliver the project at the stipulated economic downturn in the last 70 The Fed did not announce any new problem has been resolved now, pro- ment and goods were delivered. If there was no lockdown, the pro- time and predetermined price regard- years. Powell predicted this week that policy initiatives at its meeting this ject officials said. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the ject would have achieved 70 percent of less of any possible cost overruns. the recovery will likely be slow with week, but financial analysts believe However, works related to the instal- project contractor was hopeful that the physical progress by now,” he said. The government had acquired Americans “well into the millions” that those could be unveiled later this lation of runway lighting systems, the project would be completed six Initially, to increase the number of 3,106 ropanis of land for the airport unable to get their old jobs back. year, depending on how the economy communication and navigation, bag- months ahead of schedule but that’s workers, the project had planned to in 1975. Powell’s downbeat assessment of performs in the second half. Despite risks, Greek islands keen to reopen to tourists

ASSOCIATED PRESS the 20 percent, and we’re happy pany. Mosaic artist Irene Syrianou has and civil authorities. The health MYKONOS (GREECE), JUNE 13 because we know that’s what it will kept her workshop open despite the ministry will also have 11 futuris- be,” Theodorou said. lack of customers. “We watch the tic-looking “transit capsules” that can Mykonos’ newest bar-restaurant, “No matter how much we wish for it news and hope for the best,” she says, be used for patients heading to inten- Pelican, seemed to appear from and want it, it won’t be more than cracking pieces of marble into chips sive care facilities. nowhere. that. We expect that tourists from cen- with a hammer. “Each island will be attached to a Tables, coffee machines, light fit- tral Europe will come first, and hope- “Nearly all my customers are fully equipped mainland hospital,” tings, music mixers and staff wearing fully Americans at a later stage. They American, whether it’s buying pieces Kikilias said. matching black face masks were still are our best customers.” of art, making orders online, or Greece’s gamble follows a decade of being slotted into place as Greek visi- Timely and strictly enforced lock- attending classes I give during the tourism growth and increasing reli- tors trickled in at the start of a long down measures have so far kept the summer,” she said, before adding with ance on the industry, with annual vis- holiday weekend. Owner Vasilis infection rate in Greece low and the a chuckle: “So it’s going to be a tough itor numbers more than doubling Theodorou says he’s in a hurry to get death toll below 200. year. But I’m an artist and I’ve gone since 2010 to 34 million last year and back to business. But reopening means islands— hungry before.” revenue up 80 percent to some 18 bil- Greece is, too. many with only basic health facilities The government’s reopening policy lion euros ($20.2 billion). Heavily reliant on tourism, the and previously sheltered from the out- has been criticized by the left-wing During many of those years, the country officially opens to foreign break on the Greek mainland—will Syriza main opposition party, which country teetered on the brink of bank- arrivals Monday. Its hopes are pinned again be receiving visitors from argued tougher controls should be ruptcy and exit from the euro curren- on prime destinations like the islands around the world far in excess of the kept in place, with authorities only cy bloc, while Greeks endured harsh of Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Crete and local population. Mykonos Mayor permitting travel to those recently economic austerity in return for three Santorini, where regular ferry servic- Konstantinos Koukas told the AP that REUTERS tested in countries of origin. international bailouts. es have already resumed and direct islanders feel prepared and have clear A view of Oia, following the coronavirus disease outbreak, on the island of Santorini, Greece. Health Minister Vassilis Kikilias Tourism Minister Harry Theoharis, international flights will start July 1. government guidelines. Friday insisted that a safety net had once Greece’s top official for tax Greece has gambled on a decision to “We want to open back up and we would normally look very different in Perry and soccer great Cristiano been built for the islands—with con- and revenues, said Friday that the relax Covid-19 health inspections at are heading into the 2020 season with early June. Its winding whitewashed Ronaldo among a large crop of celebri- nections to each other and to main- country is determined to support its ports and airports to try to avoid optimism,” he said. “But we are fully streets would be packed. High-paying ties seen here in recent summers. land hospitals for testing and health tourism industry. another crippling recession, having aware that ... [it] will be nothing like customers would be spilling out of the This year, beaches are empty, rented evacuations. The network of doctors “We’re sending a clear message to only recently emerged from a painful the season in 2019—and hopefully bars, eyeing luxury storefronts and cars fill fenced-off lots, and most and support staff will be deployed the world’s traveling public that financial crisis. nothing like the season in 2021.” competing with crowds from cruise stores remain padlocked. Stray cats with the help of more than 100 mobile we won’t take a step back, either in “Business will be 80 percent An island that to many epitomizes ships for a restaurant table. VIP and the island’s mascot, a large, light units in cars and speed boats, and health safeguards or in opening up down [this year]. So we’re waiting for high-life and hedonism, Mykonos watchers have spotted pop star Katy pink pelican, roam the streets for com- backed by the coast guard, air force, the country.”

