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academic Pitamber Sharma. “And doing it hurriedly, during Dasain, without political consultation, was like hoodwinking the people.” Several others took the decision as proof Is Crown Princeof the constitutional ambivalence Paras about palace affairs, and agreed that as a modern monarchy there should have been an effort by the palace towards more transparency. One left-leaning politician told us: “We understand mending his ways?that the king really had no choice, all we are questioning is the procedure and timing.” Said another: “What it showed is that the people muted. Most surprising was Bam Dev Gautamtrust the monarchy, but the monarchy still of the Marxist-Leninists, the very party that does not trust the people enough to take a He’s writing poetry, so he must be.staged anti-Paras demos outside Nirmal Niwasdecision like this without consulting parlia- KUNDA DIXIT last August. Gautam said: “The declaration of ment.” Whatever the case, both supporters and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ to terms with the numbing reality of the opponents of the decision agree that Crown epending on who you talk to, King killings. Even those still sceptical about the Crown Prince has happened according to Prince Paras has a public relations challenge Gyanendra’s appointment of his son Dipendra’s involvement were getting on with royal traditions and constitutional provisions.” ahead of him, and needs to be careful about and heir apparent, Paras, as Crown their lives. King Gyanendra, who had the throne In a measured response, Narahari Acharya D his behaviour here on. Prince on Dasain Tika day was either a thrust on him, had been subtly trying to changeof the ruling Nepali Congress: “Nepalis have Already there are signs that he is masterstroke or callous disregard for the public perception in his favour through the right to be assured of the character and sentiments of the Nepali people. carefully calibrated media exposure. This is whybehaviour of a person who will sit on the mending his ways. The Five months after the 1 June royal everyone thought he would wait before doing throne.” massacre, most Nepalis had just started comingthe inevitable: naming his unpopular son crown The main opposition UML’s Madhav prince. Nepal, who had no comment last week, did one After all, Paras had been in the news for allof his rapid turnarounds: “The royal family the wrong reasons. Known as a royal brat, he should move with the times, the monarchy had been involved in hit-and-run incidents, theneeds to be more transparent, especially in the Weekly Internet Poll # 6 latest on the night of 6 August 2000, when hispost-massacre phase when it is insecure.” Q. Should the number of national holidays in NepalPajero allegedly ran down musician Praveen Although he knows his son’s reputation, be reduced? Himalaya Times Gurung. There was a public outcry, angry King Gyanendra didn’t have any other choice. Wednesday printed a front page piece with editorials and street protests calling for the He and his son are the only male members leftexcerpts of verses penned by Paras after wayward prince to be stripped of his title. in the royal family after the massacre, and the the royal massacre: Praveen’s family decided not to pursue the case,prolonged absence of a line of succession would and there were reports that his widow was have been highly unusual. Said one source close Before my eyes, I lost all offered Rs 1 million. to the royal family: “There are so many What did my helpless eyes have Paras later earned some measure of public procedures and traditional functions that need a to see. goodwill when the Keshab Upadhyay probe crown prince to be present, and this is why My luckless eyes, committee report detailed how he had saved thethere was a degree of urgency.” One of these was Their luckless ears, lives of several royal family members on the the need to name a royal They believe what they hear night of 1 June by shielding them from caretaker when the King and Not what they see. Dipendra. And lately, Paras has been seen moreQueen Komal travel abroad, frequently on television, at official and religiouswhich could be soon for the functions. Many in Kathmandu were followingQueen’s health check-up in Selected responses on p. 8 Total votes: 1632 the palace’s efforts to rehabilitate Paras, but werethe UK. Even so, critics of the surprised it happened so soon. Sources said decision to name Paras crown The world’s most reliable even palace and government officials only heardprince are not satisfied. “Here is a it on Radio Nepal’s morning news on 26 man who at the very least owes UPS for PCs October. the Nepali public an apology,” says Recommended by Microsoft, It was shrewd timing. The country was IBM, NEC and Novell closed for Dasain, and most political parties were in hibernation. Immediate reaction was

Editorial p2 Back-UPS 500 Times of Nepal • Compact design with surge protected Puskar Bhusal outlet for Laser printers Coming soon:The Himalayan N Ram p7 • Three battery back-up outlets • Lightning and surge suppression • EMI/RFI filters for noise filtration Just when you thought Kathmandu could take no more, another English daily newspaper is coming to town. Communication interface port (auto national interest and have recently stepped up their opposition. • BINOD BHATARAI shutdown for all major desktop OS) ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ P Kharel, a former editor at • Quickswap™ battery replacement Ram Pradhan had just written a hard-hitting editorial suggesting that sovereign Nepalis The Rising Nepal, says: “Media is a very sensitive sector Quick Recharge after power outages deserve an explanation for King Gyanendra’s decision during Dasain to name his son • crown prince. and that is why foreign investment should be rejected outright, including in radio and • Save battery power with user television.” Kharel says even India with its tradition of free press does not allow foreign adjustable option switches But the public won’t get to read the editorial. It went into the Tuesday editioninvestment of the in media, so why should we? One of the staunchest critics of Indian entry into • Industry approval (safe & reliable) dummy run of Kathmandu’s newest English daily, tentatively called Nepali media is MP and former journalist, Raghuji Pant: “It will weaken Nepali independ- The Himalayan, set ®®® ence, dilute our patriotism, give wrong information and confuse Nepalis.” to hit the stands sometime in November. Not everyone agrees. Academic Pratyoush Onta, writing in this paper in August Legendary ReliabilitySM Authorized Distributor “This is what we believe every Nepali is asking today,” says Pradhan, a 25-year(“What to do when Big Brother knocks”, #55), argued that foreign competition would veteran editor. “We have a four-man, all-Nepali editorial team that decidesactually our opinion, enhance professionalism in Nepali media. “What is really at work behind this and it will remain that way as long as I am here.” This last remark is to assuagebogey critics of nationalism who is fear that the mediocrity of those who rule the Nepali media world Computerland Building, New Plaza, Ramshahpath, Kathmandu have lashed out at the new venture for its Indian links. Rival media groups,will politicians be further exposed,” Onta wrote. Tel: 430858, 430859, 431199, 431746 Fax: 430641 and some journalists maintain that foreign ownership of media is detrimental to the E-mail: [email protected] Go to p9 The Total Solutions Company Northwest and KLMomotional pr es far to USA andope Eur om frfropefr Kathmandu.

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For details please contact your nearest travel agent or call us at 410089, e-mail:[email protected] North West / KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Lekhnath Marg, Kathmandu. *Fare prices are subject to change of the 222 EDITORIAL 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 333 Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor:Kunda Dixit Editor:Anagha Neelakantan Design:Swosti Rajbhandari, Kiran Maharjan [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com LETTERS Advertising:Sunaina Shah, Anup Adhikary LETTERS [email protected] Subscription:Anil Karki [email protected] have been lapses in the argument, the preponderance Sales:Sudan Bista [email protected] ones who always get blamedpast, yes, but we cannot Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur BAHUNS dalits andjanajatis in of Bahuns in civil service, I am overwhelmed to find the GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-543333-7, for whatever goes wrong in changethe the picture by simply Fax: 01-521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press: 01-521393 Kanak Mani Dixit in “Bahuns nation building, but this doespolitical leadership and othershort but true war analysis country, and people like Dorcondemning them or giving and the Nepali State” (#65) not mean they should get animportant sectors can be by Daniel Lak (“Collateral Bahadur Bista (author of more opportunities to the so- seems to have completely opportunity to replace well- accounted for by the Bahuns’damage”, #65) in your called underprivileged. It is overlooked the fact that a trained and competent superior educational qualifica-Internet edition. I agree the attitude that needs to be TIMES OFNEPAL good majority of Bahuns inFatalism and Development, people just because of tions. As a member of an about the failure of diplo- JUG SURAIYA ANDNEELABHMISHRA/BYARRANGEMENTWITHTHETIMESOFINDIA changed—the attitude of the remote parts of the countryanother example of intellec- belonging to a particular ethnic group keenly followingmacy and politics by the After the restoration of democracy in 1990, we have seen in Nepal an explosion of whole people, including are living in poverty, are tual mediocrity) and Dixit fail ethnic group. The only way tothe issue, I would love to hearUnited Sates and its allies expression. In fact, if there is a single pillar of democracy that we can say is those of the underprivileged. uneducated and unsophisti-to, or simply pretend not, to ensure greater participationwhat our ethnic activists haveas well as the approach relatively robust, it is the media. The Panchayat-era taboos are gone, there are a very Is Kanak Mani Dixit who he is cated—very much like theknow this. of non-Bahuns is to give to say about this counter- taken by the global mass few holy cows left, and the freedom to publish and broadcast a wide spectrum of counterparts he has com- today because of his abili- argument. Dixit and the Dixit writes about his friend them access to good educa- media in covering this crisis. political opinion has bestowed on our adolescent democracy a remarkable resilience. ties, or simply because he is editorial team in Nepali TimesMany are deviating from the Freedom is a safety valve that makes our polity less brittle, society itself more Tashi being summoned by a Bahun? deserve plaudits for openlybasic norms of journalism, malleable. Outwardly, it is easy to mistake this freedom for a free-for-all, and the this Bahun/Chettri looking discussing an issue that and this is a major test for powerful who are in the media glare would prefer to get on with dealing in the gentleman. Why doesn’t he largely remains a taboo in thethe world’s media. The shadows. But those who have personally profited from democracy and have in the write about the numerous mainstream media. The promises expressed by process given the system a bad name must realise that it is, paradoxically, this same incidents where Bahuns are solution pointed out by Dixitleaders is involved in this war freedom that protects their interests. insulted by other ethnic also admirable as it prudently Hari Sharma Dahal are also going to be tested. It is only because all shades of opinion are allowed to be aired in public that groups? Dixit makes Bahuns steers clear of extreme Let us hope for a quick end who have nothing to do with Dharan tension and resentment do not fester. A free press allows Nepali society to let off positions taken by some of the war and peace in the steam. There are very few places in the world where an underground party what goes on in the country radical elements on both world. unnecessarily guilty about committed to a violent overthrow of the state is allowed to openly own and publish Congratulations to Kanak sides of the divide. their heritage. OK, I admit a slew of newspapers. Where else would guerrilla leaders also be columnists for Mani Dixit for being bold and certain Bahun prime ministers mainstream papers? honest on the issue of ethnic have screwed up the country, A vibrant media has reinforced the public sphere, it has made the citizenry more groups being under-repre- but haven’t there been prime sented in Nepali politics and alert, it has fostered awareness and cemented Nepali society with a collective ministers from other ethnic government administrative consciousness. Production quality, values, content, and the sheer range of public groups who have been equally Shital Bhandary jobs. With a long history of opinion makes the Nepali media today unrecognisable from what it was pre-1990. unsuccessful? Is the Nepali Tijuana, Mexico The deregulation and corporatisation of the Nepali media in the past 12 years have Times brave enough to Ram Limbu been driven by a simple fact: professionalism and credibility sell better than bias publish this letter? I suppose and gossip. natabad andkripabad , Sydney TIKAPUR not. All this should have meant that media should have grown on a healthy trajectory. pared them with. Bahuns Nepal was bound to have tion. The true enemy is Thanks to CK Lal for cover- may have 98 percent of the this unfair and unjust illiteracy, not Bahuns. Let’s Hats off to Kanak Mani Dixit ingfor Tikapur in his regular Alas, it hasn’t. Traditional news values push the media to focus on confrontation and civil service jobs, but how STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL representation. For a long not disturb our socio-culturaltaking on such a controversialcolumn (“Nothing to do in conflict, on the shallow and negative, the sensational and titillating. The media then about for other industries? Tikapur”, #64). During my sets off a self-perpetuating cycle of cynicism that hurts national morale and time, Bahuns have had theharmony by scapegoating topic even though he himself What made Dixit concentrate three years stay at the self-esteem. upper hand in Nepali poli- one ethnic group. I belong tobelongs to the Bahun commu- on Bahuns in the civil tics, and that grip has a new generation of Bahuns, adjoining bazaar of Rajapur,