C M Y K 07 | SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 WORLD Brazil now second in coronavirus Beijing district in deaths as US states see rising cases ‘wartime emergency’ Worldwide, the pandemic has killed more than 425,000 people and infected more than 7.6 million. after virus cluster at

ment—44.2 million people have filed claims for jobless benefits since mid- March. major food market Worldwide, the pandemic has killed more than 425,000 people and infected REUTERS They plan for more than 10,000 peo- more than 7.6 million. BEIJING, JUNE 13 ple at the Xinfadi market to take nucle- In Italy, one of the countries hardest ic acid tests to detect coronavirus hit by the virus, prosecutors ques- A Beijing district put itself on a “war- infections. tioned Prime Minister Giuseppe time” footing and the capital banned According to the Xinfadi website, Conte over his government’s initial tourism and sports events on Saturday more than 1,500 tonnes of seafood, response. after a cluster of novel coronavirus 18,000 tonnes of vegetables and 20,000 In the country’s northern Lombardy infections centred around a major tonnes of fruit are traded at the mar- region, an investigation has been wholesale market sparked fears of a ket daily. launched into why a quarantined “red new wave of Covid-19. A city spokesman told the briefing zone” was not enforced around two Forty-five people out of 517 tested that all six Covid-19 patients con- towns sooner. And in Bergamo prov- with throat swabs at the Xinfadi mar- firmed in Beijing on Friday had visit- ince, 50 victims’ family members filed ket in the city’s southwestern Fengtai ed the Xinfadi market. complaints this week over how the district had tested positive for the The capital will suspend sports crisis was handled. coronavirus, Chu Junwei, a district events and tourists from other “All investigations are welcome. official, told a briefing. parts of China, effective immediately, The citizens have the right to know None were showing symptoms of he said. and we have the right to reply,” Conte Covid-19, he said, but added that 11 Beijing’s Yonghe temple and said this week. neighbourhoods in the vicinity of the National Theatre also announced they Elsewhere, British Airways, easy- market, which claims to be the largest would close from Saturday, and the Jet and Ryanair launched legal action agricultural wholesale market in city government said it had dropped against the British government over a Asia, had been locked down with plans to reopen schools on Monday for “flawed” 14-day coronavirus quaran- 24-hour guards put in place. students in grades one through three tine system introduced this week. “In accordance with the principle because of the new cases. Europe is pushing ahead with its of putting the safety of the masses exit from lockdown, with a number of and health first, we have adopted countries preparing to reopen borders lockdown measures for the Xinfadi Restrictions come on a limited basis on Monday after the market and surrounding neighbour- REUTERS EU Commission urged a relaxation of hoods,” Chu said. as concerns grow A man walks next to a graffiti depicting a cleaner wearing protective gear spraying viruses with the face of Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro restrictions. France said it would The district is in a “wartime emer- amid the coronavirus disease outbreak, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. gradually reopen its borders to gency mode,” he added. about a second wave non-Schengen countries from July 1. The closure of the market and new AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE 909 deaths in the past 24 hours, putting late last year. The region has recorded Greece said it would welcome tour- restrictions come as concerns grow of the pandemic. RIO DE JANIERO, JUNE 13 the total at 41,828—meaning the coun- more than 1.5 million infections and ists again, though Britons remain about a second wave of the pandemic, try of 212 million people has now sur- 76,000 deaths, with no signs the virus