PICS: JAN SALTER/ FACES OF NEPAL FACES PICS: JAN SALTER/ nity. I am a girl of 18, and There is now a bandwagon effect in the Nepali daily broadsheet market with at service? For example, if he Trailokya Raj Aryalincreased. As a boy in I don’t have any prejudice unfortunately I have felt the Bardiya, my family of three least five papers scrambling for a share of the pie. The FM business in the Valley is looked at businesses, it predominantly Newari against Dailts or janjatis. I superior attitude among thewere regular visitors of the saturated. Television is the next frontier, and the unseemly wheeling and dealing that would be dominated by the Kathnmandu Memories of the future community, I was advised tobelieve in freedom and parbatiyas about other Bangla garden. It is a well- has accompanied the license for private cable TV shows that it must be very Newars. Travel and tourism be a doctor, engineer or democracy, fair play and communities that Dixit talksknown picnic spot for people lucrative for all concerned. There is a similar fracas for licenses for terrestrial would be where Gurungs, There is no system better thanbusinessman when I grewjustice. I don’t want to be about. It is necessary to from Nepalgunj, television. Rais and others hold democracy. We cannot go up. But never a politician orblamed for the injustices ofaddress these grievances andMahendranagar and The electro-magnetic spectrum is the property of the Nepali people, it does not prestigious positions. But The shame of the present political mess makes the pain of back to an autocratic system.a my ancestors. the oppressive psyche nowSurkhet. so Mismanagement, taking only the civil service belong to the minister of the day, it does not belong to private interests in perpetuity As Dixit points out, our country that it does not erupt into over staffing and politics or diplomacy. The book may not statistics to conclude that even if it is awarded by a passing politician. There must be anti-trust legislationthe to past more intense. still remains an incomplete violence later. It is a long andpoliticisation are the three have a political agenda, but it is not Bahuns are responsible for prevent the concentration of multi-media ownership in the hands of private democracy. We should be jagire. My elders gave me difficult job, but it is importantlegs of a dangerous tripod monopolies. difficult to spot traces of advocacy for the ill fate of Nepal shows able now to find gaps in eachthis advice not because they to tackle it head-on. After all,that it prohibits the progress narrow vision. This is “dog The imminent arrival of a fourth English daily in Kathmandu as an Indian joint-eading history is often depressing, harsh realities. In a language that will notSubarna Shumsher faction of Nepali sector of our democratic hated these professions but doesn’t really matter whetherof the park. People of ate my home work” type of venture has raised nationalistic hackles. Why should we allow Indians to enterbecause our it’s essentially a record of please even a secondary school teacher ofCongress in it. When a learned person system and correct it. Onceperhaps they tried and they we are Bahun, Chettri, Rai orTikapur are still recalling analysis. The real problem is media market when India itself has banned foreign ownership of media, they ask.human failings—tales of those whoEnglish language (“He had killed too like Dr Pokharel makes an attempt to the system functions well, were severely discouraged Gurung. We are all Nepalis.the dedication made by R lack of proper education, late Khadga Bahadur They will influence our public opinion and dictate our national policy, others fume. It is pursue an agenda, extra care is always there will not be any discrimi-to be in such a field. I do not could have changed the course of historymany birds with one stroke” and “Their let’s not make any one interesting to reflect on what this says about the Nepali media’s own self-confidence, nation to Nepalis—Brahminknow or whether Bahuns are to Singh. His untimely de- for the better, but didn’t. They let the economy was not strong enough to taken to shroud the intention in the veils community a scapegoat and how fragile we think our nationalism is. If this is how weak we are, then we otherwise. Dixit has also putbe blamed exclusively for the mise was a tragedy. As support them”), but will be of immense of impartiality, sincerity and spontane- here. probably deserve some solid competition. opportunity pass, and allowed the society forward the idea of propor-sorry state of the country, but indicated by Lal, Tikapur ity. F Nepal C’mon, let’s grow up. Why do we weaken ourselves with paranoia? Let’sto fall build into another morass. delight to researchers looking for cultural tional representation from one thing is clear: this poor could become the educa- Dr Pokharel will not take offence if I tion hub of mid and Far- instead on our strengths, and one of them is a media that is at the moment theEdward freest Gibbon says in his tome on thevariety in expressions (“We had felt the each ethnic group. This mayrepresentation has to end USA Aacista Gurung western Nepal because it in the region. real taste of sugarcane after having tastedwere to suggest that his experiences were contradict the basic principleand I am sure the domi- Kathmandu of the majority in a democracy. has already a well devel- Media is traditionally too lazy for introspection. Besides, daily deadlineDecline pressures and Fall of Roman Empire, the bitterness of neem”), Dr Pokharel of the less extreme kind compared to the nance of Bahuns will erodeI was very moved by Kanak as education spreads. Some oped infrastructure. don’t give us time to take a step back and look at ourselves in perspective.“History...is If we did, indeed little more than the remembers the days of suffering that he children of many other Nepali Congress Mani Dixit’s analysis. I am TRUTH of my best friends are Tikapur, like the rest of we’d see that journalism is much more than being a passive recorder of registerevents. of Our the crimes, follies, and misfor- endured as a child in Tanahu and in exilesupporters all over the country. Subarna not a communal janjati. I As I cross my fingers and Bahuns, they are no different Nepal, needs sound role goes beyond the ego fill of a byline in tomorrow morning’s newspaper.tunes of mankind.” But then, it is history in India. Shamsher had the reputation of being would be moved even if I hope that my long awaited trip than me. For me this ques- management and again that shows that the survival instinct more generous to those who were were a Bahun. I am an to Nepal scheduled for For their part, media owners have to see their products as something much more For Dr Pokharel, it is a pleasant tion of Newar vs Bahun/ depoliticisation. The road BP Poudyal idealist and believe in justiceNovember is not cancelled important than the bottom line. There is a responsibility here that comes fromalmost carrying always triumphs—despite the journey back in time. He has exorcised personally loyal to him compared to the Chettri is not relevant. More linking Tikapur garden Richmond, California and fairness. We may havedue to recent events, I thought out a public service: the service of informing, interpreting and explaining setbackindepend- that it has to suffer on its way to the ghosts of his past and is one of the activists that were reckless enough to relevant is a good blend of from the Mahendra High- different value systems, butI would take a moment to ently, objectively and without a hidden agenda. It is about creating outrageeternity, about or apocalypse, depending upon the persist with their loyalty to BP Koirala. representation from all way at Lamki should be more successful professionals to come we all agree on certain browse the Internet for some injustice, blowing the whistle on wrongdoers. And this will not happen ifway we youare look so at the destiny of humanity. Memory is always selective, and Dr I applaud your efforts in ethnicities in our bureauc- black-topped. The garden out from families with universally accepted and information from your part of swamped with the immediate, with the over-riding desire to please political patrons or pointing out the sociologicalracy and politics. should be divided into But hunting for the past does have its Pokharel refrains from remembering the Imit Sams appreciated human values.the world. I was quite inter- the market. a Nepali Congress consequences of the Brahmin different parts and a part rewards for hard-core way Subarna Shumsher loyalists were given by email Dixit’s approach is humane,ested to see your editorial At a time when hopelessness and helplessness abound, when there is yearning background. He dominance in Nepali society should be developed as kid-glove treatment even when the minions forgiving and generous. He(“Truth is the first casualty”, for a vision that will unite the crushed fragments of our nation, we owe itaficionados. to our- Rummag- and politics. Our society is still mini-zoo to attract domes- studied in India, of the Panchayat ruthlessly prosecuted could easily be another one#65). Do not jump to the selves and the Nepali people to restore trust, find faith, and protect our freedoming through with the Why is it that everyone in in the feudal-medieval age tic tourists. went to Greece for a of those arrogant, self- conclusion that as an Ameri- its complete application. dustbins of history in Koirala supporters in the seventies. Nepal hates Bahuns? Andregardless whether we are in centered, narcisistic and can, I am going to defend our contemporary memoirs degree in architec- What makes this book more why doesn’t anyone dare the 21st century or not. The There is a lot that is wrong with Nepal, but we are not doomed. In these jaded “DBK” (worst of all) selfish Nepalis.national media. Indeed, as a ture, and then got a come forward to defend Brahmin (priest) is the me- times, media is also in the business of replenishing hope. of persons in public life, important is the way it depicts the However, he has judiciouslyformer journalist, I have been them against allegations thatdium between god and New Jersey you occasionally stumble doctoral degree failure of armed struggle waged by the chosen to feel for Nepal’s appalled at the media’s they are ruining the country?humans. This medium of upon dry bones of from Massachu- Nepali Congress. I think there is lesson indigenous janjatis beating of the proverbial war Either Kanak Mani Dixit feelsinterpretation of the super- nostalgia. You try to chew in it for Messers Pushpa Kamal Dahal While I agree with Kanak drum which has been heard setts Institute of guilty about being a Bahun,natural gives the Brahmin Mani Dixit’s argument that across the vast stretches of upon it until the throb of Technology in and Baburam Bhattarai. They need to or he simply believes in whatextreme power. It is natural for there is a need of greater this land, from purple moun- your cerebral vein threat- ask themselves: isn’t it history repeating he hears. human beings to be inclined the United participation from all ethnic tains, seas of grain... you ens to burst. And then you itself in the Peoples’ War, but this time towards self-preservation . I do not States. After I admit there isn’t equal groups, I don’t believe in know the rest. I could not weep. To be born is to as farce? Dr Pokharel and Dr Bhattarai according to social Darwin- representation of all ethnic your approach. You presentbelieve in the blame culture,agree with your editorial more. Prakash Kafle that he spent ism. Some may suggest suffer, said the Apostle of were colleagues for a while at the groups in decision-making the data of the Public Servicebut is it justifiable for 12 No. This is a response from time at Hawaii getting rid of the caste/class by email Peace. Department of ArchitectureTribhuvan at bodies and for some obvi- Commission job referrals percent of the population of ana American who remains system, but this would merely Turning the pages of Dr for post- University’s Institute of Engineering. ous and some not-so- showing the increasing country to occupy over 80 unheard in his own land. An take the branches off a tree, TAX doctoral obvious reasons, Bahuns participation of Bahun percent of all the jobs in American who feels the war in Jagadish Chandra Pokharel’s Shouldn’t they come together and prepare not the root. We must trans- and Chettris tend to domi- people. But this does not politics, bureaucracy, judici-Afghanistan is wrong. Who We wouldn’t mind paying research. a blueprint for a new Nepal where Manasi, late all Brahmin texts into nate them. But that does not necessarily mean that the ary? On the other hand, thefeels the US has a history oftaxes, if we knew where the Those are Dr Bhattarai’s daughter, would not have to vernacular languages so mean other ethnic groups in PSC is discriminating majority of Nepali martyrs its own terrorist actions thattax lie money goes. And if it impressive credentials, and write of her days of shame and pain twenty average Nepalis can evaluate Nepal are oppressed, or against other ethnic groups.have been non-Bahuns. at the root of the tragic eventsgoes into someone else’s The Days of Shame and Painis and analyse the doctrines, Dr Pokharel probably deserves the years hence? exploited. Actually, Bahuns Though there can be someOther communities must of 11 September. The purposepocket, why should we excruciatingly painful for anyone concepts and values of the opportunity that the state has given Warning for prospective readers: while are probably the most loopholes, I believe the PSClearn the good attributes of this letter is to let you knowpay? (From the Nepali who played even a small part in system. Then we will have a him—he is an Honourable Member of oppressed group in Nepal. exams are fair. If no one fromfrom smart Bahuns but that not all Americans supportpress, “UN salaries, tax”, it’s rewarding to plough through the book, true Nepali renaissance, the thirty-year struggle against the tyranny We have had Kirati kings, we a particular ethnic group speak out against our current war. Some of us#65). Other workers in the National Planning Commission. its language can put your power of enlightenment and revolution that went by the name of Panchayat in this have had Newar kings, we does well, it is not discrimi-Bahunismm. It is sad to seeknow that if truth wasn’t thegovernment and private country. Remembering the agony is bad It must be very tempting for Dr perseverance to test. You realise the real in our thinking and culture. nation by default—it is many janjatis following the sector pay tax, but do they worth of something when it is not there— have had Thakuri kings, we first casualty, it was the first enough, but it’s the sadness of what the Pokharel to swivel his chair and reflect have had kings of all other deficient and uneven educa-values of Bahunism. We wounded, but there are thoseknow what has been done leaders of those exciting times have turned about his childhood while looking down atDr Pokharel’s book demonstrates the groups, but we never had a tion. In my student says I need more Bahuns like Dixit,of us who are trying whateverwith their money? Has education improved? Have out to be that makes the memory even the vista of Singha Darbar Gardens from theimportance of a good copy editor. Perhaps Bahun ruler. In fact, we are saw some Bahuns (espe- people with bigger hearts methods we can to let our cially from Syangja) prepar-and larger brains. services improved? Has more difficult to bear. huge window that washes his room with that is the other thing Dr Pokhrel should the most oppressed group in voices, and the truth, be winter sun. After all, bliss is nothing but have done: given the draft to Dr Bhattarai Nepal. Poor Bahuns work at ing hard for the PSC exam heard. security improved? Nope. It Back then, there was hope to help you is not just UN workers, no to polish before sending it to the printers. chule-Bahuns at the homes for years and eventually remembrance of pain and shame in the one should pay tax if it is endure the hardships. Grief was just a It would have done both of them a load of of rich Newars. They are the succeed. They didn’t get their times of glory and happiness. The satisfac- jobs because they were being used for personal or sacrifice for a higher cause. But with the tion of having overcome fills you with pride,good, and it would have been less of a ones who get to eat Subarna Bhattachan faith in the infallibility of leadership all gone Bahuns, but because they political benefit—like and achievement is a powerful aphro- strain on readers. USA KR Rai adding more ministers and and dreams of building a new society almost worked hard. There is a disiac—it impels you to dig deeper to reach need for greater participation UK departments. dead, the struggles of the past look like dayshigher for the fruits of success. wasted in chasing a mirage. It’s the shame of Kanak Mani Dixit is neither a In that sense, Dr Pokharel’s book is narcissist nor a masochist, so The issues discussed by the present political mess that makes the why does he take pleasure in pain of the past even more intense. not just a trip down memory lane, it is Kanak Mani Dixit are easily blowing up a volatile issue in brushed aside with the also his road map for a future career in katto— Dr Pokharel makes an attempt to a society that is already standard argument about return to those days of high hopes and which no other group evenethnically fractured? There meritocracy. According to this NS Mather Dinesh Bhatta dares to touch. We are the Denver, Colorado Kathmandu 444 NATION 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES NATION 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 555 MIN BAJRACHARYA Preparing for disaster ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ Nepal is almost synonymous with natural disasters. And in the Teku area. “The plant was UN agencies in the country are not taking chances. UN built nearly twenty years ago Nepal this week launched the UN Disaster Response Preparedness Plan on the occasion of 56 when there were hardly any th anniversary of houses in the area. Today, it is a the international body. The three-part plan seeks to ensure heavily populated neighbour- that in the event of a major disaster the UN and its partners The wealth beneathhood, and a plant like that could our feetwill be able to provide effective and timely assistance to its Extent of gas field work by JICA in 1978 delineated be a threat,” says Krishna staff and their dependants, and other affected people. The a 26 sq km area in central Bhakta, a local resident. UN has also established an Emergency Operation Centre, Kathmandu as gas-rich area. JICA The Department of Mines designed to withstand earthquake tremors of up to 8.5 on studied the surface and subsurfaceand Geology has divided the the Richter scale. They have reason to. Studies estimate that an earthquake on the magnitude of 8.3 could kill over geology, as well as the Valley’s gas prospective zones geochemical characteristics of 40,000, injure more than 90,000, and destroy about 60 into three blocks: Block A, percent of the buildings in the Valley. That’s not all. It would water and natural gas from Teku–Tripureshowr, has a leave about 700,000 people homeless, more than 50 existing water wells. Three gas percent of bridges impassable, damage more than 95 wells drilled at Tripureswor percent of water supply pipes, and leave 60 percent of indicated that there was a proven telephone lines out of order. To get the message across to gas reserve of 47 million cu m attending guests and dignitaries, including Prime Minster withina4sqkmzone of Teku- Deuba, the theatre group Aarohan put up a hilarious street Tripureswor. play. A model gas plant established by the Kathmandu Gas Project in Teku in 1983 stopped operating Cross section of Kathmandu Valley about three years ago, but there is a still a Department of Mines and Geology security guard looking Mahal and Tinkune, and one at Festive occasion clayey sediments rich in organic ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ after the site. The experiment was materials, and the methane is Balkumari would supply gas to Festivals are about family. And Revati Subedi has a big to see if gas supply was consistentproven gas reserve of 46 million dissolved in water under tremen- and the government,” says Pulchowk andCLAY to Tin Kune, one. One of Bhaktapur’s seven centenarians, Subedi enough for commercial use. The cu m. Block B, Koteswore– dous pressure. executive director Gopal Krishna through Koteswor and Gwarko. recently celebrated Dasain with a host of grandchildren and gas collected in the plant was Tinkune, shows a probable PEBBLES AND SAND The gas could be made Gadtaula. The company’s A detailed feasibility study in great-grandchildren. The 114-year-old has outlived her two supplied to the Veterinary reserve of 170 million cu m, and sons and has a daughter, six grandsons and 13 grand- commercially viable if a project Chinese partners are wary about 1996 on the commercial utilisa- Hospital, the then Ministry of Block C, Manahara–Imadole, daughters, 10 great-grandsons, six great-great-grandsons, floated in the private sector by the investment scenario and also tion of the Valley’s gas resources BED ROCK Industry, and the Nepal Telecom-shows a probable gas reserve of and two great-great-granddaughters. the Department of Mines and want to wait before they commit ruled out the use of “biogenic” munication Corporation offices in100 million cu m. Geology takes off. The themselves to the project, natural gas in the industrial the immediate vicinity of the The project plans to install Kathmandu Gas Project, initiatedwhich is estimated to cost nearly sector, for power generation, or model plant. by the department with the help Rs 450 million. gas gathering stations in Teku, as compressed gas for transport, ground since the gas is water- The gas was supplied to the which would supply gas to The rewards of fiction of the Japan International “But with really high excava- but said it was good for domestic dissolved. The rest we hope to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ institutions from a 500 cu m Soaltee and Thapathali through Cooperation Agency, JICA, and tion costs, the total will probably purposes. sell—if Melamchi hasn’t taken off Good times are here for Nepali novelists writing in English. The gas plant at Pachali, Teku. storage tank connected to three Tripureswor, in Bhrikuti MIN BAJRACHARYA UNDP, concluded that a be higher,” says Gadtaula. Once The project anticipates by then,” says Aryal. While Manjushree Thapa’s recently launched book gas wells by an underground PVC Mandap, which would supply gas The potential gas reserve of about 300they start, Susasan expects to generating revenue out of two Department estimates pipeline. The Department of to Darbar Marg through Jamal, Tutor of History, published by Penguin India,is doing brisk Some 300 metres below the surface, Kathmandu Valley’s vast naturalmillion cu m exists in central and work with the government on components, methane gas and Mines stopped supplying the gas Ratna Park, and the Tudikhel indicate that the revenue from gas sales in Valley bookstores, Ohio-based Nepali writer, southern Kathmandu as far establishing parameters, including water produced from the wells. gas reserves are waiting to be tapped. What’s holding things up? not because the gas ran out, but area, another station in and water sales could amount to Samrat Upadhyay, back as 1978. subsidies on electricity, income “Of course we have to discharge plumber’s match touched the because it was spending up to Rs Sankhamul, which would supply over Rs 120 million per year. just bagged the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The department recently tax releases, and subsidies similar some water forcibly back into the 2001 Whiting ground, it burst into flames.” 2 million annually. gas to The Everest Hotel, along Interestingly, although Susasan natural gas. floated a tender, and the private to those on imported Indian says it has been assured the Writers’ Awards. RAMYATA LIMBU Geologists have long known Arniko Highway towards Babar ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ “I have been using the gas to and non-toxic, and can be utilisedSusasan Power Company says it liquefied petroleum gas. Govern- “The pipelines, the infrastruc- license by the government, Given annually to that there are huge reserves of inita Sharma used to think cook,” says Sharma, who was at as a dependable alternative sourcehas been virtually assured of the ment officials told us negotia- ture, are still in place, so whoever officials say the exact details of the best emerg- that vegetables were all first reticent to talk to media natural gas below layers of of energy,” says Ramesh Kumar takes on the project can actually ing writers, contract. It is waiting for the tions on revenue and royalty how much royalty it pays to the Upadhyay and that grew on her tiny sediments in Kathmandu Valley—Aryal, a geologist with the start right away,” says Aryal. He B about the bonanza below her feet political stituation to stablise would take place after it accepted government has not yet been four other fiction remains of the vegetation and backyard on the banks of the because she thought the govern- Ministry of Industry’s Depart- before investing in the infrastruc-the proposal of a private com- estimates 5,000 houses can start worked out. aquatic plans that thrived on the writers, two poets, Bagmati in Teku. Then she found ment might start taxing her. The ment of Mines and Geology. ture. “It isn’t a very good time forpany it was in the final stages of getting gas within a month, and All this is good news for two non-fiction writers, and a playwright, received $ 35,000 out she was sitting on top of a Sharmas were drilling for water lake bed. They say there is enough Studies carried out by the investment and, like most privateapproving. the entire project could be each at a ceremony in New York on 27 October. Upadhyay’s gas trapped in zones called Binita Sharma and others like her huge deposit of natural gas. when they accidentally discovered department indicate the gas investors in Nepal, we have to For any company interested implemented within a year. Once “facies” between 180 to 300 the project gets underway, the who can go on using the free gas For the past twenty years, gas—a careless plumber lit a reserves, found mainly along the wait and see what happens with in implementing the project, metres below the surface. private company will be the from beneath their feet. Sharma’s family hasn’t used cigarette and threw away the Bagmati and along the southern the talks between the Maoists much of the initial groundwork “The gas is composed chiefly sole distributor of the gas and Arresting God in Kathmanduwas released by Mariner firewood, kerosene or cylinders, match. “The workmen had drilled end of the valley, can fulfil the and infrastructure has already its use by private consumers the household’s entire energy to about 700 ft when a huge jet ofof methane, carbon dioxide and domestic energy needs of an been done. Initial exploration Books/ Houghton Mifflin in July this year, the first fictional will be illegal. work by a Nepali author to be published in the west. requirement is met by a seeminglywater gushed out of the ground,” nitrogen. It is highly combustible estimated 21,000 households in inexhaustible (and totally free) recalls Sharma. “When the Kathmandu Valley for 30 years. “We do know that in some source of fuel: underground The gas itself is generated by areas of Patan, Thapathali and Tripureswor the gas is being tapped by individual households. Once we implement the project, we will have to notify individual HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK households that it is illegal to use this gas,” says Gadtaula. But that may be easier said than done. If the company decides to use the infrastructure Rememberingrebabsin Rimche that is already in place for gas collection and distribution there n theory, a trek should make you forget the mundane, the pressing often sang anashena, kind of agazalon steroids, and I swear I actually would be opposition from the new residences that have come up or the horrific. So my journey to Langtang, one of Nepal’s most Even on a trek up to Kyangjin saw one person so moved that he crushed his wine glass and didn’t Ibeautiful valleys, should have been a timely interlude free of worryGompa, memories of Afghanistan notice the deep red blood flowing from a gashed hand. and woe. But it wasn’t. Thoughts of Ali became thoughts of Afghans in general and what Even in the (literally) breathtaking surroundings of Kyangjin kept intruding. had happened to them over the past twenty-odd years. Ali, like most of Gompa, the world kept intruding. Not just any old part of the world,○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the musicians I knew in Islamabad, had fled Kabul when victorious but Afghanistan, now being bombed for the fourth straight week by the mujahideen groups turned on each other and killed tens of thousands of world’s only superpower. civilians in the capital, fighting like vultures over a scrap of rotted flesh. I know, I know. There he goes again, banging on about morality The coming of the Taliban in 1996 ended the fighting, but sent a final and murder, sitting on the sidelines deploring the play on the pitch, or wave of musicians, artists and actors into exile. No room for them in a in this case, the vividly American “field”. No, I didn’t set out this country where shimmering nests of video and audio tape fluttered on week to point out civilian casualties yet again, or to wonder in print every corner light standard as a reminder that music and television were how to stand against terrorism, while despising what’s being done to now banned. stop it. That I’ll leave to another time. I quickly forgot about Ali and his entertaining Afghan compatriots But our hidden strength are the solid back-up services: Central as we sat down to lunch at Rimche. One good thing about trekking; it No one told me that that the sweaty journey up the Langtang air-conditioning, Central hot water boiler, Full capacity generator, Own Valley was so steep! It’s not a valley, it’s a vertical jungle. I’ll admit to allows you to eat vast quantities and feel good about it. But no, not perennial source of potable water; and above all, the experienced being slightly out of shape, or even slightly pear-shaped, but I could even the groaning board of the Summit Hotel and Restaurant, barely manage the hot, sultry, bamboo shaded paths through thick Rimche’s finest, provided honest escape from the war. As I shovelled managerial support of the ACE Hotels & Resorts team ! Om Ad247661 forest, and along mossy cliff faces. As your correspondent though, I down my dal bhat, I started thinking about Kabuli pulau, and the OUR TTOURTARIFFARIFFARIFF FFFor SPECIAL RATESTESTES persevered. Usually, to make the plodding go by less painfully, I hum exquisite fried aubergines in yoghurt that my cook in Kabul used to Contact Room US$ INR tunes (“out of tunes” according to my long suffering fellow trekker and assemble proudly, even as rockets exploded nearby and Kalashnikovs Mrs. Bindu Sakya Single 35.00 1600.00 wife). Almost anything that comes to mind. But on this trek, I clattered from the roof. (Managing Director) stayed silent. Where is he these days? No foreigners to cook for, no hard Double 40.00 1800.00 I couldn’t stop thinking about a house in Islamabad where we used currency to salt away in his Pakistani bank account, not much of a life, 10% VAT & 2% T.S.F Mr. Hari Shyam Shrestha a few cups of plonk became very comfortable indeed. to meet in the early 1990s to hear Afghan musicians play. just American bombs raining down these days. I sincerely hope he is (Manager-Sales & Marketing) All this, you understand, came flooding back as I perspired my waynot part of the collateral damage. Meal Usually they were strumming away on C/o Hotel Ambassador up towards Ghoratabela, on the second day in Langtang. Back to Even Langtang or the amazing view from Tserigo Ri, can’t banish Breakfast 3.00 130.00 Lunch/Dinner 6.00 275.00 P.O.Box: 2769, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal rebabs—stringed instruments Islamabad, one singer named Ali was a real favourite. He was a thoughts of the war against whatever. And I’m going back next week, 10% VAT & 2% T.S.F Tel: 410432, 414432, 419432, (res) 612383 that are to the more elaboratesarodwhat a banjo is to a classical Kabuli, and as such, a deeply cultured and passionate man. His fingersto meet the newest wave of refugees to flee the slow and horrible death Fax: 977-1-413641, E-mail: [email protected] guitar. We would quench our thirst with rough Italian wine, pouredwould literally fly over the strings, each one plucking madly. The of a country. into an earthenware jug and dispensed into cups made of glorious music would be distorted, syncopated and utterly compelling. His smoky glass from Herat. Our host made us sit on the floor, which aftereyes would close tightly as he strove for higher and higher notes. He 666 NATION 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES NATION 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 777 VILLAGE VOICE SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL Read the fine print The foreign hand Australia and some other coun- N RAM tries have demonstrated the advertising revenue cannot sustain a further frag- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Foreign entry into thewisdom Indian of restricting media foreign spells Come to Kumrose Is Nepali sovereignty reallymentation so fickle of the thatmarket would it is have threatened been a more ver the greater part of the trouble, says an Indianownership journalist. in their newspaper by a new English newspaper?plausible one. The major dailies from down south last decade, there has been ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ industry. available at Kathmandu newsstands are cheaper than considerable lobbying to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ O our own. (Until several years ago, on some evenings It is sometimes asserted that bring about a major institutional with what is available to non- in places like Biratnagar, you could choose between foreign players will be interested change in India-reshaping the citizens in Articles 14 and 29 of ith the Maoist militia on furlough and the the train-delivered dark editions of Indian dailies only in India’s English-language government fidgeting its way towards character of India’s press by the Constitution. and the jet-sped late city editions routed via compromising and eroding its press. This is a naïve assumption. Wuncertainty, the holiday season has given Kathmandu.) Moreover, they have more pages and, How on earth can the entry The pursuit of profit and power is wholly Indian character. us an opportunity to reflect on what it really means of foreign media interest into the unlikely to be stopped by therefore, command a higher resale value among The demand is to reverse the to be a Nepali. press sector make constitutional linguistic barriers. If the 1955-56 As some members of parliament were squabbling strategic policy decision and sense when neither “freedom of policy decision is thrown out of allow the entry of foreign media over their rank and/or portfolios in the newly expanded speech and expression” nor “the the window in the name of interests and foreign investment cabinet and others were enraged by the last-minute freedom to practice any profes- globalisation, nothing can prevent into India’s newspaper sector. forfeiture of their Dasain kharcha, still others were sion, or to carry on any occupa- a Rupert Murdoch from expanding This demand is made in the name warning us of how a new foreign-funded English daily tion, trade or business” is and taking over, directly or of liberalisation and globalisation was fast emerging as the greatest threat to national guaranteed to non-citizens by the indirectly, one or more of India’s in India. It is not backed by any security since the 1814-16 war with the British. The kabadiwallahs. If opponents of the upcoming English Constitution of India? major newspaper groups. kind of sensible, logical or Dasain-eve fracas on the (f)utility of foreign investment,daily can live with foreign publications continuing to After Independence, the Once allowed in, foreign persuasive reasoning. It is a ordinarily a welcome proposition for an economy in penetrate Nepal’s market as long as they keep their question arose whether foreign capital will also launch new hands off the local advertisement pie, then all I havedemand raised by those who do The interior of the Kumrose community forest shows lush vegetation and disrepair, has fortified our allegiance to nationalism. ownership of daily and periodic newspapers in collaboration with to say is that the current debate is fatally flawed. not care for our history, our newspapers was good for India and undergrowth even in the dry season (left), and a young rhino pokes its head Advocates of state protection of the media insist politics, our constitutional-legal Indian parties, which can be that the investor in question was coming to Nepal not As for fears of the propagation of ominous its press. Out of the First Press active or passive partners. Nor is through the tall elephant grass to observe tourists observing him (above). situation, the professional and Commission’s 1954 Report flowed only to take away our money but also to advance his/ external agendas, do we honestly believe we need economic realities of our media a minority equity holding her own country’s hidden agenda. One MP detailed foreign investors—and their official sponsors here the Cabinet decision announced in stipulation for foreign investors leopards. Initially, when faced with The Kumrose Community and its future. how opening the fourth estate’s doors to foreign moneyand abroad—to bring out newspapers for that? Some the Lok Sabha on 30 September, going to make any difference in the reforestation plans, not everyone There are two major media Forest started out 15 years ago as a would eventually turn Nepal into a truly paperless of our indigenous publications have long shown 1955, by the minister for informa- favour of indigenous interests. was so sanguine. “The local traditions in India—the older one Panchayat-protected forest, but in society. Others have asserted that no South Asian adeptness in adapting stories conceived and vetted tion and broadcasting, BV Keskar. When the play is between leadership was criticised by people of a diverse, pluralistic and 1995 it was registered as a commu- country has been so liberal with the cash and editorialby innocuously named specialists representing The decision was that foreign unequals, the developed and more when it was first decided that a relatively independent media and nity forest and has been functioning judgement of non-resident aliens. foreign governments into cogent commentaries. I newspapers and periodicals that resourceful player is not going to reforestation programme was to be according to the government’s the younger one of the manipu- The arguments, genuinely patriotic as they may have compiled my own weekly list of must-read dealt mainly with news and current be disadvantaged by a minority implemented in our village. People forestry regulations, which hand journals and think I have figured out with a reason-lated and misused broadcast affairs should not be allowed to ownership stake. were afraid that wild animals from over decision-making on protection sound, are a little murky. Over the last 12 years, we media, state-controlled radio and ALL PHOTOS: KISHOR PRADHAN ALL PHOTOS: have been told that our democracy is no less inclusive able degree of accuracy where I can find country- bring out editions in India. What happens to the demo- the nearby Royal Chitwan National and management to the forest user specific perspectives on Nepali and international television. The long-term Indian India’s press has come a long Park would make this patch of and resilient than that in Britain or in the United cratic media when the Murdochs, groups set up by the village develop- issues. The fairness doctrine works remarkably well,press experience suggests the way since. According to the A do-it-yourself community in Chitwan has createdlocal micro-entrepreneurship, a mini-national and forest their home and cause more States. Implicit in such reasoning, one would have the Robert Maxwells and the ment committees. too. Within days, you can expect to read robust following substantive functions National Readership Survey 2001 the success of preservation efforts trouble to local farmers,” says the thought, is the freedom people like Rupert Murdoch Jean-Luc Lagarderes move in park, and is earning money from eco-tourism. The Kumrose Community rebuttals and compelling counterclaims within the performed, over many decades, by(NRS 2001), there are an has also encouraged the people to Kumrose Village Development have to buy minority shares in Nepal Television, mount a large number of newspapers under the signboard of the “global ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Kumrose Community ○○○○○○○○○○○ Forest is shortly completing its same pool of periodicals. estimated 178 million adult start community enterprises. The Committee Chairman Krishna Lal a bid to take over Metro FM and fully own RCT coming out in various languages: village” is the subject of a growing Forest is a remarkable success story terms under the jurisdiction of the As a reader, I would want to hear more energetic newspaper readers in India, even users’ group of the Kumrose Chaudhary. football club. We never bothered about what other body of literature. In his splendid KISHOR PRADHAN people need not be in conflict. of how community forestry and district forest authority, and is in (a) credible-informational, (b) Community Forest, together with countries in South Asia were doing while we decided toarguments from both sides before officials come out if women readers are notoriously book IN KUMROSE, CHITWAN conservation can go together. The Now there is none of the the process of being registered as a critical-‘adversarial’-investigative, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ “In the past the floods from the modulate our FM bandwidth with a clutter of frequen-with a final decision on the future of the newspaper under-represented in this number. the Village Development Commit- hostility here in Kumrose towards (c) educational, (d) agenda- ifteen years ago this place, Rapti river used to wreak havoc in village collects fees from the rides buffer zone of the Royal Chitwan cies. Why are we suddenly being asked to take a in question. The debate should be premised on the Diversity, pluralism and relative tee, recently constructed a machan wildlife often seen in other conser- building, and (e) propaganda north of the Rapti and east of Kumrose and seven other villages. and ploughs the money directly into National Park. Once it is declared regional perspective of the media now? Our constitu- fact that the government is not entirely powerless. independence remain in our (viewing tower) that can accommo- vation areas of Nepal. “We tolerate roles. the Royal Chitwan National We started tree plantations on the further conservation work. a buffer, it will benefit from the tion does not limit our right to be misinformed Officials can specify recruitment policies that media, although they have come F date eight visitors at a time. The the loss from wild animals because Freedom of the press is Park, was 25 hectares of barren barren banks of the river to prevent The village charges Rs 300 park’s conservation efforts, and in precisely because it presupposes we are capable of neither conflict with the realities of the Nepali under pressure from various machan offers visitors a chance to we see the benefits they bring us,” derived from Article 19 of the land. Once part of the vast Chitwanfloods, now there are no floods, therupees per elephant to enter the turn contribute grassroots support rational judgement in the voting booth and in front oflabour market nor contradict the Nepali mind-set. quarters, are enviable by interna- experience jungle life at night, and says Hira Bahadur. Sometimes the Constitution. The Supreme Court jungle, the forests had been cleared trees hold the soil together and the Kumrose forest and generates about for the park. newspaper vendors alike. Why are we waving the whiteIn terms of content control, didn’t we witness tional standards. in the daylight, the opportunity to village seeks the help of the Royal has held that press freedom is a by loggers and a government farms are more fertile,” says Hira Rs 1.5 million a year. “The money This is a vital part of themodern flag even before the dummy editions of the publicationnot too long ago how the government could haul Yet, for all this, the social observe animals and birds in a Chitwan National Park to relocate combination of two freedoms. resettlement campaign. Bahadur Gurung, who chairs the generated by levying entry fee to the approach to conservation, and will be hit the pavements? into the Hanuman Dhoka gaol those who in its reach of the press remains weak— peaceful setting. troublesome rogue elephants or The Media MonopolyBen forest conservation group. tourist on elephants are used for the strategy behind the Tarai Arc view failed to respect the outer bounds of Article 19(1) (g), subject, of some 45 copies of daily newspa- Then, in the late 1980s, the With the growth of the forest marauding leopards. It is important not to forget the moral dimen- course, to constitutionally- Today, nearly 1,200 householdsconservation activities in the KCF. Landscape (TAL), a new conservation freedom of expression? pers per 1,000 population, which H Bagdikian, who has been hailed community got together to plant and resident wildlife in Kumrose, A recent rhino census conducted sion of the discourse. Foreign media outlets kept sanctioned “reasonable restric- as “the conscience of American in the vicinity benefit directly from The fences demarcating the forest approach being designed by the Then there are other measures, ranging from a compares, poorly with the social trees and recreate the once-lush there has been a surge in the aloft the torch of Nepalis’ burning desire for tions” (which to be effective need journalism,” draws attention to the Kumrose forest, which helps area from the villages are main- by the King Mahendra Trust for Worldwide Fund for Nature (WWF) stiff surcharge on newsprint and a symbolic denial of dispersion of the press in devel- jungles of the area. Today the community’s awareness of conserva- freedom from the early days of the Nepal Praja to be prescribed by law and also the homogenising, stultifying and meet their firewood, timber, foddertained and repaired, rhino trenches Nature Conservation found 20 to join conservation efforts in the government advertisements to encouraging extra oped and some developing Kumrose Community Forest is a tion. Villagers have realised they are Parishad. Photographs of young revolutionaries in meet judicial standards of manipulative implications of and thatch needs. are dug, and money is also invested resident rhinos in Kumrose alone. Nepal tarai and India. scrutiny from the tax officers, which could work countries. At best, the Indian 1,050 hectare patch of jungle and the immediate beneficiaries of the shackles smuggled out of a Rana prison showed to reasonableness). The constitu- fewer and fewer corporations in various development activities for Says Hira Bahadur, “Since theRoyal TAL aims to connect commu- against potential mischief-makers. We wouldn’t press can be characterised as a generates Rs 1.5 million annually With the restoration of the revenue generated by visiting the world that Nepalis were willing to pay any price tional protection and practical owning “most of the output of Kumrose village,” says Hira Chitwan National Park is near nity forests, protected forests, eleven have to worry too much about an international quite developed press with from tourists visiting the area for forests, wildlife from the Royal tourists. There is some nervousness and bear any burden for life, liberty and the pursuit freedom India’s newspapers enjoy daily newspapers and most of the Bahadur. Biogas plants have been Kumrose, wild animals from the park protected areas and national parks outcry against official clampdown on press freedom underdeveloped characteristics. In elephant rides and nature walks. Chitwan National Park has also about the wild animals their forest of happiness. During the panchayat decades, foreign are indeed the envy of the sales and audience in magazines, installed in many households as used to stray in and around the in Nepal and India to facilitate after we recall how national-security considerations other words, it is a developing Kumrose does not rival the started sneaking into the Kumrose now attracts, especially since crops news media were considered the paragons of developing world. broadcasting, books and movies” alternative source of energy and Kumrose forest, but with the eventualmigration of large mammals such as compelled the Voice of America to spike an inter- press that needs careful nurturing nearby Royal Chitwan National forest. The Asiatic one-horned are damaged by rhinos and wild journalistic perfection. (Remember those colourful But the Article 19 guarantee in the US and constituting “a new villagers are encouraged to use less growth of Kumrose forest area, the tigers, rhinos and Asian elephants. stories on how the panchas rigged the referendum byview with Taliban chief Mullah Mohammed Omar and systemic protection from Park, but what it has shown is that rhinoceros and the Royal Bengal elephants and livestock killed by of the freedom of speech and private ministry of information firewood from the forest. grasslands and the natural water This would ensure their natural using ballot papers that changed from blue to yellowonly a few weeks ago. destabilising forces. human intervention can bring back Tiger both roam the forest, and this expression, and therefore, and culture.” Curious visitors to the commu- holes and canals, large wild animals roaming patterns along jungle overnight?) Why are some of these same outlets now If our foreign investor friend eventually were to be The price paid by some the nature that human intervention brings in tourists keen to get on like rhinos have become resident in freedom of the press, is available From an Indian national and elephant-back to catch a glimpse ofnity forest have also encouraged corridors and ensure their long- considered pernicious sources of disinformation? ordered to take the next flight out of the country along countries, including the United destroyed—and it can work for the the forest.” only to Indian citizens—not to democratic standpoint, Murdoch the rare beasts, or go on jungle term survival. How could we become so uncivil to those who with his chequebook, that wouldn’t leave me any more Kingdom, for failing to protect benefit of nearby villages and raise foreigners. The exclusivity of the is not the only kind of foreign walks or even camp out. helped us regain our liberties? reassured about the security of Nepal’s sovereignty. If, their newspapers from Murdoch- their standard of living. Park and application of all Article 19 player we are concerned with. If The economic risks posed by the editorial on the other hand, the liberal proclivities of the style aggression, take-overs and fundamental rights to citizens is the 1955 policy decision is government were to allow the presses to start rolling, I value-formation is well-known. venture seem more real. The argument that our clearly no accident: this contrasts reversed, nothing will prevent still wouldn’t stop reading all those revealing analyses in On the other side, Canada and limited readership base and meagre sources of American, German, British, the publications on my list. Israeli, Iranian or Saudi or, for that matter, Pakistani business- TOURS PVT.LTD men from hiding behind fronts INTERCITY BUS SERVICES and shell companies and operat- ing within the Indian press sector, taking advantage of the sover- eignty-minimal policy. When it comes to ‘regulating’ foreign media entry, you cannot open the door selectively.

SCHEDULE AND TARRIFF In the final analysis, the FROM TO SERVICES DEP.TIME ARR.TIME FARE US$ argument turns on politics— KATHMANDU POKHARA DAILY 07:30 02:30 10:00$ democratic politics. As eminent KATHMANDU POKHARA DAILY 08:30 03:30 10:00S jurist AG Noorani emphasises, KATHMANDU CHITRASARI (CHITWAN) DAILY 08:30 02:00 8:00$ KATHMANDU SUNACHARI (CHITWAN) DAILY 08:30 02:30 8:00$ the Indian press is part of the FROM TO SERVICES DEP.TIME ARR.TIME FARE US$ Indian political system. In the POKHARA KATHMANDU DAILY 07:30 02:30 10:00$ same spirit, the media, the POKHARA KATHMANDU DAILY 08:30 03:30 10:00$ political system, the government POKHARA CHITRASARI (CHITWAN) DAILY 08:30 02:30 8:00$ POKHARA SUNACHARI (CHITWAN) DAILY 08:30 02:30 8:00$ and the public should reject as FROM TO SERVICES DEP.TIME ARR.TIME FARE US$ dangerous the demand to open up CHITRASARI (CHITWAN) KATHMANDU DAILY 10:00 03:30 8:00$ the Indian newspaper sector to CHITRASARI (CHITWAN) POKHARA DAILY 10:00 03:30 8:00$ foreign interests and foreign SUNACHARI (CHITWAN) KATHMANDU DAILY 09:30 03:30 8:00$ investment. SUNACHARI (CHITWAN) POKHARA DAILY 09:30 03:30 8:00$

GREENLINE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING FACILITIES Deluxe (fully air-condition) coaches. Private terminal building. REFRESHMENT will be served at Riverside Advanced booking system. Spring Resort or Motel du Mungling corresponding Insurance coverage of Npr 500,000.00 per person. to the sector and timing. Standard coaches. (The Times of India) TRIDEVIMARG, KATHMANDU, NEPAL P.O.BOX 1307 FAX 00971-253885 TEL/257544/253885 EMAIL:[email protected] URL:www.catmando.com/greenline (N Ram is editor ofFrontlineand Effective from 15th of Sep. 2001