barred—and passengers from Italy, which has infected more than 7.66 Brazil has claimed the unenviable passed Britain’s death toll. is slowing. Spain and the Netherlands must million people worldwide and killed One person at an agricultural mar- position of having the second-highest Experts warn the actual number of In the US, which has confirmed the undergo tests on arrival. more than 420,000. ket in the city’s northwestern Haidian coronavirus death toll worldwide cases in Latin America’s biggest econ- most Covid-19 deaths—over 114,000— Germany said it would end land They also underline how even in district also tested positive for the behind the United States, where omy could be many times higher than more than a dozen states, including border checks on Monday. countries which have had great coronavirus, Chu said. several states have posted record daily the confirmed figure of 828,810. two of the most populous, Texas and And Italy said it would allow ama- success in curbing the spread of Highlighting the new sense of case totals, signalling the crisis is far “Some areas are at a critical stage” Florida, reported their highest-ever teur contact sports—including team the virus, clusters can sometimes alarm within the city, health authori- from over. in Brazil, with intensive care unit daily case totals this week. sports—from June 25. Yet world health easily arise. ties visited the home of a Reuters US and European stocks ended the occupancy levels of more than 90 per- “It’s important that we remember officials have warned that the virus is The entire Xinfadi market was shut reporter in Beijing’s Dongcheng dis- week on an upswing after a rout cent, World Health Organization that this situation is unprecedented. far from contained. down at 3 a.m. on Saturday (1900 GMT trict on Saturday to ask whether she sparked by the US data and fresh evi- emergencies director Mike Ryan told And that the pandemic has not ended,” In evidence of the continued threat, on Friday), after two men working at a had visited the Xinfadi market, which dence of the economic damage caused journalists in Geneva. Robert Redfield, director of the eleven residential estates in the south- meat research centre who had recent- is 15 km (9 miles) away. They said the by virus-related lockdowns, with Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, Centers for Disease Control and ern part of the Chinese capital were ly visited the market were reported to visit was part of patrols Dongcheng British GDP shrinking by a record who threatened last week to quit the Prevention, told a media briefing on locked down due to a fresh cluster of have the virus. It was not immediately was conducting. 20.4 percent in April. WHO over “ideological bias,” has dis- Friday. coronavirus cases linked to a nearby clear how they had been infected. And following reports in state-run Meanwhile, in several European missed the virus as a “little flu,” and Nevertheless, US President Donald meat market, officials said on On Saturday, market entrances were newspapers that the coronavirus was countries, the focus shifted to the berated state officials for imposing Trump and many local officials Saturday. In India, experts are warn- blocked and police stood guard. discovered on chopping boards used courts, and who might eventually be lockdowns. remain determined to get the world’s ing the worst is far from over. Deaths Beijing authorities had earlier halted for imported salmon at the market, pinned with the blame for the global Latin America is the latest epicen- biggest economy back on track. from coronavirus in New Delhi are beef and mutton trading at the market major supermarkets in Beijing financial and health crisis. tre in the world’s battle with the novel The virus and resulting lockdowns almost twice as high as official figures and had closed other wholesale mar- removed salmon from their shelves Brazil’s health ministry recorded coronavirus, which emerged in China have caused a spike in US unemploy- show, a city leader said. kets around the city. overnight.

BRIEFING Minneapolis City Council resolves to China sentences Australian to death in fresh blow to relations replace police with SYDNEY: An Australian man has been sentenced to death in China, authori- community-led model ties said on Saturday, a development that could further escalate tensions REUTERS between the two countries. MINNEAPOLIS, JUNE 13 Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it was provid- The Minneapolis City Council has ing consular assistance to the man, unanimously passed a resolution to without identifying him. Australian pursue a community-led public and Chinese media have identified safety system to replace the police the man as Cam Gillespie, arrested department following the death seven years ago on charges of drug of George Floyd at the hands of the trafficking in southern China. city’s police. China’s foreign ministry did not The move comes days after a veto- immediately respond to a request for proof majority of the council voted to comment on Saturday. Attempts to disband the police department after reach Gillespie’s family were unsuc- the country erupted in protest over cessful. “We are deeply saddened to the killing of Floyd, a black man who hear of the verdict made in his died when a white police officer knelt case,” the Australian foreign affairs on his neck for nearly nine minutes. department said. “The murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, by Minneapolis police officers is a tragedy that shows that no Pompeo to meet China’s top amount of reforms will prevent lethal diplomat in Hawaii violence and abuse by some members WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State of the Police Department against Mike Pompeo will meet China’s top members of our community, diplomat Yang Jiechi in Hawaii, try- especially Black people and people of ing to ease tensions between the REUTERS colour,” five council members wrote world’s two largest economies over Dancers wearing face shields perform as the government eases restrictions amid the coronavirus disease outbreak in Tangerang, outskirts of Jakarta, Indonesia on Saturday. in the resolution. various issues, according to media reports. Pompeo was planning the trip “quietly” and the arrangements were not yet finalised, Politico said. Pompeo has been vocal in criticising China on a range of issues from the World joins US protests but leaders restrained about Trump origins of the coronavirus pandemic to its Hong Kong policy to the treat- ment of its ethnic and religious ASSOCIATED PRESS listen, we need to learn, and we need have been anticipated—in more than minorities. The US State Department BERLIN, JUNE 13 to work hard to fix, to figure out how 14 years as chancellor, she has steered and the Chinese embassy in we can be part of the solution on fix- clear of ever critiquing allied world Washington did not immediately People have taken to the streets of ing things,” he said. leaders—but even leaders who typical- respond to requests for comment. Berlin, London, Paris and other cities German Chancellor Angela Merkel ly support Trump, like Hungary’s around the world to demonstrate in sidestepped questions from ZDF pub- Viktor Orban or Israel’s Benjamin support of Black Lives Matter protest- lic television about Trump last week, Netanyahu have stayed silent on Facebook fires employee who ers in the United States and to vent saying the killing of Floyd was “really, this issue. anger over President Donald Trump’s really terrible. Racism is something British Prime Minister Boris protested Trump post inaction response to the police killing of terrible, and society in the United Johnson, who has sought to cultivate SAN FRANCISCO: Facebook fired an George Floyd in Minnesota. States is very polarized.” close ties with Trump, called Floyd’s employee who had criticised Chief But at the top, the leaders of tradi- When pressed, she conceded that death “appalling” and said people Executive Mark Zuckerberg’s deci- tional allies of the United States have Trump’s “political style is a very con- have a “right to protest to make their sion not to take action against inflam- taken pains to avoid criticizing Trump troversial one” but would go no fur- feelings known about injustices such matory posts by US President Donald directly, walking a fine line to recon- ther when asked if she had confidence as what happened to George Floyd” Trump this month, citing his tweet cile international diplomacy with in him. A combination of factors are but urged peaceful demonstrations. challenging a colleague’s silence on domestic outrage. at work, including diplomatic courte- Britain has seen several protests the issue. Brandon Dail, a user inter- Canadian Prime Minister Justin sy but also pragmatism based on the turn violent, and last weekend demon- face engineer in Seattle, wrote on Trudeau let silence speak for itself possibility that Trump will be re-elect- strators in Bristol toppled the Twitter that he was dismissed for when asked to comment on the deci- ed to another four years in November, statue of a 17th-century slave publicly scolding a colleague who had sion to forcibly clear peaceful protest- said Sudha David-Wilp, deputy direc- trader. They also spray-painted an refused to include a statement of sup- ers outside the White House to make tor of the Berlin office of the German iconic statue of former Prime port for the Black Lives Matter move- way for a Trump photo-op at a nearby Marshall Fund think tank. REUTERS Minister Winston Churchill in ment on developer documents he was church, standing pensively at his lec- “It wouldn’t be proper for his peers Protesters participate in a Black Lives Matter rally to raise awareness of Aboriginal deaths in London, calling him “a racist.” publishing. Dail sent the tweet a day tern apparently mulling his answer to criticize, especially when it’s very custody, in solidarity with those in the United States protesting the death in Minneapolis France’s Emmanuel Macron, who after joining dozens of employees, for more than 20 seconds before obvious that they are concerned that police custody of George Floyd, in Perth, Australia, on Saturday. has in the past steered clear of criti- including the six other engineers on answering that Canada also suffered the United States is going through an cizing Trump specifically but has his team, in abandoning their desks from “systemic discrimination”— incredibly difficult time—you have But she said it’s difficult for leaders liberal democracy, such as the protec- been vocal in speaking out against and tweeting objections to never mentioning the American the triple whammy of an economic like Trudeau and Merkel, who “are tion of minorities, such as the free- policies like the wine tariffs intro- Zuckerberg’s handling of Trump’s president. depression, health crisis and now, of seen as defenders of liberal democra- dom of assembly, such as the freedom duced by the administration, has not posts in a rare protest at the social “We need to be allies in the fight course, social unrest due to questions cy, and President Trump has trampled of the press.” made a public appearance since Floyd media company. (AGENCIES) against discrimination, we need to of racism,” she said. on many of the values that undergird Merkel’s verbal gymnastics could was killed on May 25.