SUBHAS RAI Businesslinein India.) 888 NEPALI ECONOMY 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES ECONOMY 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 999 BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED Deadlock “It is Nepalis who decide what ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The last round of the Nepal-India trade talks at the secretary level on 25 and 26 October went nowhere, following India’s proposal to revert to pre-treaty provisions on value addition and compulsory labour and goes into the paper.” material content of Nepali exports. The treaty, which expires 5 December, provided Nepali manufacturers SikkimonomicsEven apart from tourism, Sikkim from p1 unrestricted access to Indian markets. The problem is Indian concerns about “Rules of Origin” and “surge”, Khasionline MIN BAJRACHARYA and threatens a treaty that has seen a six-fold increase of Nepali exports to India and a doubling of imports is doing quite all right. Hydropower, At his slick new office in Anamnagar, Ram from India. The agreement would have been renewed automatically, but India wants safeguardsSikkim against may the not be perfect, but it has somethat lessons we think so for highly us of here,in Nepal. is a Pradhan brushes aside the criticism: “We’re not increase in five Nepali exports—vegetable ghiu, acrylic yarn, copper wires, zinc oxide and steel pipes. matter of envy when done Sikkim- violating any law, as far as I am concerned, if people say there should be no foreign investment in media trip outside Nepal is always notices warning those who litter style. Projects as large as 510 MW then it is their opinion.” According to its registration refreshing and instructive. about a Rs 5,000 fine. And guess have been identified and are on the papers, AConsider, for example, the what? Gangtok is clean. Such drawing board. If hydro can be a The Himalayan Times(as it is officially called) Text it transformations this Beed witnessed messages are not just dreary sermons is published by International Media Network Nepal P ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ on a recent pre-festival trip to Sikkim.that pass the average resident by. Ltd, with Ujjwal Sharma as publisher. Sharma is also The Nepal Telecommunication Corporation will make its Short Messaging Service (SMS) a regular feature Everyone understands the importance publisher of the Nepali daily for mobile owners after Tihar. Users will have the service free until 16 November, after whichFew placesthey arewill more fascinating for Himalaya Times brought Nepalis than Sikkim—an India- of such moves, and most locals take out by National Media P Ltd. have to pay for text messaging. Sources in the corporation told us the NTC has recommended a reduction Ram Pradhan of tariffs, as part of the strategy to meet potential competition from a private operator expectedcentric to economy begin that was eventually The new English paper has National Media’s services later this year. The new tariffs would need government approval. annexed, and often Nepalis in Nepal Munchahouse.com, which Sharma and Ravin Lama, formerly of StimulusHimalmedia for possible collaboration. To text, customers go to the message menu on their mobiles and complete the set up, whichfear their involves fate will follow that of this functioned solely as a gift shop Advertising, as promoters, and start-up capital of RsIndependent media watchers in Kathmandu say 50 million. “If Binod Gyawali and Kailash Sirohiya (of dialling the SMS Service Centre (+ 9779810-28801). The procedure for writing and receivingformer text Himalayan differs kingdom. earlier, has been functioning as a the real issue is competition between advertising the rival Kantipur group) can publish a newspaper, why from set to set. The NTC presently has about 17,000 mobile subscribers, of whom about 15,500 are in department store for the last agencies, including Indian joint ventures. Nepal’s The border town of Rangpo can’t Ravin Lama and Ujjwal Sharma be publishers?” advertising industry is growing at a phenomenal 24 Kathmandu Valley. three weeks. The change was Lama asks. “We will go by every law in the book.” presents an interesting phenom- percent a year, and competition is heating to get a made to attract more local enon—the difference between the greater share of that pie. states of West Bengal and Sikkim. shoppers, and the site now has Kantipur and its English-language Thesister different modes of payment— Nepali law is silent on foreign investment in Cross a bridge and see the difference leading industry in Sikkim and Kathmandu Postlast month launched a broadsidemedia. The Industrial Enterprises Act, which defines ADB assistance Bhutan, why not in Nepal. Sikkim you can pay Cash on Delivery, against the new venture, focusing largely on itsindustries, lists “printing” and “press” separately as ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ in standards of living. The change is also has the highest tele-density in or deposit an amount with the perceived Indian backing and accusing it of bypass-service industries. The Foreign Investment and The Asian Development Bank has earmarked $306 million in soft loans and $4 million as a technicalsomething likeassist- that between India, and the new focus on IT shop in advance. But if you want ing Nepali law on foreign investment in media.Technology The Transfer Act allows FDI in all industries ance grant for 2002-2004, or $102 million each year. Much of the money is to be spent on Mahendranagarpoverty reduction and Banbasa or reports alleged links between International Mediaexcept and those on the negative list—which does not projects, in line with the Poverty Reduction Partnership Agreement between the governmentTatopani and the and Bank. Khasa. There is a pride in how well they manage to guarantees some pretty interesting to send someone a gift, you must still pay in dollars. And that’s Asia Pacific Communication Associates (APCA)include printing or the press. FDI, for example, is not The technical assistance is to be used to prepare projects that will be funded by the loans.difference The exact in the way shops are lined implement their planners’ suggestions.developments here in the future. Nepal, APCA India and SAMA Printers. Lama permittedis the in real estate, trading or consultancies. But amount that will be disbursed will depend on the assessment of the performance of existingup, and in the new organisation of the markets While it was nice to be in This isn’t a perfect place—the where the common promoter in two (APCA and Internationalbecause investors don’t have to disclose the source of projects, according to the Bank. Nepal’s actual borrowing from the Asian Development Fund between and the tall buildings supposed to Gangtok as a tourist, it wasn’t so cocktail circuit is abuzz with who has hundiis handy. Media) separate entities, and a minority shareholderinvestment funds, it is difficult to say if the capital in 1994-2000 was $94 million. in SAMA, which is a separate Rs 30 million venture.even industries on the negative list is truly Nepali. reflect ‘development.’ great from a Nepali perspective. Here ‘made’ what. The craft of graft is “E-shopping will catch up in To make things more complicated, APCA Nepal“There’s no law barring foreign investment in the was a one-horse town flooded with finely honed here, but it does not stop is a joint venture between Lama and APCA India, and There are signboards welcoming Nepal soon, we want to be media,” says Satish Kharel, a lawyer. “If there is a tourists, and poor old Kathmandu is it has foreign direct investment (FDI) clearance to set one to the kingdom of flowers, and positive action. Most political parties prepared to cater efficiently to policy level decision somewhere, I’m not aware of it.” up an advertising agency and a printing plant. SAMA just sort of limping along. have been committed to develop- The law, however, does require the editor of a newspa- Himalayan apples those fickle beasts, tourists, are clients when that happens,” said Printers is a venture between Lama, SP Singh (who ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ per to be a Nepali national. around. Sikkim’s recent efforts at Worse, talking to some of the ment, and it shows. Amrit Man Tuladhar of used to be Executive Vice-President at the Kantipur Apples from Jumla and Mustang are once again in department stores taking tourism seriously have some tourists in Sikkim, one had to Sikkim isn’t a one-off—plenty of munchahouse.com. The recent Group until April 2000) and AN Sen, an Indian and mobile kiosks in Kathmandu. In recent years, due to the liberalisa- lessons for the travel trade set here. contend with the fact that Nepal was good has come about in Bhutan, too, expansion in mode of payment is national. SAMA has FDI clearance for running a tion of domestic aviation and transport and packaging subsidies, cargo simply not on their travel map. They commercial printing operation, which is now ready flights have brought the juicy fruit to major urban markets. Jumla alone Gangtok is just a few kilometres and for us in another Himalayan expected to encourage shoppers for trial runs. It is to print both has already sent 250 tons to Nepalgunj and Kathmandu. Under a across, but they still care about tell many stories about insecurity and kingdom, this should be the cue to from outside the Valley in The Himalayan has already put together a team of subsidy program, the government pays Rs 7 for each kilogram of making sure their traffic moves the state of the country, stories take some time out for introspection particular. Munchahouse.com about 40 journalists, mostly Nepali, a handful of apples transported and Rs 58 for each box packed. Apples here cost smoothly. As for the often negative unheard of in Nepal. From the now- and setting some solid goals. charges Rs 100 for deliveries Indian polishers to improve English copy, and a full- fledged marketing operation. “We will keep the about Rs 100 at department stores, and Rs 50-60 on the streets. ubiquitous security point of view, within the Valley, while for Himalaya Times and impact tourism has, like on the foreigners until our staff are capable of taking over,” environment and on pollution levels, Nepal is the same as, oh, Assam or deliveries outside the Valley, the The Himalayan and could take up other availablesays Pradhan, and hastens to add, “even with them Sikkim is doing all it can to tackle even Kashmir. Those who come and weight of the order determines print jobs. around it is we Nepalis here who decide what goes into this, too. Plastic bags are banned. then cross the border into India tell of the charge. Delivery is free if the APCA India is a ventureTimes of of India staffers the paper.” Necon and Shangrila People carry shopping bags and the being frisked, always odious, but value of the purchases exceeds chaired by Dilip Padgaonkar, and also has “personsPradhan of says ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ more up-market stores provide fancy somehow worse when all one wants Rs 2,500. Indian origin”—now citizens of other countries The Himalayan will set up fully Necon Air has added two Beechcraft 1900C and two Twin Otters—flying Shangrila Air colours—to its fleet including the US—and “non-resident Indians” as to do is kick back and relax. Others are less optimistic staffed news bureaux in five Nepali cities, and market of two ATRs. Necon is now operating Shangrila’s routes, which include Bhairahawa-Pokhara,paper Kathmandu- bags. There are prominent investors. APCA had been planning to invest in Nepal the product in both India and other South Asian Simra and Pokhara-Jomsom. The fare for the Kathmandu-Simra sector is Rs 780 and that for the about the possibility of an since early this year, when it approached other Nepali countries. The 12-page paper is to have an initial Bhairahawa-Pokhara hop is Rs 975. The two airlines are going through a complicated phased merger. media companies including Kantipur and (Readers can post their views at Internet shopping boom in the print run of 15,000 copies. [email protected]) foreseeable future in Nepal. Most business to consumer shops sites, critics point out, are www.nepalnews.com Weekly Internet Poll #6 still struggling to build a client base among the non-residential Nepalis or foreigners with Nepal connection. “E-shops are not doing great. The plummeting Should the number of national holidays in Nepal be reduced?economy will not allow the boom just now,” says Binaya Mohan Saud of nepalshop.com. Of course, but it should be strictly applied throughout the country.drinking No or playing cards. On special days, civil servants shouldfor ourfinish country, not more holidays. partialism between Kathmandu Valley and the rest of Nepal. pending jobs, instead of having wasteful holidays. Cyber goats and virtualbokas? What Besides, the expensive Internet T Lawoti services and added telephone Bhawani Neupane, Mumbai Badri will the diaspora think of next? The two-day weekend in Kathmandu Valley is irrelevant. Other public revenues make shopping on the Yes. No more holidays. Nepalis are less efficient than other people,Of course, they the number of unnecessary holidays should be reduced.holidays are to be modified taking the sentiments of minorities into Internet relatively unaffordable consideration. Nepal needs more working hours than anybody else in HEMLATA RAI are lazy, and still want holidays. Why do we need so many holidays? It is only for playing ‘marriage’ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ most of who are already regular for many. Saud’s client base is and drinking ‘daru’. But the government is not serious about cuttingthe world so we can increase the speed of development. mostly Nepalis abroad (80 Amit Dhungel nternet shopping seems to be buyers at the site. holidays, rather it is trying to increase the number of ministers and may percent) and foreigners with be the number of holidays. This is a time for work and not for rest. VP Kayastha finally making sense to some “This is their way of Let’s not bother with holidays, but we should concentrate in effective- Nepalis. As computer literacy showing respect for tradition friends in Nepal. ness and efficiency of our system. It won’t work if we have more I If possible the number of holidays should be reduced by 50 percent And, industry observers say, holidays, but the same mentality. Kumar Khatiwada, Philippines and people’s access to the and a sign of the attachment immediately. Internet increases, there are these people feel towards their when shopping sites mushroom Rojwal It doesn’t matter whether we have less holidays, it has to do with the Ram Mani Bartaula, Lancaster, UK more potential clients surfing families—their sentiment was without proper marketing peoples’ sense of duty. Nowadays a lot of businesses remain open on the shop sites, and e-shopkeep- expressed through this site,” strategies, the number of What is the difference when there is nothing to do when you get to Yes. Only 15 days a year should be assigned for extra holidays besides most holidays. They realise that they need to work. If only other people ers are venturing forth with new says Prem Joshi of thamel.com. potential clients starts to drop. work? Cutting number of holidays does not increase work efficiency.in Nepal like politicians and government officials realise their duties,Saturdays. all Sunday holiday should be cancelled and offices should keep During Dasain, nepalshop.com would be fine. They are the ones that cause the most damageopen. ideas to woo them. The site normally receives three Prakash Shiwakoti, California What a shop needs to be a or four orders a week, and received only 10 orders, though Ram Raz Ghimire, USA its price points are lower than No, we shouldn’t cut down holidays but definitely should concentrate P Udup hit is play on the hold of double that during other those of many retailer. more on utilising work hours and be more creative and dedicated to build Nepal has the largest number of national holidays and some of these aretradition and a judicious festivals, but this Dasain was a our nation. Our country is beautiful, it just needs dedicated citizensBureaucrats to are as lazy as donkeys. All they want to do is rest,not sleepso important. Working days should be increased. A country developsamount of sentimentality. bonanza. Thamel.com delivers But despite the differences in and go to make it stronger. sasurali in the office vehicle. So we must reduce the by doing, not sleeping. Nepalis residing abroad were the orders free of cost, and pricing strategies, delivery number of public holidays as soon as possible. sends visual confirmations for models, and even divergent takes Lekha Pramod, Japan offered a chance this festival Thaggu Dhotane, Germany season to feel close to their deliveries within the Valley, and on the potential for such We have to cut holidays, but have to do it gradually. In Dasain, people It is tempting to be lazy and ask for more and more holidays, but are wefamilies back in Nepal and be voice confirmations for deliver- undertakings, all Nepali shop- have to go a long way home and most of our places are still notThe major question here is the objective of holidays, which nowilling doubt to is live with the outcome? One way we can start is by increasing ies outside the capital to the ping sites have a model to pull to give people a break. The rest and opportunity is to create a more involved in Dasain celebra- accessible. Still, instead of eight days, we can come to seven and then production, and that translates to working more. As it is, we have so tions—by purchasing a gift senders within 24 hours. consumers in—they play up the to six and keep it at five. Not less. Other holidays should be reducedefficient as work force. But this is not followed. In a multi-religiousmany and holidays that we waste time doing unproductive things. It is one multi-ethnic country, there is a limit. There should be allocated days for During Dasain, the site even tradition, culture and values well. thing to have the desire for a better future, it is another thing to make khasior every government official for holidays, and then we can join handsthat a reality.for We need to start by making sacrifices, and one step in the allowed gift recipients to pretty associated with products, to building a better Nepal. bokaonline and having it much pick their gift—they appeal to a diaspora that can Ramesh right direction would be reducing the number of days off. We need to be fair in the allocation of holidays across religions and cultures. Let the delivered to their loved ones could go along with someone afford to spend, but perhaps My suggestion: let’s work our butts off for one day per week and let’s Krishna Kaphle holidays be a symbol of celebration of something great, not a symbol ofhere. And they (the relatives, from the site to touch, prod not come home as often as it have national holidays for the remaining six days. In this way, in one our laziness and lack of work ethics. not the goats) seemed to like and otherwise examine a would like. year we will have 54 working days and the remaining time weThe can number of national holidays should not be reduced, but adjust- the idea. The Internet portal number of khasi in the price Come Tihar, it will, we are relax. ments are very urgent for the better performance of government as range the sender specified. well as the non-governmental sector. This will not only improve the thamel.com sold 59khasis told, be a little more of the Diwakar Thapa The sticky point for Nepali Dukhi efficiency of that office but also the nation will benefit ultimately. online to about 40 individuals, same—there will be special A government office already has 365 days of holiday in a year. You shop-sites is mode of pay- offers on items related to A country where people take days off to worship snakes, students Sujan Acharya don’t find anybody, they are always at lunch. Waste of taxpayers ment—not too many domestic traditional pujas, merry making barely go to school for six months in a year because of holidays, money. shoppers have credit cards, and sentiment. Oh, and a good Dasain, Tihar, Maobadi and Prachanda vacations does not needDon’t more reduce the religious holidays. It is the most deep part of Nepali holidays. We are the poorest people in the world because weculture are lazy and would be a sin to stop the festivals. But it is a good idea to Anita which is unfortunate for them, dose of nostalgia. bums. The number of holidays should be slashed. close government offices on Saturday and Sunday, not much work but worse for the sites. gets done anyway. Most Nepali holidays are based on religion, culture and traditions of Still, e-businesses are Leon Pun, Hong Kong different communities. We should be sensitive before reducing national expanding their reach. Raajan Man Singhholidays. These holidays are meant for enriching, maintaining and People should do doubly hard work on the king’s birthday to fulfil his promoting our cultures, values and traditions. vision for a prosperous country, and not take part in processions,I agree we need some relaxation but not too much. We have already relaxed too much and it’s dragging us towards poverty. It’s time to think Atma Shrestha 101010 HERITAGE 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 111111 MIN BAJRACHARYA Not so freaky anymore on Freak Street Jhonchen’s monetary concerns are understandable, but maybe we should begin by asking what kind of future is possible for it. The fame and fortune that hashish brought cannot be replaced and it is best to not even try. Thamel, where the money is as in-your-face as the tourists who throng it, is actually not doing so well—undercutting and oversupply mean business would be going steadily down, even if the tourists weren’t. That is little consolation for Jhonchen, which like the Basantapur Plaza with its lacks both capital and confidence. is also trying to guard the region The average tourist—and Promotion Committee, which came very upmarket stores should be a entire Jhonchen community seems from drug pushers while adding sign for our times. Jhonchen doesn’t Kathmanduite-about-town—would out with a free tourist brochure to have a new, enthusiastic sense of streetlights and keeping dustbins onneed to be totally posh, but it could like an alternative to Thamel, with that includes a small map of ownership and desire to get their the road. “But this is not enough, be a little edgier, a little more modern. its excessive hassles, its claustropho- Kathmandu, a bigger one of the act together and do well for we have much more to do and far to bic sometimes racist environment Darbar Square and Jhonchen, and Freak Street is no more, long themselves. Like-minded residents go,” says a hopeful Uden. Mod- and the sea of other tourists all information regarding the various live Jhonchen. and businesses have even formed a ern—and well-designed—buildings doing much the same, or watching deities in the area. The committee committee called the Darbar Square each other do it. As a pair of Dutch tourists put it, “Every tourist wants to make a special journey, but Thamel is just like any other tourist ghetto.” There will always be people who want another Thamel, another Pat Pong or King’s Cross. Jhonchen could step in for those who want a somewhat quieter, more contempla- tive place to be that still has all the DESMOND DOIG/MY KIND OF KATHMANDU DOIG/MY KIND DESMOND MIN BAJRACHARYA amenities they need. Instead of fifteen variations on the same bar, ALOK TUMBAHANGPHEY ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Jhonchen’s space constraints could ay back when the war was be used creatively to have smaller, in Vietnam and not fewer, but altogether more indi- W Afghanistan, when protest vidual places to hang out. You was in the air, and when people could step from a cosy pub to an wore flowers in their hair, you came imaginatively-lit square at midnight, to Freak Street. That’s Jhonchen to just to see how beautiful it looks. us. The hippies, the Rastafaris, the As for rooms, there would be fewer, flower children searching for but they could range from the happiness and nirvana, all arrived in relatively upscale to the fairly basic, the thousands, travelling overland and they could all be better in their Mercedes Benz buses, designed. With the limited supply praising Krishna, Rama and other there would be no undercutting, so deities that surprised the local business would be healthier. populace a little—the Bobs Dylan Souvenir vendors could be and Marley and the Beatles. They organised, and prices could be converted the pig alley to Pie Alley standardised. It is a small enough and Swoyambhu to Monkey area, so Jhonchen and its environs Temple. could conceivably be kept clean The winds of change were all year round. sweeping through the world and by What all of this needs is proper some curious chance they dumped planning. If the municipality and everyone in Kathmandu, near together with three friends to open the local business and residential Basantapur, from the infamous a new hotel called Monumental communities could get together and Charles Sobraj to your regular old Paradise, right on Jhonchen. The agree on their vision for Jhonchen, Hare Krishna. And the locals sale. Hippies were replaced by hotel stands out compared to its appreciate nor want this help. For this little area could be a haven for looked on with amazement as they trekkies, and their world was in admittedly faded neighbours, in the first time in Nepal something tourists and Nepalis alike, a place swooped down like locusts and Thamel. large part because while those are my staff from 32 to 12 because of akin to a class-action suit is in the to just go and relax, watch the consumed in days what might be “Change is inevitable, we have old buildings with most of their revenue losses after they started courts. The municipality’s regula- beauty and let your guard down. the annual marijuana consumption traditional features either long tion is being challenged in a lawsuit The entrepreneurs seem to be to go along with the times. The order of experience altogether. But collecting entry fees,” complains of a small island population. Veni, ‘renovated’ or simply badly Shrestha. Businesses say that since filed by 507 people. What will gearing up to bring the glory back. hippie era is a thing of the past. maintained, this modern hotel the place needs help for that. Right vidi, vici. This small, happy Now we have to look towards the MIN BAJRACHARYA so many visitors to Basantapur arehappen in the courts is anybody’s The young residents of the area population changed the fate of not decided that it would go with the now, residents and entrepreneurs guess, but there is another side to future,” says Mohan K Mulepati, there are trying hard to share the backpackers on tight budgets, have new ideas and hope for a just the Valley, but the entire increasingly popular traditional red- when faced with the entry fee the story—there is no sign that better future, and they have slowly owner and managing director of the brick façade. gains from a fairly small number of nation. Nepal was to remain a Himalaya’s Guest House and Is Freak Streetthey spend less getting in restaurants and tourists gentrified? are decreasing in If not, why not?started shaking things up a little. tourist destination forever after. This is one of the first steps in visitors,○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ so most do not believe they ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Basantapur. When we visited Coffee Bar in Jhonchen. Mulepati have the time, energy or resources souvenir shops. Arun Manandhar, owner of a But that was a long time ago. ran the Himalayan Cold Drink what looks suspiciously like the But Rashmila Prajapati, Prajapati’s office, the 74 Perhaps, since they are, after all, an uniquely ‘Freak Street’ eatery called gentrification of Freak Street. The to try and turn ‘Freak Street’ into You still come across the name Store in Jhonchen back in 1965. Jhonchen. programme manager of the important part of the informal Café Culture thinks there is hope. every once in a while in guidebooks phenomenon of gentrification takes economy, the hawkers themselves He, for one, is willing to change. “The money I earned from the shop “Thamel has money, and the Hanuman Dhoka Darbar Square that try to write a summary of I put into the guest house,” he says,place in every city, but the pace at could be made part of the land- And he thinks he knows just how to advantage of being able to expand, Conservation Program started by Nepal’s modern history, but Freak recalling the glory days. which this has been happening in scape, installed under semi- get other people involved as well— but we cannot go beyond the the Kathmandu Municipal Corpo- Street is no more. It’s been decades Indeed. Today when if you the last decade or so has been ration (KMC) reasons, “UNESCO permanent canopies they could rentcommunity action. “Locals were remarkable. Places like New York, limit,” says Udab Shrestha, the since the last hippie moved out of were to venture forth to Jhonchen World Heritage sites all around the for a small fee. If all this pans out not involved as a community, and here. The few that remain are only where the Internet boom fuelled a owner of Restaurant Oasis estab- like the municipality hopes it will, we lost out.” Uden of Monumental (a Newari word meaning ‘lane of lished in 1985. Making matters world have service fees, we are not figures lost somewhere in time, real estate boom, saw an almost the only ones. It takes a whole lot it will be a good thing for Paradise echoes his sentiments: Newars’), you get the sense that incredible progression of turning worse is the Rs 200 entry fee, trying hard to recollect the days finally, reality has sunk in and of money to preserve these sites and Basantapur. “We need to fuse the old and the factory floors into cyber-hubs. sometimes described as a service they spent in blissful oblivion in people are finding ways to move the bottom line is that neither the But will it be as positive for new—we cannot just stick with the There’s been no such boom in charge, that the Kathmandu Kasthmandap, or New Age yuppies on, while proudly clinging to the KMC nor the Department of Freak Street? Mohan Mulepati “Freak” idea.” The veteran Nepal, but the economy is growing, Municipality now charges tourists th in disguise trying to recreate an era worldwide fame their little street Archaeology has this kind of money. day the offers an alternative. “Instead of Mulepati, who has seen so much, and increasing urban over-crowding visiting the World Heritage Site they missed. When Nepal finally We are only trying to help.” fee was being charged, over Rs 5 charging people to just walk on the advises residents not to give up. still has. Even if you catch a faint and sprawl mean there are fewer Basantapur-Hanuman Dhoka area. declared marijuana illegal in 1972 it Whatever the justification, localmillion had been collected from street, they could have taken fees “We have to be patient in this whiff of pot from an old pipe alternative tourist venues in the Residents of the neighbourhood are was a blow to the heart of someone chanced upon, be warned, entrepreneurs seem to neither close to 26,000 tourists. to, say, enter the Kumari Ghar. Or business. We have been really heart of the city. furious. They claim that this more trying to get people to accept Kathmandu’s original tourist hub. drugs are a thing of the past here. The programme has many they could have cultural pro- It had played its part, but was Baudha may be ‘the next than anything in recent years has this,” he says. “It is either a loner or the increas- affected their business. “I had to cut projects in the pipeline to improve grammes in Kasthamandap and already giving way to the adventure- Thamel’, but it is still a Thamel- And it is remarkable, how the ingly problematic—and mis- Basanatapur. In addition to make those who want to view seekers on the lookout for high like tourist ghetto. A revitalised guided—Nepali pushers who think maintenance of the Heritage them pay a decent amount. The mountain treks, white water rafting they can get a market here. We are Freak Street would be a different municipality says it will do things and the Chitwan jungle safaris on structures, these include building trying hard to deal with this,” says public toilets, installing street for the neighbourhood with the Uden Shrestha, a young lights, putting on cultural shows in money they raise, but whether Kathmanduite who recently got the square, and beefing up security. they will and what they do This last is aimed at keeping away remains to be seen.” hangers-on and souvenir vendors. 121212 TECHNOLOGY 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES WORLD 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 131313