C M Y K SUNDAY, JUNE 14, 2020 | 08 FICTION PARK (C.R.P.D.) - 3/052/053 A note to a long lost love ‘Do you know the reason why the sun is jubilant? It is because it has served its purpose for the day.’

SAYUJYARAJ GHIMIRE because it has served its purpose for this day, and with the same excitement and joy, ithout uttering a sin- it will again rise tomorrow morning and gle word, he kept on share its glee. So what I am trying to say is rhythmically nod- that fear is nothing but a void vessel inside ding his head. The one’s conscience that will always try to violin piece was of break down a person’s strength, confi- course a master- dence and inner will. If you conquer your Wpiece. He held a Cuban cigar in his left fears and try to fulfil your purpose like the hand and was dressed in a silk gown that sun does every dawn and dusk, you will hid his silvery torso hair. The piece realise in no time that how your fears came out of a small, old fashioned bat- transfigured itself into your strengths. So tery-operated radio set. He loved Ileana, I don’t have any fears.” Paganini, and all his gilt-edged composi- With these words, Nairitya concluded tions. He began humming in euphony his thoughts as Ileana relished the beauti- with the magnificent sound that the ‘dev- ful view of the sun down leaning her head il’s violinist’ played in his beloved II on his flabby arm. Cannone.  Suddenly, a loud thud drew his atten- Present Day tion away from the melody. It was quite Dear Nairu, bizarre to expect someone at the wee How have you been all these years? I hours of the morning. He gazed know things have been a little edgy for a at his antique wristwatch and while now. Are you even taking your noticed the time to be exactly 5:55 am. At meds properly? I hope you are doing well. least he didn’t barge into my room, he When you read this letter, I may or may wondered and walked towards the not be in this world, but you don’t have to wooden door. The thud came to a rest panic at all. Like you used to say, fear is when he opened the door and welcomed just a void, an idle human emotion. And I the visitor. don’t fear anything now. “Aren’t you the stationery boy?” asked SHUTTERSTOCK During my bedridden days at the hospi- Nairitya in a weary voice.  relentlessly on his left arm in disarray. tal, I was visited by my family and friends. “Yes, buwa. How are you doing?” August, 1970 Irked by her action, he gave a sarcastic And all I could see in their eyes was fear, answered the boy as he made his way Life in med school was quite hectic. From Tears rolled down his smirk as a reply. the fear of losing me. Even when I real- inside. early morning classes to long, languid “Nairu, please answer me, will you?” ised how much my dear ones loved me, it Nairitya nodded his head feebly as evenings in the wards, time was like a wrinkled skin as he Sluggishly closing the textbooks, didn’t break me. I didn’t fear at all and I his eyes were automatically glued to a prized possession. But even in those cha- began to ponder over Nairitya stood up on his feet and sig- understood the meaning of life, what my festooned gift box which the boy had otic hours, love never missed its worth. It nalled her to come with him. It was a purpose was. And it all concluded to one brought with him. It was perfectly was the first time when Ileana saw bittersweet memories. chilly winter evening and the façade was thing: I lived a life showering uncondi- wrapped in a flamboyant plastic-like Nairitya. Decked up in a clean ironed spruced up by the sublime scenery of the tional love, the love that I would never paper that was crumpled up into a rose. white coat, with a stethoscope around his setting sun. Nairitya and Ileana sat down ever regret giving, the love that I would The décor of the box was quite admirable. blobby neck, his genuine smile was what on a rusty bench that was placed under- want to preserve for lifetime. And love Before Nairitya could clear up the doubts she fell in love with. Nairitya wasn’t a the patient, Ileana handed a small piece neath the Jacaranda tree, which stood and fear don’t go together, Nairu. about the box, the boy promptly handed it well-built, attractive man. Anyone could of note into his hand leisurely and whis- just a stone’s throw away from the college I had the chance to love you and I show- to him. recognise him from his characteristic pered: “Read it secretly.” gateway. As the sun took its final breath, ered you my love wholeheartedly. I still “This is for you, buwa. A lady came up large, chubby cheeks and a potbelly. But Nairitya was dumbfounded seeing her Nairitya finally put his thoughts into remember when you had planned how to our store just a while ago and told me to for Ileana, his smile was enough to give action as a myriad of thoughts began words. our 50th anniversary would be like, sip- deliver it to you.” her butterflies in her stomach. engulfing him. Later that night while he “Do you know why people have fears?” ping champagne on a beachside hotel “Did you happen to ask her It was during the ward placement when was making his bed, he took out the note “What do you mean?” asked Ileana in somewhere distant enjoying the serene name?” asked Nairitya, with a frown on she plucked up the courage to confess her from his pocket where he had kept, and bewilderment. evening sea breeze. But look how life his face. love. Nairitya was very studious and he unfolded it to fathom the missive. It read: “From the day you were born to today, became a rollercoaster for us. The boy shook his head and sauntered was the one everyone would look for to “I lobe you, Nairu”, which was penned have you ever thought of something trag- This is not a farewell letter, Nairu. This out of the room. The box was as big as the clear their doubts. Ileana knew she down in cursive with a tiny diagram of ic that would befall you? I guess the is a letter to thank you for teaching me to size of his fist, so he was sure the gift couldn’t gamble this opportunity. the brain drawn beneath it. And with answer would be a no. Just look at the always overcome my fears and turn them would be something miniature. A ring? A “Can you teach me how to perform the time, Nairitya didn’t even realise how sun, Ileana” said Nairitya, taking a big into my strength, a letter you would small watch? He wasn’t quite sure what shifting dullness test, Nairitya?” Ileana those beautiful pen strokes of Ileana had sigh. rejoice reading, a letter from your dear he was receiving until he tore down the asked timidly. metamorphosed itself into a love philter. Ileana stared at the setting sun as she one. case and uncovered a note that was writ- Her soothing, high-pitched voice was  began to feel a sense of tranquillity Your beloved, ten in cursive. In a split second, he recog- unmistakable. Nairitya was taken aback January, 1971 plunge into her. Seeing her unperturbed, Ileana nised the handwriting. Tears rolled down by her hasty approach but couldn’t deny “What is your greatest fear, Nairu?” asked Nairitya continued. his wrinkled skin as he began to ponder her request. But little did he know at the Ileana keenly. “Look how the sun is happily bidding Nairitya couldn’t control his emotion over bittersweet memories, moments he time, how soon he’d fall in love with her. Nairitya was busy highlighting notes goodbye to everyone. Do you know the and rejoiced in happiness, as Caprice No. could never let slip. As he was teaching her how to percuss for the practical exam. Ileana poked him reason why the sun is jubilant? It is 24 kept resonating in the background.

Published and Printed by Kantipur Publications Pvt. Ltd., Central Business Park, Thapathali, Kathmandu, Nepal, P. B. No. 8559, Phone: 5135000, Fax: 977-1-5135057, e-mail: [email protected], Regd. No. 32/049/050, Chairman & Managing Director: Kailash Sirohiya, Director: Swastika Sirohiya, Editor: Sanjeev Satgainya