he US Congress last month Canada gets tough passed the Uniting and ○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Strengthening America by OTTAWA - The Canadian government is pressing ahead with What not to do in the USplans to enact a sweeping new anti-terrorism law this month, Global village idiots Providing Appropriate Tools Required despite civil libertarians’ warnings that the legislation poses a to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism entering the country. (USA PATRIOT) Act crafted by the residents) for engaging in speech low standard that does not require threat to legitimate dissent. Critics maintain the complex legislation would suspend several civil liberties including The allegations and prophecies of doom circulating on offices of Attorney General John protected by the First Amendment. Makes the payment of membershipprobable cause of a crime or even relevancy to an ongoing terrorism protection against self-incrimination and arrest without charges, Ashcroft.T Laura Murphy, director of Minimises judicial supervision of dues to political organisations a and would give the government too much power not only to strip investigation. email were ridiculous, but the social functions of the American Civil Liberties Union in telephone and Internet surveillance by deportable offence. legal protection from anyone suspected of terrorism, but to Washington DC says, “Included in law enforcement authorities in anti- Grants the FBI broad access to Allows student records to be define who terrorists are in the first place. Critics say this power rumour are often indistinguishable from “real news”. the bill are provisions that would • photos of the burning buildings terrorism investigations and in routinesensitive medical, financial, mental searched based on a very low standard is so sweeping, that anti-globalisation protesters and Native reveal Satan’s face in the smoke; allow for the mistreatment of criminal investigations unrelated to health, and educational records about of relevancy to an investigation. activists could be labelled “terrorists,” but they also predict that STEPHEN D O’LEARY immigrants, the suppression of terrorism. precisely because the legislation is so broad, it faces an almost ○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○ complains that her inbox is flooded • a man in the WTC rode bits of individuals without having to show Creates a broad new definition of with “doomsday predictions, dissent and the investigation and evidence of a crime and without a inevitable challenge in court under the country’s Charter of ne of the favourite observations the falling building down to safety; Expands the ability of the govern- “domestic terrorism” that could target Rights and Freedoms. Says Clayton Ruby, Toronto civil rights conspiracy theories and rants about surveillance of wholly innocent court order. of journalists who feel • an unburned Bible was found in Americans.” Civil libertarians worry ment to conduct secret searches in people who engage in acts of political lawyer, “The problem with these laws is that they come in as religion and the future of the planet,” Othreatened by the changing face the wreckage of the Pentagon. anti-terrorism investigations and in Will lead to use of intelligence protest and subject them to wiretap- emergency measures, temporary measures that are only that the new legislation: of news on the Internet is that the and asks, “Where do they all come Aided by the Internet, these routine criminal investigations authorities to by-pass probable cause ping and enhanced penalties. supposed to last for a short time. But they are never temporary. from? It’s as if we’re living in a net all too often becomes a rumours (all subsequently proven unrelated to terrorism. Law enforce- requirements in criminal cases. breeding ground for rumours and medieval village where guessing and ment authorities can enter and search (Excerpted from an editorial in false) proliferated at an astounding Allow the CIA and other intelli- gossip pass for knowledge.” an individual’s home without The Nation, New York) conspiracy theories. rate. The day after 11 September, gence agencies to again spy on Any large-scale tragedy invites How far have we come from the over one hundred of the 120 students presenting a warrant or informing the subject of the search. Americans by giving the director of speculation on the ‘story behind the medieval village to the global village? in my class at Annenberg had received Central Intelligence the authority to story.’ Unsurprisingly, the recent And, just how many “kooks”—global e-mails containing the Nostradamus Permits the Attorney General to Gives the Attorney General and the identify priority targets for intelligence terrorist attacks in the US have village idiots—are out there on the ‘prophecy’: “In York there will be a incarcerate or detain non-citizens basedSecretary of State the power to surveillance in the US. provided ample fodder for urban net? Stories that most regular email great collapse, Two twin brothers watch CNN: they are trying to make on mere suspicion, and to deny re- designate domestic groups as terrorist Allows searches of highly personal legends, crackpot conspiracies, and users have encountered recently torn apart by chaos, while the fortress sense of their world. admission to the US of non-citizens organisations and to block any non- financial records without notice and apocalyptic speculation. What is include: falls the great leader will succumb. these stories have gained credibility The Internet is ideal for the (including lawful permanent citizen who belongs to them from without judicial review based on a very unusual about the rumours swirling • a Nostradamus prophecy The third big war begins when the bigpublished on the web by a college among ordinarily sensible folk spawning and evolving of propaganda, over the Internet now is that they ‘anticipating’ the WTC attack; city is burning. Nostradamus, 1654” student parodying the vague language indicates that the impact of the disinformation, and collective mytholo- terrorist attacks is several orders of have an appeal far beyond the • a coded message predicting the Newspapers debunked the story, and mystical obscurity of gies, which provide ideological support ordinary audience of fanatics and attack in a Microsoft graphics font; Nostradamus’s writings. But this magnitude above any news story since for religious fanatics and secular noting that Nostradamus died in the Internet. conspiracy theorists. As Janelle • 4,000 Jews told not to go to the 1566. About.com and other sites seems to have had little impact. On nationalists. Journalists may report on To understand the credibility of Brown observes in Salon.com’s WTC the day of the attack; featured stories proving that the 15 Septmeber, the bestselling book on rumours to debunk them, but even the rumour roundup, “The kooks are • footage of Palestinians celebrating verses originated in a 1997 essay, Amazon.com was these stories, we might think of them most sceptical reporters cannot avoid coming out of the woodwork.” in Jerusalem was ten-year-old CNN Nostradamus: The as modern folklore, generated by new spreading false stories to credulous Complete Prophecies. technologies but serving an ancient people. It hardly matters how strongly The other victims Bridget Harrison of PageSix.com, stock footage; Internet columnist Aaron Schatz, function. Legends, rumours, and we resist being drawn into disseminat- The irresponsibility of this conflict is who surveys fluctuating requests for spurious prophecies are important: ing propaganda and rumour; in such an information on Lycos, reported that they help people come to grips with emotional context, our work inevitably breathtaking. It is not about terrorism at all. “Nostradamus searches increased, tragedy and historical change, bringingcontributes to the evolving of cultural order out of chaos, giving meaning to myths. How will this kind of a plane into a building or order and despite media outlets reporting on collude with it from the Oval Office and apparently meaningless violence, and mythmaking in the global village JOHN PILGER [the prophecy’s] fallacy.” It’s difficult ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ reassuring us with tales of survival. respond to, and affect, the conflict? Downing Street. You can never roll them back.” Justice Minister Anne McLellan Alternative sources to impute significance to such data, he war against terrorism is a fraud. After three weeks’ bombing, not a If Blair was really opposed to all says the law is needed to give the police powers to suppress but the implications are disturbing: it It may be hard for journalists to single terrorist implicated in the attacks on America has been caughtforms or of terrorism, he would get Britain existing terror groups, provide them with new investigative tools The Iraqis are training bin Laden’s troops in chemical and biological weapons; seemsRussian the experts who debunked the understand that in crises, the social T killed in Afghanistan. out of the arms trade. On the day of the and toughen prison sentence for terrorists. The bill defines acts of terrorism as those that threaten Canadian lives or property, commandos packing newly acquired American arms are poised to storm Afghanistan;prophecy wereIsrael no match for people’s functions of rumour are virtually Instead, one of the poorest, most stricken nations has been terrorised by thetwin towers attack, an “arms fair”, selling is about to be charged with damaging the mosques on Jerusalem’s contested Templehunger to findMount. supernatural signifi- indistinguishable from those of “real most powerful—to the point where American pilots have run out of dubious instil fear in society, damage the economy, or that are targeted weapons of terror (like cluster bombs and against political institutions and the welfare of the country. Three Stories like these are making the Israeli news site Debkafile increasingly popularcance, inwith forged verses from a famouslynews.” People spread rumours for the “military” targets and are now destroying mud houses, a hospital, Red Cross missiles) to assorted tyrants and human obscure sixteenth-century mystic or insame reason they read the papers or opposition parties support the bill in principle, and two con- Americans looking for the inside scoop on the new conflict. Debkafile offers anonymous tips, warehouses, lorries carrying refugees. rights abusers, opened in London’s servative parties are demanding even sterner laws. Bill Blaikie, unsubstantiated rumours and chilling, detail-laden stories on Middle Eastern military,the arcane intelli- codings of software (Online Journalism Review, Unlike the relentless pictures from New York, we are seeing almost nothingDocklands of with the full backing of the Blair government. Britain’s biggest armsMember of Parliament from the social democratic New Demo- gence, diplomatic, and terrorist matters. And it is beating big-name American andengineers. international The rapidity with which Annenberg School of this. Tony Blair has yet to tell us what the violent death of children—seven incustomer one is the medieval Saudi regime, which beheads heretics and spawned thecratic Party (NDP), the only legislative group that opposes news sources on key stories, attracting flocks of new readers in the process. Daily visitors to Communication, USC) family—has to do with Osama bin Laden. And why are cluster bombs being religious fanaticism of the Taleban. important aspects of the bill, says the NDP wants to ensure that the site have increased threefold in the last month to 120,000, says Debkafile editor and used? The British public should know about these bombs, which the RAF also If he really wanted to demonstrate “the moral fibre of Britain”, Blair would the right to peaceful dissent is not removed, or limited. former uses. They spray hundreds of bomblets that have only one purpose—to kill anddo everything in his power to lift the threat of violence in those parts of the Economist foreign affairs reporter Giora Shamis. Americans now make up 60 percent maim people. Those that do not explode lie on the ground like landmines, world where there is great and justifiable grievance and anger. He would do of Debka’s audience, compared with 45 percent before the crisis. John Ghazivinian, editor at waiting for people to step on them. more than make gestures; he would demand that Israel ends its illegal occupa- the news professionals’ site Mediabistro, says, “There’s a strong sense that the mainstream If ever a weapon was designed specifically for acts of terrorism, this is it. I tion of Palestine and withdraw to its borders prior to the 1967 war, as ordered media have scaled back operations and are incapable of covering this from the ground.” have seen the victims of American cluster weapons in other countries, such as theby the Security Council, of which Britain is a permanent member. He Debkafile gets that kind of coverage. It reported days before Laotian toddler who picked one up and had her right leg and face blown off. Bewould call for an end to the genocidal blockade which the UN—in reality, USA Today, CNN and NBC that assured this is now happening in Afghanistan, in your name. America and Britain—has imposed on the suffering people of Iraq for more American and British forces were in Afghanistan scouting out terrorist hiding places, and None of those directly involved in the 11 September atrocity was Afghani.than a decade, causing the deaths of half a million children under the age of included details about Russian intelligence officers and German commandos joining in the Most were Saudis, who apparently did their planning and training in Germanyfive. That’s more deaths of infants every month than the number killed in incursions. Earlier, two days before the New York Times, Debkafile ran a story that Saudi and the United States. The camps which the Taleban allowed bin Laden to usethe World Trade Center. Arabia had refused to let the US use its air bases to stage attacks on Afghanistan. were emptied weeks ago. Moreover, the Taleban itself is a creation of the Ameri- There are signs that Washington is about to extend its current “war” to Iraq; Debkafile reports with a point of view-—the site is unabashedly in the hawkish camp of cans and the British. In the 1980s, the tribal army that produced them was yet unknown to most of us, almost every day RAF and American aircraft already bomb Iraq. There are no headlines. There is nothing on the TV news. This (IPS) Israeli politics. That slant, and Debkafile’s breakneck pace—its eight-person staff updates the funded by the CIA and trained by the SAS to fight the Russians. The hypocrisy site five or six times a day with terse, one-line tips and sparse news briefs—means it often does not stop there. When the Taleban took Kabul in 1996, Washington saidterror is the longest-running Anglo-American bombing campaign since World airs unfounded, inaccurate rumours while breaking legitimate news. nothing. Why? Because Taleban leaders were soon on their way to Houston, War Two. The Wall Street Journal reported that the US and Britain faced a “dilemma” in Iraq, because “few targets remain”. “We’re down to the last There are some missteps, such as Debkafile’s about turn on its initial position that the Texas, to be entertained by executives of the oil company, Unocal. With secret US government approval, the company offered them a generousouthouse,” said a US official. That was two years ago, and they’re still bombing. Siberian Airways Tel Aviv-Novosibirsk flight crash was the result of terrorist action, but they The cost to the British taxpayer? £800million so far. don’t to bother the site’s increasingly loyal readers. “Not everything Debka says is confirmed, cut of the profits of the oil and gas pumped through a pipeline that the Ameri- but three days later you’ll find at least one item in cans wanted to build from Soviet central Asia through Afghanistan. A US According to an internal UN report, covering a five-month period, 41 The New York Times,” said Greg Clayman, a diplomat said: “The Taliban will probably develop like the Saudis did.” He percent of the casualties are civilians. In northern Iraq, I met a woman whose New York City Internet marketing executive. “When (White House press secretary) Ari Fleischer explained that Afghanistan would become an American oil colony, there wouldhusband be and four children were among the deaths listed in the report. He was a huge profits for the West, no democracy and the legal persecution of women. “Weshepherd, who was tending his sheep with his elderly father and his children tells the mainstream media, ‘Watch what you say,’ you’ve got to look for(Wired) other sources.” can live with that,” he said. when two planes attacked them, each making a sweep. It was an open valley; Although the deal fell through, it remains an urgent priority of the adminis-there were no military targets nearby. “I want to see the pilot who did this,” tration of George W Bush, which is steeped in the oil industry. Bush’s concealedsaid the widow at the graveside of her entire family. For them, there was no agenda is to exploit the oil and gas reserves in the Caspian basin, the greatest service in St Paul’s Cathedral with the Queen in attendance, no rock concert source of untapped fossil fuel on earth and enough, according to one estimate,with to Paul McCartney. meet America’s voracious energy needs for a generation. Only if the pipeline runsThe tragedy of the Iraqis, and the Palestinians, and the Afghanis is a truth through Afghanistan can the Americans hope to control it. that is the very opposite of their caricatures in much of the Western media. Far So, not surprisingly, US Secretary of State Colin Powell is now referring tofrom being the terrorists of the world, the overwhelming majority of the Islamic “moderate” Taleban, who will join an American-sponsored “loose federation” topeoples of the Middle East and South Asia have been its victims—victims largely run Afghanistan. The “war on terrorism” is a cover for this: a means of achievingof the West’s exploitation of precious natural resources in or near their countries. American strategic aims that lie behind the flag-waving facade of great power. The There is no war on terrorism. If there was, the Royal Marines and the Royal Marines, who will do the real dirty work, will be little more than mercenar-SAS would be storming the beaches of Florida, where more CIA-funded ies for Washington’s imperial ambitions, not to mention the extraordinary terrorists, ex-Latin American dictators and torturers, are given refuge than pretensions of Blair himself. Having made Britain a target for terrorism with hisanywhere on earth. bellicose “shoulder to shoulder” with Bush nonsense, he is now prepared to send There is, however, a continuing war of the powerful against the powerless, troops to a battlefield where the goals are so uncertain that even the Chief of thewith new excuses, new hidden agendas, new lies. Before another child dies Defence Staff says the conflict “could last 50 years”. The irresponsibility of thisviolently, is or quietly from starvation, before new fanatics are created in both the breathtaking; the pressure on Pakistan alone could ignite an unprecedented crisiseast and the west, it is time for the people of Britain to make their voices heard across the Indian sub-continent. Having reported many wars, I am always struckand to stop this fraudulent war—and to demand the kind of bold, imaginative by the absurdity of effete politicians eager to wave farewell to young soldiers, butnon-violent initiatives that require real political courage. who themselves would not say boo to a Taleban goose. The other day, the parents of Greg Rodriguez, a young man who died in the In the days of gunboats, our imperial leaders covered their violence in the World Trade Center, said this: “We read enough of the news to sense that our “morality” of their actions. Blair is no different. Like them, his selective moralis-government is heading in the direction of violent revenge, with the prospect of ing omits the most basic truth. Nothing justified the killing of innocent peoplesons, in daughters, parents, friends in distant lands dying, suffering, and nursing America on 11 September, and nothing justifies the killing of innocent peoplefurther grievances against us.” anywhere else. By killing innocents in Afghanistan, Blair and Bush stoop to the “It is not the way to go...not in our son’s name.” level of the criminal outrage in New York. Once you cluster bomb, “mistakes” and “blunders” are a pretence. Murder is murder, regardless of whether you crash

(The Mirror, UK) ASIA 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES FROM THE NEPALI PRESS THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 141414 court was then formed to deal with 151515 crimes related with the Maoists. It COMMENTS by WALDEN BELLO Too many bosses was this court, which has set Yadav Envoy overload ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ No sedan chairs in the WTO ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and other Maoists free. The Chief ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Jana Aastha,17 October BEIJING - As China prepares for full membership to the WTO later this Modernise the monarchyDeshanter,21 October District Officer of Dhanusa year, it must begin streamlining the world’s largest and oldest bureauc- withdrew all cases against Yadav. It racy to create a small, efficient government whose legal transparency by Narahari Acharya Sher Bahadur Deuba still thinks he was after this that he was taken to The Indian ambassador was in route in pursuing justice, combining and political openness meets international standards. In China, where Bir Hospital for treatment from Mugu during the Rara Festival. How to lose a war80 percent of the population lives in rural areas, local cadres still rule Rajdhani, 10 October can ensure a longer tenure by doling patient multinational investigation, BANGKOK- It appears that in the like warlords—rural cadres can issue commands and regulations that out perks, jobs and cash. Recently, where he was then taken to NakkhuA porter was walking right in The US is losing the ideological war itdiplomacy, might and the have employment won of ifhave it the power of law and they have unlimited power to enforce the army wanted to buy a Super jail and then released. front of him carrying his bag and war between the United States and The attacks were heinous, but accepted international mechanisms like The 1 June incident that took place in the royal palace, Osama bin Laden, the latter is coming regulations such as those on rural taxes. Central government policy Puma helicopter. The government At the jail premises, Yadav told the present the people of Mugu had not taken thefrom law oneinto angle they its were butown a variant hands.the International Court of Justice. guidelines differ from those on the lower levels of China’s bureaucratic a place where only the King and members of the royal out ahead. Washington has achieved ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ family were present. Before 1 June the royal palace was presented the required documents reporters he was being released had given him, a wooden of Che Guevara’s “foco” theory. For These methods take time but they work. ladder and each level can interpret regulations to fit local conditions. briefcase. He followed the nothing of tactical or strategic value. When Premier Zhu Rongji was elected in 1998, he unveiled an considered to be the centre of power, respect and to parliament’s Public Accounts from a small prison into a larger leaders of Thailand’s normally sedate Guevara, the aim of bold guerrilla Then the US could have announced a authority. The 1 June incident changed all that and porter and as he reached the The bombing, which has taken the Muslim community now express action is twofold: demoralise the broad change in its Middle East aggressive three-year government restructuring plan, including laying Committee, which refused to one. He added that at the present off up to half of China’s eight million government and party officials. serious questions have now been thrown up. The helipad, Kamal Kant Regmi, the lives of many civilians, has worsened support for bin Laden. In Indonesia, enemy and empower your popular question of security was one of them. Till now it was authorise the purchase. The prime moment, the whole country felt like policies: withdrawing troops from But he failed to transform the way the country was governed. Zhang Chief District Officer, and the US’s strategic position in once regarded as a model of tolerant base by getting them to participate in Saudi Arabia, ending sanctions and considered very safe for His Majesty to travel to all parts minister personally met the a prison. … Southwest and South Asia by eroding Chengfu of the State Council Development Research Centre explains: Mahendra Singh Rathore, the Islam, a recent survey revealed that an action which shows that the all- military action against Iraq, decisively “For a few thousand years ‘official’ meant someone carried in a sedan of the country and one never thought that royalty would chairman of the PAC, Subash the stability of pro-US Muslim powerful government is vulnerable. chair. It is not easy to make Chinese officials get off their sedan chairs be harmed in any way, but now it is not so anymore Nemwang and asked him to Deputy Superintendent of half the respondents regard bin Laden supporting the immediate establish- because security could not be guaranteed even within regimes. A radical fundamentalist as a fighter for justice and under 35 The enemy is provoked into a military ment of a Palestinian state, and ordering and become ‘public servants’.” The State Planning Commission (SPC) reconsider his decision. The jumbo Police, stood on either side of regime is now a real possibility in recently acknowledged “two serious challenges” the country must deal the palace walls. The issue of respect and social values per cent as a terrorist. response that further saps its Israel to refrain from attacks on is another issue. We share a very special type of relation 41-member cabinet is also in favour the ambassador to be photo- Islamabad, while Washington faces the with under the WTO regime—the way government acts, and the impact graphed with him. The DSP The global support President credibility in what is basically a Palestinian communities. of equal market access on Chinese enterprises. To resolve these with our parents, siblings and other family members. of the deal. The prime minister feels unpleasant prospect of having to serve political and ideological battle. There are differences in a family but there is a lot of that he can ensure the long-lasting PM stumbles called out to an MP, who was Bush has flaunted is deceptive. A lot Had the US not taken the law in its problems, the country’s central planning agency says, China must ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ as a police force between an increas- respect too. After 1 June the notion no longer holds, For bin Laden, terrorism is a overhaul policies, regulations, and administrative and macro-economic support of people and institutions if already in the helicopter, and ingly isolated Saudi elite and a restive of governments would express their own hands, it could have been an especially the traditional social values. Such was the Jana Aastha,17 October support for the UN Security Council’smeans to an end. And that end is not example of a Great Power showing control systems. The commission has also set a five-year dateline for he bribes them with jobs. This was the MP also came running to youthful population that regards bin Beijing to develop “an administrative system in line with market rules incident that it was not even thought to be a possibility call for a global campaign against something Bush’s rhetoric about restraint, paving the way to a new era of by our laws and regulations, especially the one one of the main reasons why he have his photo taken, after Laden as a hero. and WTO regulations.” Regional protectionism and industrial monopoly At a public meeting at Rara, Prime which all of them got into the terrorism, but when it gets down to defending civilisation through revenge relations among people and nations. are also listed as challenges in the evaluation—20 years after eco- governing the issue of succession. The constitution gives formed such a large cabinet. People Meanwhile in the rest of the the powers of nominating the heir to the throne to the Minister Deuba was in a fix, the decisive criterion of offering troops bombing can compete with: a vision ofThe instincts of a unilateral, imperial nomic reforms began, the Chinese market remains fragmented and who voted for Sushil Koirala or helicopter. The pilot asked King. The accession law states that if the heir to the throne changes his religion, then he can no longer developing world, the shock over the and weapons to fight, one is down to Muslim Asia rid of the American past, however, have prevailed to such local governments frequently set and enforce rules to protect compa- otherwise supported him have not wondering what he ought to speak whether 16 more people more assault is giving way to disapproval of nies in their particular domains. remain an heir. It would be the same if the heir does not follow tradition and marries someone considered on. He turned to Mohan Baniya, the hardcore western Cold War economic and military power and an extent that the rights of dissent not fit to marry royalty. The laws are silent about anything of a more serious nature. been made ministers. Was it could be accommodated—they the US bombing and, even more president of the Mugu District alliance. Washington and London are corrupt surrogate elites, returned to and democratic diversity that have Our elected representatives now have a problem on their hands—to ensure that the rightsnecessary of the heir to form to a 41-member then trooped in and sat on the worrisome to Washington, to bin Development Committee who was losing the propaganda war. Their justice and Islamic sanctity. been one of the powerful ideological the throne are properly safeguarded by the constitution. No one can disbar him nor take awaycabinet his rights. to have the support of 57 floor. The ambassador was Laden’s emergence in the public effort to paint the military campaign as Yet Washington was not attractions of US society are funda- sitting next to him, and asked what shocked. consciousness as a feisty underdog The constitution clearly states that it is possible to remove a King if he is mentally or physicallyMembers unfit ofto Parliament? Issues a conflict between civilisation and mentally threatened by law-and-order rule but the constitution is silent when it comes to the same issues relating to the heir. ... Therefore all would be an appropriate topic to The aircraft landed at running circles around a big bully weaponless in this ideological war. It raised in the budget, as well as terrorists has come across as a crusade could have responded to 11 Septem- types like Attorney General John rules and laws concerning the heir to the throne have to be carefully revised and changed. The existing talk about. Surkhet airport, and everyone who knows one response: massive laws seem incomplete on this issue, plus they have serious in-built flaws. Since the laws do notpolicies address made the public by the of the Anglo-Saxon brotherhood ber in a way that might have blunted Ashcroft, who are using the current (IPS) government have been overruled by Baniya was stunned by the there said that it was overloaded retaliation. Many writers have against the Islamic world. So jarring needs of the times, people are not taking them very seriously or do not understand the gravity of the bin Laden’s political and ideological crisis to push through their pre-11 situation. That 1 June incident was very unexpected but it has raised fundamental questions,the which new cabinet.have So, now question, but recovered and said and this should not have theorised that the attacks might have has Tony Blair’s public relations drive appeal and opened up a new era in September authoritarian agendas. to be answered if we do not want that same type of situation to be repeated. controversy surrounds the working that Deuba should talk about the happened. The ambassador told been intended to lure the US into a to make Britain an equal partner in the US-Arab relations. It could have If Washington kills bin Laden, he Trading places Now because questions have been raised we have to act responsibly and make sure that theof the cabinet. Even if all MPs are same old issues, the current a reporter of war of intervention in the Middle East ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ war effort become, that the foreign foresworn unilateral military action becomes a martyr. If it captures him that would inflame the Muslim world TOKYO – Japan’s trade surplus, said to be the highest in the world, is appropriate changes are made. Fundamental changes have to be brought about because thecapable enough to be ministers, the situation of the country. This minister of Belgium, which currently and announced it would go the legal alive, freeing him will become an constitutional monarchy is here to stay, but we have to modernise it and move ahead with the times. It is conversation went on for some against it. Whether or not that was the holds the EU presidency, has felt shrinking fast. The ferocious exporter might soon become an importer, intense focus for the Muslim resistance, and Asia stands to benefit the most, say analysts. A recent Finance stupid to even think about ending the institution of monarchy. We have to make sure that it is time, it was something like this: case, the US bombing of Afghanistan compelled to criticise Blair for strengthened and is provided with full security. It is also important that the palace brings about changes in Jana Aasthathat has done precisely that. Moderate while capital punishment would be Ministry report showed that Japan’s trade surplus in the first half of the Deuba: “Tell me, what should I compromising the Union’s interests. prevented by the likelihood it would set current fiscal year fell from its year-ago level by 43.1 percent to $240 its behaviour and also moves with the times. this was illegal, and overloading talk about.” off massive revolts throughout the billion—the fifth straight half-year decline. The rate of decline is the A child who was six at the time of the restoration of democracy in 1990 is now a young man of 18. In should never be allowed. Muslim world. If it fails to kill or steepest since 1978, the ministry says. Exports from April-September fell the same way, a person who was 18 at that time is now 30. Let us for a moment study and analyse Nepalis Baniya (pointing to the area The helicopter in question 6.1 percent, mainly due to a substantial drop in exports of IT-related who are now 30 years or less. Let us analyse their behaviour, their thinking, and their ways of life. Let us around Rara lake): “The construc- capture him, he will secure an aura of products, and they will continue to drop given falling consumer study the changes that have come about in their behaviour. We can ignore the inspirations of many that belonged to Asian Air, and had a invincibility, as somebody favoured by spending and investment in the wake of 11 September. Imports since may have reached the twilight of their lives but can we silence people who are just 30 or below all the tion of the road around the lake.” Russian pilot. According to the God and whose cause is therefore just. 1999 have risen 4.6 percent to $200 billion. The shrinking trade surplus time? Do they not require answers to all the questions in their minds? Deuba: “No! We should not rules, the helicopter is not Ironical and perverse as this may is due to rising imports from Asia and falling Japanese exports of A lot of issues have to be properly dealt with for making constitutional monarchy stable and strong. build a road in this area.” allowed to carry more than 21 electronic products to the region. The Nomura Research Institute said sound, the Washington-bin Laden The shortcomings in the laws, especially on issues concerning the heir, have to be dealt with properly... Baniya: “The construction of people at a time but this conflict is becoming a battle of spirit that by 2003 Japan would have a trade deficit, as in the sixties before the economic miracle. Kenichi Nagura of the Norinchukan Research Therefore why should parliament not have an active role in bringing about changes that are required? Or the airport and the issue of food canchopper had 32 people on versus matter, righteousness and else can anyone guarantee that the 1 June type of incident will not re-occur? We have to take Institute believes that in the next decade Japan would be like the US, be discussed.” board. The ambassador was so might. where a bulk of the merchandise is produced in Asia, Latin America and precautions. And doing that is the responsibility of the representatives of the people. Only then can we have a monarchy that is cared for and respected by its people, and one which will last. Deuba: “Please write it down angry, he did not even speak to Africa. This is because Japanese companies are investing heavily in the Chief District Officer of Asia to remain globally competitive, exporting technology to countries People wanting to bypass or postpone the issue raise questions such as, ‘the people’s representatives for me.” Surkhet who was at the airport with far lower labour prices. Direct investment by Japanese companies in are not strong, are not mature, don’t have political will, are not honest, are not responsible, etc.,’ and Baniya, a UML party member, China, the biggest recipient of Japanese capital, grew by 117 percent in therefore cannot be trusted. What we must not forget is that despite everything the solution lies with the to welcome him. The CDO was the first four months of the year, compared with the same period last people. Also the system of elections every five years allows the people to influence the decisions their hurriedly scribbled some points on actually there to receive dignity and prestige of the cabinet is year. Still, economists believe Japan could retain its competitive representatives make. After the investigation commission presented its report, the Nepali Congress passed a piece of paper lying in front of Minister for Tourism Bal advantage. “Japan’s new economy will focus on services, software such a resolution which attempted to encompass all the changes that it thought were needed to beimportant. brought The prime minister has him. At this very moment Member Bahadur KC and he was as electronic games which Japan leads in, and technology and digital about. It was along the line of giving people the right to provide security and continuity to monarchy,given some for tainted people of Parliament Rajendra Pandey was surprised to see the developments,” said CH Kwan, senior researcher at the Research which the government has to bring about fundamental changes in policy, legislation and actions.prominent posts and the public is Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry. Something else needs to be done to facilitate the monarchy to move along with the times. Elected addressing the meeting. He was ambassador . certainly concerned—in fact, this officials were unable to get proper information on the 1 June incident because existing law and rules did facing the crowd on the banks of After the ambassador left for (IPS) not have the space for that to happen, or space for them to help find out what was going on.has Our created nation, a rift between the the lake, and so Deuba and Baniya instead of moving forward from such a state, seems trapped in a time warp going back in history.people Therefore and the government. It is were directly behind him. Pandey Nepalgunj, the CDO went back there are two important points that have to be taken care of: first parliament has to make lawswishful and thinking to hope that these finished off his speech saying that to what he was doing— Walden Bello is professor of regulations concerning succession, and second the laws must give parliament the right to set down rules on preparing for KC’s visit. The sociology and public the acceptable behaviour of the heir to the throne. tainted (corrupt) people will the prime minister had to promise (IPS) CDO requested the members of administration at the University improve the way the government that the airport would be com- functions. Not a single member of pleted within six months. the press not to write about the of the Philippines. overloaded helicopter. In fact, the Upper House has been made a Deuba then started speaking Fighting terrorism—and civil liberties minister. Some ministries have he threatened the reporters and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and said that if he lied, he would be said that overloading was not three ministers, 15 ministries have called a fool and so could only say NEW DELHI - The 11 September attacks have prompted India’s right- two ministers each. There are some something new in these wing government to resurrect anti-terrorist legislation rejected by that the airport would be com- mountainous regions. He added parliament six years ago as restrictive of civil liberties. When the ministers without portfolios, just pleted within a year. Pandey Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (prevention) Act (TADA) lapsed in like in Deuba’s cabinet in his earlier that no one could ever do 1995, rights organisations were relieved because of its misuse in shouted from the dais, “Can’t you anything about it. Most term as prime minister. There are finish it within six months?” Deuba insurgency-hit areas such as Punjab, Kashmir and north-eastern states. only four ministries with only one helicopters operating in these A civilisation inAttempts crisis to replace TADA with the Criminal Law Amendment Bill failed replied, “Not possible.” areas are used to ferry food to minister each. This jumbo cabinet because of opposition by groups like the People’s Union of Civil Bahkat Shahi, former president KANAN MAKIYA Liberties (PUCL) and even the National Human Rights Commission will not make life easy for Deuba. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Arabs and Muslims now face the (NHRC), a statutory body. The UN Human Rights Committee, too, of the Mugu DDC, was sitting with he Arab and Muslim worlds now confront a civilisational challenge unlike Too many ministers create more challenge of not claiming victimhood. expressed concern at proposals to reintroduce the act, parts of which confusion and problems. some reporters. He shouted, “We any since the Ottoman Empire fell. The terrorist attacks in the US cost contravened the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights to QUOTE OF THE WEEK ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○ are the ones who have to carry out Tthousands of innocent lives. Millions more will be wasted or lost if which India is signatory. But on 16 October government promulgated the construction, so don’t worry.” anti-American brew was passed on to previously marginal religious zealots. In the similarly-worded Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, drawing protests Political parties, people who serve the country, intellectuals, and everybody else should try and Muslims and Arabs respond to 11 September by wallowing in their sense of 1979 it fused with anti-Shah sentiments to become one of the animating forces of Shahi is the president of the victimhood. from rights activists who say it is more restrictive of civil liberties than the the Iranian revolution. After that seminal event, it overwhelmed major sections ofold law. Rajindar Sachar, former Delhi High Court chief justice and solve the current problems faced by the country by being sensitive and staying within the legal airport construction committee. “Anti-Americanism” in the hands of Osama bin Laden is the latest, most the Islamic movement from Algeria to Pakistan. PUCL activist, says a detainee held under the new law will be at the limits of the constitution. The Talcha airport has been mercy of executive officers and the police rather than a judicial body, virulent form of an idea originally nurtured by secular, “progressive”, nationalist The Arab and Muslim worlds are today a basket case of collapsing economies under construction for the past Arab intellectuals under a variety of labels: anti-imperialism, anti-Zionism, Arab as required by international human rights standards. Rights activists find and mass unemployment overseen by ever more repressive regimes. But in many —His Majesty King GyanendraNepal in Samacharpatra,29 October 23 years. socialism, pan-Arabism. These took as their point of departure genuine griev- other sections of the new law also objectionable. Prashant Bhushan, ways the greatest failure in the Islamic world is intellectual, a failure of the Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist, believes existing laws Deuba then said that if the area ances, among them the dispossession of millions of Palestinians that accompanied intelligentsia who, with few exceptions, fail to challenge the region’s most paranoidare adequate to tackle terrorism. The new law gives “unbridled” powers to were to be developed, then the the birth of Israel in 1948. fantasies. They buttress them by refusing to break out of nationalist paradigms the executive and to a police force with a poor track record, he argues. UML, too, had to extend a helping In the hands of Arab nationalists and leftist “anti-imperialists” of my But PN Ghatate of India’s Law Commission who helped draft the bill (for instance by not extending solidarity with counterparts in Israel). Instead theysays there are safeguards against abuse. In places like Kashmir, he Yadav freed hand. Pandey added that they (the generation, however (of whom I was once one), this sense of grievance was not ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ are “rejectionist” critics, excoriating their rulers for being insufficiently anti- adds, what is applicable are laws in effect during war rather than human UML) had helped to make Deuba channelled into building civil societies based on hard-won expansions of civil Zionist or anti-imperialist. Lost in all of this is the hard work of creating a rights laws. Budhabar,17 October prime minister. Deuba brought up the hilly regions. The airline liberties wrested from tyrannical regimes (as in Latin America in the 1980s). Ourmodern, rights-based political order that could form the basis for prosperity. the issue of the republic (de- companies had agreed with the failure to pursue such goals left a vacuum that was filled by a conspiratorial view Without that alternative focus in the thick of endlessly self-pitying rhetoric, is it Maoist central committee member manded by the Maoists) and said organising committee of the of history, reinforced by those tyrannies, which ascribed the world’s ills to theany wonder despairing middle class individuals gravitate to radical and terrorist Matrika Yadav was released from Rara Festival that they would great Satan, America, or the little Satan, Israel. The dangerous, unstated corollary he could not agree to that, saying activities to smite the demonised other? Their horrific actions call forth ever more prison on 16 October. All cases provide 20 flights. They also was the notion that “we Arabs” had no, or hardly any, power to change the unjust that even after 28 years in exile, summary and violent responses, which reinforce the pervasive sense of against him were withdrawn—he there was now talk of bringing promised to slash fares by 20 ways the world works in. Arabs, and Muslims more generally, began to see victimhood, yielding other delusional martyrs. (IPS) themselves as the “eternal” victims of the 20 was imprisoned on charges of arms back the former king of Afghani- percent and allow passengers to So, Muslims and Arabs—not Americans—must be on the frontlines of a new trafficking—in the hope that this stan to rule the war torn country. take 15 kg of luggage free of th century. Lost was a sense of war worth waging for our own salvation, our own souls. That, as out-of-fashion would create a favourable environ- The Prime Minister was there cost. The companies did nothing Muslim scholars will tell you, is the true meaning of “ ourselves as authentic political agents aiming toward concrete political gains. ment for the dialogue underway to inaugurate the Rara Festival, of the sort—they charged people Arabs are not the only people who wrap themselves in victimhood—the between the government and the which was to have been opened for excess luggage, which was modern Israeli identity was forged on Holocaust just as Palestinian national jihad,” a term hijacked by Maoists. by King Birendra, who was killed less than the 15 kg promised, identity was forged by Israel’s treatment of Palestinians. Such symmetries (thereterrorists and those who applaud or excuse them. To exorcise what they have done The police had arrested Yadav in June. and they did not reduce fares. are many) created a powerful complex of victimhood, applicable to some degreein to our name is the civilisational challenge Arabs and Muslims face. last year when he came to all Middle Easterners (Palestinians, Israelis, Kurds, Armenians, Turkomans, (Project Syndicate) Kathmandu for medical treatment. Shi’is, and Sunnis). In the Arab world, especially after Israel’s victory in the He was caught in Bafal, imprisoned 1967 six-day war, this complex became the driving force of politics and culture. Sher Bahadur Deuba: Okay, I have decreased the weight. Seven less than my former cabinet. Kanan Makiya was born in Baghdad and teaches at Brandeis for a while in Maharajgunj and for It became the foundation upon which murderous regimes—Saddam Hussain’s Kantipur,21 October some time in Bharatpur. A special Iraq and Hafez Assad’s Syria—were built. From secular Arab nationalists, the University. His books includeRepublic of Fear: The Politics of Modern Iraq, andCruelty and Silence: War, Tyranny, Uprising and the Arab. World 161616 SPORTS 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES HISTORY 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 171717

The deployment of Gurkha soldiers in Afghanistan is a possibility as British commandos in Oman go on standby this week. The last time the Gurkhas were in action in Afghanistan was in the disastrous British retreat from Kabul three rebounds and three steals. He almost exactly 160 years ago. As Peter Hopkirk explainsThe in Afghanistan, 1841 Air looks humanhad only four points and one The Knicks took an 87-86 rebound in the third quarter. “I tell Great Game: On Secret Service in lead into the final two minutes, you what, I think he was a domi- High Asia, in the 1830s, the exiled Michael Jordan’sand comebackafter Latrell Sprewell hit a was, er, interesting.nant player on the floor. He didn’t Shah Shujah was itching to depose ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ turnaround, Jordan answered ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ the ruler of Afghanistan, Dost different, my teammates are a little shoot particularly well,” Knicks with a 21-footer—his first field head coach Jeff Van Gundy said. Mohammad and regain the throne. bit different, and obviously the passes into field goals. goal of the quarter—to cut New It was a special night in New The British decided that they outcome tonight is a little different As bad as his teammates looked wanted to move further north in York’s lead to 89-88. The 38- York, not only because of Jordan’s from what I wanted,” Jordan said. year-old Jordan missed his next for three quarters, they managed to their attempts to reconnoitre hitherto unmapped “But I feel good about myself and comeback, but also because of the routes between India and Russia across the Hindu Kush. But to do this, shot, also a jumper, and then open the fourth quarter with an 8-0pre-game routine that was changed about what the team did tonight, failed to outjump Kurt Thomas, run and take a 71-69 lead before they needed a friendly ruler in Kabul—and Dost Mohammad was not. and we have to continue to work in by the 11 September terrorist For the next few years there was all manner of Great Game allowing him to grab an offensive Jordan checked in with 8:57 left. attacks. There was also Game the right direction.” rebound. That led to a pair of Jordan hit his next shot and got an intrigue, the British admonishing Dost Mohammad as if he were “a Jordan spent the majority of his Three of the World Series being naughty schoolboy”, and the Russians using this rift to inveigle foul shots by Othella Harrington assist on his next pass, helping the played a few miles north in the themselves into the court. Shah Shujah needed to be pacified and minutes at point guard in his big with 34 seconds left for a three- Wizards maintain a slim lead. returned to Afghanistan so he would give up his claims to Peshawar. comeback game, scoring 19 points Bronx between the Yankees and point lead. The game stayed close the rest Arizona Diamondbacks. Every In 1838-39, the First Afghan War broke out, and Shah Shujah was and putting up decent numbers in Jordan threw an ill-advised of the way, setting up an ending restored to the throne in Kabul. During the campaign he ordered other categories. person entering the Garden was pass that was stolen on Washing- that could have been dramatic if screened with a hand-held metal executions cruel even by frontier standards and, once his authority was But the defining moment came established through fear, made the public feed his army and raised ton’s next possession, but Jordan had been a little more detector, and the Knicks put on a taxes to support his lavish lifestyle. None of this brought him any when he missed a three-pointer in Christian Laettner stole the ball accurate with his shot. He ended pre-game presentation without its goodwill, and also gave rise to great resentment against his British front of the Knicks’ bench with 18 back. After Jordan missed the up missing four of his final five usual glitz. sponsors. seconds left that would have tied three-point attempt, Thomas was attempts and showed no emotion Rather than introducing players These years were not just a time of Anglo-Russian rivalry over the game. “I had a good look and it fouled on the rebound and made when the game ended. one by one as they normally would, passage through Central Asia and the establishment of Afghanistan as came up short. My shot today was both shots for a 93-88 lead that Jordan’s first touch 10 seconds a pro-British buffer between India and the Tsar’s territory—Afghanistan pretty short and pretty flat,” Jordan both teams lined up on opposite and the ‘khanates’ of the region were all absorbed in their own rivalries. all but ended it. “When I turned into the game resulted in a pass to foul lines with members of the One of the results of this was that Dost Mohammad’s favourite son, said. “It could have been a great the ball over and saw it go into Laettner for a shot that clanged off Mohammad Akbar Khan, lived across the border in Turkestan, whose situation, but it’s the beginning of a armed services, postal service, and his hands and I saw him go for the the rim. Jordan also missed his first police and fire departments. A internal politics were a matter of some interest to Afghanistan, Britain long season—that’s the way I look and Russia. He lived there until 1841, when things came to a head. shot, I thought he was going to jumper—a 17-footer that hit hard police drum corps played as each of at it.” Jordan’s final miss was his make it,” Thomas said. “It’s off the back rim—before he used a There were riots in Kabul and a prominent British diplomat, 14th in 21 attempts. He also had them was introduced. Jordan fortunate that he didn’t and I was surprisingly quick first step to drive received a loud ovation from the Alexander Burnes, was cut to pieces. Mohammad Akbar Khan—Akbar— the two late turnovers, along with able to get the rebound.” came back to lead what had turned into a full-scale insurrection around Sprewell 90 seconds into fans, who were already on their feet against the British and their puppet ruler. In the war that followed, two an airball and a missed breakaway Sprewell led New York with the game for a finger-roll that layup in the first quarter. by the time he was introduced. British men played prominent roles—Sir William Macnaghten, a 28 points, including 13 in the bounced around and in. Some of the players and Washing- former political secretary in Calcutta and a brilliant Orientalist and Wearing his familiar uniform fourth quarter, and Allan They were Jordan’s first points polyglot, said to be as fluent in Farsi, Arabic and Hindustani as he was ton head coach Doug Collins sang in English, and General William Elphinstone, the officer in charge of No. 23 but the unfamiliar colours Houston had 22 to reach 10,000 since he hit a jumper over Utah’s along to “God Bless America.” of blue, black and gold, Jordan British troops outside Bala Hissar, the walled citadel overlooking the points for his career. Chris Bryon Russell in Game Six of the Earlier in the day, Jordan capital. made his much-anticipated return Whitney scored 18 points to lead 1998 NBA Finals to give the Chicago The British were routed and some 16,000 British troops and before a sold-out crowd at Madison offered some of his thoughts on all NEW YORK-Michael Jordan never Missing his biggest shot of the game the rest of the Wizards, who Bulls their sixth championship. the Washington Wizards’ doubters civilians started back to Jalalabad, the nearest British garrison. Five and committing two crucial late Square Garden—the site of some of would have made Jordan’s return days later, between relentless Afghan firing and exposure to the bitter developed a rhythm with his jump Jordan went on to hit successiveout there. “You know, the un- turnovers, Jordan’s Wizards lost his greatest moments. He was a much bigger success if they had cold, all but a handful of the troops and over two-thirds of the civilians shot, didn’t make the right jumpers in the first quarter, known is dangerous,” Jordan said. 93-91 to the New York Knicks cheered during player introduc- converted a few of his precise were dead. Following are excerpts from Hopkirk’s account of the decisions down the stretch and tions, jeered when he tossed up an although he had another less-than- “Everyone speculates, but no one disastrous encounter, in some part based on historian John Kaye’s Tuesday night in his return from a great moment when he missed a knows—and I think that’s a part of couldn’t knockdown his last shot. nearly three-and-a-half-year airball less than three minutes into Nope, this sure wasn’t the No the game and scrutinised on every contested breakaway layup after the challenge. This young team, retirement. intercepting a pass by Mark although they’ve never won 23 of old. That’s who the Washing- “The game is a little bit move the rest of the night. ton Wizards needed this night. Jackson. Jordan finished the first anything and have never really been half with 11 points, four assists, put in a situation to win, may be a story in the making.” History of the War in Afghanistan: troops, wives, children, nannies, n the cantonments, mean- upon them with blood-curdling grooms, cooks, servants and while, things were going from screams and long, flashing knives, assorted hangers-on—16,000 in bad to worse. News was that guns must always move in 9-pounder was still too hot for insisted that three other young pairs, but for some reason, the gunners to use without the while their comrades kept up an officers stay behind as their all—set out through the snow Icoming in of the fall of outlying perhaps to give himself greater risk of it exploding, and in the incessant fire from near-invisible ‘guests’. The ‘British were in no towards the first of the passes. British posts to the rebels, with mobility, the brigadier had only meantime men were falling in positions behind the rocks. This position to argue. A week later, shortly after considerable loss of life, includ- (AP) taken one 9-pounder with him. scores to the Afghan marksmen. was too much for the British and At first light on 6 January, to noon, a look-out on the walls of ing the massacre of an entire At first the grape-shot from this Then, to the horror of those Indian troops. They broke ranks the British fort at Jalalabad Gurkha regiment. A number of the sound of the bugles and had had a devastating effect on watching the battle from the and fled back down the hill all drums, and leaving Shah Shujah spotted a lone horseman in the officers had been killed and the Afghans occupying the village,cantonments far below, a large the way to the cantonments, far distance making his way others wounded, among them and his followers to fend for but soon it began to overheat, party of the enemy began to leaving the wounded to their themselves inside the Bala slowly towards them across the Oriental Decorator Major Eldred Pottinger, the putting it out of action when it crawl along a gully towards the inevitable fate. plain. News of the capitulation hero of Herat. The cruel Afghan Hissar, the once proud Army of Kathmandu-3, Nepal was most needed. As a result the unsuspecting British. Moments The weather was now rapidly of the Kabul garrison had winter had already begun, far the Indus marched ingloriously Tel: 242389, 241760, attack on the village was driven later they broke cover and flung deteriorating, and they had little already reached Jalalabad, 241058 earlier than usual, and food, out of the cantonments. Its Fax: 977-1-428122 back. Meanwhile the Afghan themselves with wild cries upon time to waste if they were to destination was Jalalabad, the causing intense dismay, and for water, medicines and morale commanders had dispatched a their foes, who promptly turned two days, with increasing were beginning to run low. So stand a chance of getting through nearest British garrison which Up to 50% large body of horsemen and foot- and fled. Desperately the anxiety, they had been expecting too, it appears, was courage, for the passes to Jalalabad before lay more than eighty miles across ljhof bzdL tyf lbkfjnLsf] Discount at soldiers to the assistance of their brigadier tried to rally his men, they were blocked for the winter. the snow-covered mountains to the advance guard. For it was a Tripureshwor the garrison’s one and only hard-pressed comrades. Seeing displaying remarkable courage in march which normally took only z'e cj;/df ;d:t u|fxsju{df major assault on the rebels had Pottinger was given no choice butthe east. From there it would On the the danger, the brigadier at once facing the enemy single-handed, to submit to most of Akbar’s leave Afghanistan and enter five days. At once the look-out o; OnlyAtNepal k|f=ln sf tkm{af6 occasion of ended in a humiliating and costly formed his infantry into two while ordering his bugler to raised the alarm, and there was defeat which saw the headlong harsh demands. On 1 January, India by the Khyber Pass. xflb{s d+undo z'e–sfdgfsf ;fy} Happy Vijaya squares, massing his cavalry sound the 1842, as heavy snow fell on Leading the march was an a rush for the ramparts. A dozen Dashami & flight of the British and Indian between them, and waited for the telescopes were trained on the #)% ;Ddsf] ljz]if 5'6 . ljZjel/ troops back to their own lines. Kabul, an agreement was signed advance guard of 600 red-coated Deepawali enemy onslaught, confident that halt.It worked, with Akbar under which he troops of the 44 approaching rider. A moment lgMz'Ns ljt/0f ul/g] o; Kaye was to call it ‘disgraceful the tactics which had won the later someone cried out that he OnlyAtNepal Pvt. Ltd. Sponsored by: and calamitous’. It took place on stopping the fleeing men in their guaranteed the safety of the OnlyAtNepal’s Interactive Battle of Waterloo would prove tracks. The officers re-formed departing British, and promised th Regiment of was a European. He appeared to G.P.O. Box: 11589, Thamel, 23 November, when the Afghans as deadly here. be either ill or wounded, for he CD-ROM Business suddenly moved two guns to the them, and a bayonet charge, to provide them with an armed Foot and 100 cavalry. Next came Kathmandu But the Afghans kept their escort to protect them from the leaned weakly forward, clinging Information Directory 2002 Floor & Furnishing top of a hill overlooking the supported by the cavalry, turned the British wives and children on Tel: 977-1-223694, 259085 Emporium distance, opening up a heavy fire the tide, scattering the enemy. hostile tribes through whose ponies, and sick or pregnant to his horse’s neck. A chill ran df cfk\mgf] tyf cfk\mgf ;+3;+:yfx?sf] British position and began to through the watchers as it Fax: 977-1-259082 bombard the crowded camp below. on the tightly packed British By now the 9-pounder was back territories they must pass. In women in palanquins borne by Panipokhari, squares with their long-barrelled in action, and the Afghans were return, the British agreed to dawned on them that something ljj/0f btf{ u/fO{ ;+;f/el/ email: [email protected] KTM., Nepal Even General Elphinstone, Indian servants. Then followed matchlocks, or finally driven off with heavy surrender all but six of their was badly amiss. ‘That solitary lj1fkg u/fpg'xf];\ . Media Adventure Pvt. Ltd, Kamalpokhari, Ph: 420002 Tel: 428414, 427806, who until now had expended the main body of infantry, 434075 casualties. artillery pieces and three smaller cavalry and artillery. Last of all horseman’, wrote Kaye, ‘looked Chabahil Listing Centre, 489426, 474270 Fax: 977-1-428122 more energy quarrelling with mule-borne guns. For their part, like the messenger of death.’ Macnaghten than in engaging the The British triumph was came the rearguard, also jezails.To the short-lived, though, for the the Afghans dropped their consisting of infantry, cavalry Immediately an armed patrol enemy, could not ignore this demand for married officers with was sent out to escort the

threat. He ordered a far from dismay of the brigadier’s men, Afghans were quick to learn and artillery. Between ‘the main easy targets in their vivid scarlet families to stay behind, and stranger in, for numbers of enthusiastic brigadier to venture their lesson. They directed the body and the rearguard wound a tunics, their own shorter- fire of their Captain Mackenzie and his long column of camels and hostile Afghans were known to forth with a force of infantry and companion were freed. The first be roaming the plain. cavalry. Having successfully barrelled muskets were unable to jezailsagainst the bullocks carrying ammunition reach the enemy, the rounds they had known of Macnaghten’s seized the hill and silenced the unfortunate gunners, making it and food. Left to struggle along falling harmlessly short of their fate was when his severed hand, Heartiest Felicitations guns, the brigadier turned his all but impossible to use the 9- as best they could, without any targets. Normally the brigadier attached to a stick, was thrust up attention to the enemy held pounder: At the same time, from proper provision having been could have turned his artillery on in front of the window of their To Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev & Princess Himani Rajya Laxmi Shah on the occasion of being village below. It was here that well out of range of the British made for them, were several the Afghans, causing wholesale cell by a mob yelling for their declared the Royal Highness Crown Prince and Royal Highness Crown Princess of the Kingdom of Nepal. things began to go wrong There muskets, they kept up a murder- thousand camp-followers who slaughter in their ranks, where- blood outside. Instead of them, asattached themselves to the had long been a standing order ous hail against the exhausted a guarantee of good faith, Akbar upon his cavalry would have donetroops, whose morale was once column wherever they could. Godavari Village Resort the rest. However, as Kaye more beginning to crumble. It So it was, on that icily cold Excerpted fromThe Great Game: & observed, it seemed as though finally gave way when a party of winter’s morning, that the long On Secret Service in High Asia,

‘the curse of God was upon those Afghans, again crawling unseen column of British and Indian Peter Hopkirk, 1990, Oxford

Greenwich Village Hotel Family unhappy people’, for their single up a gully, leaped unexpectedly University Press, Rs 500. 181818 CITY 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES ENVIRONMENT 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES 191919

ABOUT TOWN YAK YETI YAK by MIKU HAPPENINGS RAM PRASADHUMAGAI

MOVIESMOVIESMOVIES Nepali and Hindi movies online ticket booking at www.nepalshop.com Let the sun shine in EXHIBITION Images from BhaktapurSolo photo exhibition by Kishore Kayastha. Until 21 October, 10AM-6PM. Park Gallery, Pulchowk. 522307

EVENTSEVENTSEVENTS Kathak dance performance by Kumudini Lakhia and her group. Royal Nepal Academy Hall, 5 November, 6PM. Passes at Embassy of India, Lainchaur (413174), Nepal-Bharat Sanskritik Kendra, RNAC Building, New Road, (243497), Bhartiya Gorkha Sainik Niwas, Thamel (414283), Indian Airlines, Hattisar (429468), Chez Caroline, Babar Mahal Revisited (251647), NAFA, Babar Mahal (411729), Indigo Gallery, Naxal (413580) Indian Council for BOOKWORM: TREKKING MAPS SPECIAL Cultural Relations and Embassy of India Action Asia Himalayan Mountain Bike Race Series Opening 2001 ceremony 9 Novem- ber, 3.30PM, parade from Himalayan Bank through Thamel to Northfield Cafe. All welcome.Annapurna Base Camp Ghandrung, Ghorapani DEUBA AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS: The prime minister Shangri-La Maps, Kathmandu, 2002 Races on 10, 18 and 24 November. Open to all, five categories, great prizes. Himalayan inaugurates the Emergency Operations Centre at the UN Complex in Mountain Bike. [email protected]. 437437 Rs 300 Nepali classical dance and folk at music Hotel Vajra Dances of Hindu and Buddhist 1:75,000 trekking map of Birethanti, Ghorapani, Ghandrung, Chomrong, Hinku, Machhapuchre Pulchowk on 31 October. MIN BAJRACHARYA gods Tuesdays and Fridays, 7PM onwards, the Great Pagoda Hall. Tea and ticket Rs 400. base camp, Annapurna base camp, Tatopani, Beni and Pokhara. Nepali folk tunes Wednesdays and Saturdays 6.30PM onwards, the hotel restaurant. 271545 Friends of the Bagmati 5 November, at 2PM. Darkroom Creations, Lazimpat. All wel- Langtang, Helambu & Gosainkund come. 479488 Shangri-La Maps, Kathmandu, 2002 Contemporary Jazz dance classes by Meghna Thapa. At Alliance Francaise Sundays Rs 800 and Tuesdays 4.30PM-6.30PM, 241163. At Banu’s, Kamal Pokhari, Wednesdays 6.30PM- 8PM, Saturdays 1.30PM. 434024, 434830 1:100,000 trekking map of Trisuli Bazar, Dhunche, Syabru Besi, Langtang, Kyanjing gompa, Morimoto base camp, Tarkeghyang, Gosainkund, Helambu, Ganja-La, Rasuwagadhi and Melamchigaon.

Everest Climbing Map MUSICMUSICMUSIC Shangri-La Maps, Kathmandu, 2002 Annual Jazz and Food Festival Dine with music by the Japanese quintet Kato Rs 800 and the Jazz Connection. Rs 900. 2 November, Hotel Yak &Yeti. 248999 The first ever climbing map for Everest with approach routes (1:50,000) and climbing routes Live music Tuesday and Friday nights at the 40,000 ½ ft Bar, Rum Doodle (1:25,000). Covers Lukla, Namche Bazar, Tengboche, Pangboche, Pheriche, Lobuche,

Restaurant. 414336 Kalapatthar, Khumbu Glacier, Everest base camp, Cho-La, Gokyo, Island Peak. JANAKI GURUNG Live acoustic music Dinesh Rai and Deependra every Friday at the Himalatte Café. 7.30PM-10PM 262526 The greenhouse effect may be NEW UNIFORMS: IGP Krishna Mohan Shrestha with three colleagues Courtesy Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] the way to keep trekking inns in the brand new uniforms of the newly-formed Armed Police Force at the EATING OUT UML Dasain party on 31 October.

Le Cafe des TrekkersNew Tibetan and French restaurant. Special warm and toasty. SUNDARSON KARKI Spanish Paella on 2,3,4, 9,10,11 November. Jyatha, Thamel, opposite CLASSIFIED ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○ Hotel Blue Diamond. 225777 Rox RestaurantTraditional home-style European cuisine from a wood- frames encasing the glass would ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ fired oven. Steaks, trout, roasted vegetables, desserts. Hotel Hyatt SecretaryRegency. wanted Minimum three years secre- international gourmet dinner, transport both be more permanent and air- ways—Rs 1100. 417386, 680115 491234 tarial experience, excellent written and spoken tight than wood, double-glazing English, computer & basic accounts, filing. Travel would improve insulation, Peking Duck and Mandarin ChineseMusic chefs’ mild and spicy delica-agency experience an advantage. Immediate start. K-Too! Beer and Steakhouse not the cies from the far-east at the Imperial Pavilion every Sunday. Hotel Shangri-La.Position for GM of Adventure Travel Co. Bio-data stones can be selected for better “longest”, “highest”, “first” or any other superla- heat retention, and arrayed for 412999 and photo to PO Box 12673 KTM. tive. Just a relaxed, easy-going bar and increased surface area. Then, of Brunch and swimming Pool-side BBQ, Rs 650 per head, weekend brunch with swim- restaurant with the coldest beer and juiciest deadly and the winters here at course, there is the need to ming, Rs 550 per head. Shangri-La Village, Pokhara. steaks this side of the moon. By the Kathmandu Kodari Eco Resort Peace in natural surround- 3,200 m are Siberian. So, how domake the windows and doors in Saturday lunchat Restaurant Kantipur, Club Himalaya, Nagarkot. BBQ buffet Rs 500 per Guest House. 433043 ings, good views of Nepal/ Tibet border, jungle- you heat a trekking lodge? the house more air-tight and to head. 410432 covered mountains, Buddhist monasteries, ancient Doverner and his Mustangi reduce heat loss through the Sandwiches Over the Rainbow American Diner with Fifth Avenue sandwiches, Shivafull meals cave. Hike to villages with various ethnic HMB Mountain BikingHave your bike serv- family designed the Himali Inn toroof and walls. All this would at backpacker prices. Opposite Pilgrims Book House, Thamel. 42651 groups, vantage points to Himalayas. Comfortable make the system cost slightly Juicy steaks, chilled , beerMexican cuisine, breakfasts, sports bar. All week long. accommodation,Live attached bath, balcony or iced or repaired by HMB’s Professional Mechan- cleverly use a three-sided design ics at the HMB Workshop. Riding gear, accesso- more, but would make it even band Wednesday, Sunday 6.30PM-10PM. K-too! Beer & Steakhouse, Thamel. 433043terraces, good food, friendly service. 480262, to trap solar energy. As soon as ries and parts available. Second hand bikes more efficient. Saturdays at the MallaSwimming and French chef’s barbecue lunch. 11AM-5PM. [email protected] the suns pops out from behind bought/sold/hired. New and reconditioned Thorung Peak to the east, it What is surprising is not SAVE THE BAGMATI: Participants at the Friends of Bagmati Workshop Malla Hotel. 418385, 410966 mountain bikes for sale. Himalayan Mountain ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ how well passive solar space Splash Bar and GrillNew fifth-floor outlet with view of city and surrounding hills. Bikes—Tours and Expeditions. 437437. strikes one side of the house, on 13 October at the Ram Mandir Temple to strategise on rejuvenating the heating works, but why it hasn’t Radisson Hotel. 411818 The way to Mexico is too far. Botega Restaurant during the mid-morning to noon river. period it bakes the middle caught on along the trekking and Tequila Bar is near Thamel Chowk. 266433. trails in the rest of Nepal. Given 15 percent off-season discount. portion, and again in the after- House for rent or saleSitapaila Ring Road, noon the slanting rays strike the Nepal’s success story in GETAWAYS 12-minute drive from Lincoln School. Two other side. designing and marketing solar The Borderlands Resort For canyoning, roapni compound, five bedrooms, two bath- water heaters, it would have Escape to Jomsom Two nights, three days, B&B package with tours and Pokhara- rooms, kitchen, dining and sitting room, serv- The heat traps are set at the EASYEASYEASYTIMESTIMES rafting, trekking at Tibet borders, Professional TIMESTIMESTIMES Jomsom return airfare. Expats $250 per head. Valid until New Year. Jomsom Mountain ant’s quarters, other facilities. 356074, or been a logical extension to sell Development Program, Leadership Courses and base of the building, jutting out 98103-0322 (Hari, Shanta, Sanju, John) home space heaters. Maybe Resort. 434870 many more. 425836/425894. into the porch like a greenhouse. It’s never been easier to subscribe to Dwarika’s Escapes Breathtaking Escape, two nights package with [email protected]. The only difference is there are some day it will happen, and Sekuwa for Friday night check-in, Krishnarpan dinner, afternoon tea, cocktail, half-hourwww.borderlandresorts.com. no plants underneath the glass, when it does, it will help save Nepali Times. massage, breakfasts. Rs11,800 per couple. Or bid for the Anytime Escape, full overnight Best Room in Thamel Long-term only. Private millions in kerosene and but piles of stones all painted Just dial this number and leave your address. package in one of Dwarika’s suites. Bidding starts at $130 per night. Until 18 November. terrace, bath, double-bed, wardrobe, shelves. matted black. The greenhouse firewood. 479488 Gourmet weekendfor Nepalis and expatriates Quiet, private, and a great view. US$5 per day. effect heats the stones throughout Says Norbu’s elder brother, Chiso Chiso Hawama Summer B&B package for Nepalis and expatriates. Rs 1,250 per Contact John 548119. Naked Chef, Nagarkot, B&B, three-course the day, and warms the entire Rajendra: “It’s a great idea, but head. Club Himalaya Nagarkot Resort. 410432, 414432 the challenge is to get the Nagarkot Escape Weekends in cottages, views of the Himalayas, valleys and forests. house through convection. During a recent autumn younger generation fired up Special rates for Nepalis and resident expatriates. Hotel Keyman Chautari. For insertions ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. about the concept, especially [email protected] 436850 night, the temperature outside was minus 2 Celsius, while the since it makes so much business JANAKI GURUNG and houses lack insulation. In most Nepali homes, the kitchen rooms at the Himali Inn re- sense, while at the same time JANAKI GURUNGIN JHARKOT being environment friendly.” ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ is about the only place that is mained at 18 degrees. rekking is hard work, and warm, and we have a notoriously “The beauty of it is that it For inclusion in the listing send information to [email protected] that is perhaps part of its slack attitude towards heat loss. 543337 costs almost nothing, and it is 543337 on FM 102.4T charm. The physical effort, The result: freezing rooms where virtually maintenance free,” says the discomfort, the delicious you breath comes out in clouds ofNorbu Thakuri, whose family NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL muscle aches are a great way to condensation as you try to owns the inn. “The only mainte- This satellite image taken on Thursday morning shows get away from the comforts and snuggle into your sleeping bag. nance we have done in the past pretty much clear skies, with a westerly disturbance Mon-Fri 0615-0645orld BBC Today W amenities of the modern world. There was a time when the 25 years is to replace glass panes over the horizon. The first of those disturbances from For a while, anyway. Himali Inn in Mustang’s Jharkot broken by a drunk and when a the west that will bring fresh snows to the high passes, and their arrival to the rest of the midhills will Sat 0615-0645Science BBC in Action But there is always the village was the only trekking block of ice fell from the roof.” depend on the behaviour of the low pressure troughs problem of the night stop. lodge on the trail up to Once a year, the inn opens up to the north and south of the Himalaya early next week.Sun 0615-0645Agenda BBC However gruelling the day, the Muktinath. It was a labour of the glass panes, gives the stones a DSES-31-10-2001 0900 GMT Expect the first of the westerlies over Kathmandu this climb up and down a 5,000 m love for the Thakuri family that new coat of black made from the weekend with high altitude clouds and even some Daily 2045-2115g]kfnL BBC ;]jf;]jfg]kfnL;]jf Himalayan pass in eight hours, it owned it, and an itinerant inside of dry cells, and dusts the drizzles. When the weather clears again next week, is always nice to come to a cosy American named David Doverner the temperature will go down a notch, but still be in the g]kfnL ;]jf;]jfg]kfnL;]jf air passages. That is all it takes. double digits. Daily 2245-2300g]kfnL BBC ;]jfg]kfnL;]jf and warm inn on the other side. whose concepts of energy Even with the Himali Inn There are plenty of cosy trekking efficiency and appropriate prototype, there is room for lodges in Nepal, but very few thattechnology were way ahead of improvement. For instance, metal are warm enough. their time. KATHMANDU VALLEY Radio Sagarmatha Keeping rooms and dining Jharkot is north of the Himalaya in the rain-shadow. Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue P.O. Box 6958, Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal areas of trekking lodges warm at Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681 Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227high altitude has always been a Firewood is scarce, the winds are E-mail: [email protected] challenge in a country where www.radiosagarmatha.org central heating is non-existent 26-11 24-12 24-11 25-10 25-10 /]l8of] ;u/dfyf 202020 2 - 8 NOVEMBER NEPALI2001 TIMES Under My Hat

by Kunda Dixit

theme: “Ministries for all by 2002”. Here are some of the More ministersexcellent ideas: the merrier Ministry of Distortion and Extortion:this new e agree with critics of the government who have ministry will counter anti-government propaganda and will serious misgivings about the size of our new be a one-window office for party fund-raising activities Wjumbo jet cabinet. They are right: with 41 Ministry of Illegitimate Affairs:in the spirit of ministers, it’s just not big enough. transparency, accountability and non-duplication, all How does the Primordial Minister think he is going tocovert and underhand deals will be referred to this ministry go about ushering in a new era of peace and development Ministry of Adultery:dilution of petrol and diesel with in this country if his cabinet is so seriously understaffed? kerosene is a national crisis and this ministry will punish For national construction and reconstruction to go on a adulterers by stoning them in public places during which war footing, we need an army of ministers, not just the those without sin will be pathetic platoon we have now. asked to cast the first stone We understand that the Premium Minister had a real Ministry of Tourismand problem on his hands to Maoism:given the provide every new minister monetary contributions with the accoutrements of made by the tourism sector ministerhood, viz. and to to the people’s war effort, it wit: bodyguard, peon, cook, was thought prudent that driver, wife, personal the two ministries be rolled assistant, hangers-on, etc. into one But he must realise that Ministry of Physical aside from personal staff, Therapy and No Works: every minister provides prolonged inaction leads to valuable jobs in his ministry atrophy, this ministry will ensure ministers burn a daily for at least 300 constituents minimum of calories with simple stretching exercises under within the first month of the table taking office. We should look at the jumbo cabinet as a Ministry of Home:this is the most coveted ministry jumbo job creation opportunity that will bring down our mainly because you can work out of home national umemployment rate by several percentage pointsMinistry of Junkets and Aviation:in stark contrast and make it unnecessary for Nepalis to migrate to work inthis minister is never home, but amassing air miles Qatar anymore. Ministry of Ministerial Administration:with the new An expanded cabinet has a multiplier effect on the 185-member cabinet there is a need for a ministry just to economy. This is why the Primeval Minister should ignoretake the roll call during cabinet meetings and ensure critics, and just go ahead and enlarge his cabinet some enough pakoras to go around more: it is in the national interest. Ministries without Portfolio:these are cunningly left But we would be remiss in our whistle-blowing dutiesvacant to accommodate disgruntled party members who if we did not bring to the attention of higher-up authoritiesdid not get ministerial berths and are threatening to defect that we are as a nation running seriously short of ministe- to the dissident faction rial portfolios. This is why the Commission on Commis- sions and Kickbacks held a three-day workshop seminar at the Yak, Yak & Yak Hotel recently to brainstorm on the

CDO Regd No. 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No. 04/058/59