#91 26 April - 2 May 2002 16 pages Rs 20 World Cup PREVIEW AND QUIZ

8-92 2 BINOD BHATTARAI EXCLUSIVE○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○ ive months after the declaration of the US $40 million state of emergency, the military stalemate moving, there is no point complaining Security forces from the US Pacific Fcontinues. There is no clear winner, but anymore. “I don’t want to talk about it. What’s Command left this week after visiting there is a clear loser: the national economy. Rolpa and Gorkha to assess military Information minister Jaya Prakash Prasad the point?” says a visibly upset Narendra K needs. Five earlier missions looked intoGupta told us last week that over a third of theFREE FALL Basnet, promoter of Himalayan Distillery. development. The teams will now putcountry’s 3,900 VDC buildings have been What puzzles many is the paralysis of together a support package ($20 million government—it seems to have given up trying each for security and development) priordestroyed, 13 districts are without phones, Will the parachute open? five hydroelectric plants are out of action, and to do its bit. This has convinced industry that to endorsement by the US Congress. The no one is in charge. While an aggressive hearts- RNA’s shopping list includes assault rifles,250 post offices have been destroyed. armoured Mi-17 helicopters, fixed wingTelecom infrastructure alone will cost Rs 250 and-minds programme may have worked five STOL transport, communication equip-million to replace. Losses to business cannot months ago, today there is no government ment, and night vision aids. Development presence in large parts of the country. When support will be channelled through USAIDeven be calculated accurately. But these estimates are already outdated— asked, ministry officials admit things are bad, and used to rehabilitate hospitals and but say nothing can be done until the security damaged infrastructure, and launch asuch is the acceleration of the crisis. This week, Maoists have hit telecom stations putting out situation improves. four more districts: Okhaldhunga, Khotang, Still, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat Solukhumbu and parts of Sindhupalchok. The believes the wreck may be salvageable. “We’re main 132 kV transmission line has been hit not doing well because we cannot de-link the in western Nepal, leaving four more districts conflict from the economy,” he explained to us. without power. A Rs 70 million Radio Nepal “Our economic fundamentals are still sound, transmitter in central Nepal was destroyed and we can have a rapid turnaround if the “massive” job campaign in insurgencyTuesday night. security situation improves.” areas. The US Foreign Military Support It’s hard to detect a rationale for such And that is the big “if”. Lack of full Programme delivers hardware directly and information has made it impossible to make does not hand out cash. Sources in Newwanton destruction of national assets. But going by the 9 April interview with Baburam objective assessments about the state of the war. Delhi tell us the US money will be cost the economy Rs 5 billion, and the losers first week of the month was a washout,” says Many, including government, want to believe handled by India to buy the helicoptersBhattarai in his party’s underground from a former Soviet state for deliverynewspaper, to the attacks are aimed at pressuring are mainly dairy farmers, vegetable vendors, Sandip Ghose of Nepal Lever, one of the that the security forces have the upper hand, Nepal. A State Department source, the government to call off the army and agree taxi drivers, bus companies, day-labourers, country’s largest manufacturing operations. but the debacles at Accham and Satbaria have however, ruled out this possibility. to talks on the Maoists’ terms. construction workers and the hundreds of “Raw material transport has been hit. And forced them to reassess. Deuba himself told The five-day bandh is also a part of that thousands who depend on the tourism there is no use producing if you cannot send Reuters last week that the war could drag on for strategy. The Maoist militia has been feeling industry. your products to the stores anyway. The entire another “five to ten years”. the heat and been forced to attack soft targets in Rabi Bhakta Shrestha, president of the cycle is disrupted.” If we are in it for the long haul, then recent weeks. They need a respite to regroup Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Statistics don’t reflect the severity of the sustaining losses to the economy on this scale and retrain, and a a ceasefire and resumption Commerce and Industries (FNCCI) has crisis yet, but banks are already facing will mean that it will collapse before peace is of talks would be helpful to that end. stopped talking about his favourite topics: tax liquidity shortages, even though few are restored. These losses do not take into This week’s strike and unspecified concessions, business incentives, and the borrowing. This is an indication of capital account the roughly Rs 8 million daily cost threats of an “indefinite strike” in the future investment promotion board. His single flight and large withdrawals as people start of security operations Maoist arsenal are supposed to force the government to the obsession now is the security situation. “If hoarding cash abroad, or buying other assets. presently. The security things remain the same, the economy is going FNCCI spokesman Rajendra Khetan forces have seriousEditorial p2 The Royal Nepal Army has inadvertentlytable. It is now clear that the attacks on infrastructure and VDCs which began in to fold up in less than six months,” he warns. says: “At a time when we should be creating logistical limitations,One man’s terror let out what kind of arms the Maoists have “This country should be in intensive care, it employment, there are layoffs in airlines, and have a shopping captured from their Ghorahi, Mangalsenmid-March weren’t by local cadre acting on needs emergency treatment.” hotels and the garment industries.” list that includesPuskar 12 Gautam p3 and Satbaria raids. The announcementtheir of own, but part of a deliberate plan to No paper tiger a bounty for the heads of Maoist leadersbring the government to its knees. The gloom and doom is not exaggerated. Khetan blames the crisis on apathy and helicopters, two fixed wing aircraft, and also includes rewards for different types ofEither way, it is ordinary Nepalis who are Trade, tourism, retail sales and transport, all indifference among politicians, business communications equipment. Mahat doesn’t guns. So here is the list of the Maoist directly hit. The five-day strike is estimated to of which were already in crisis are being and civil society. know where he is going to find the money to arsenal: General Purpose Machine Guns, kicked while already down. All this is having The mood in the business community pay for all this, and the only alternative to 41mm rocket launchers, 81mm mortars, a cascade effect on the rest of the country. has gotten so bad, some have decided that financing that is help for hardware from Light Machine Guns, Enfield 303 rifles, pistols and revolvers. Our own count puts “Distribution is very badly affected, the since no one is listening and nothing is India and the United States. the total of weapons captured at about 200 SLRs, 12 machine guns, six mortars, as well as rocket launchers and ammunition. (see also p5) Taxing time for trekking

Weekly Internet Poll # 31 Q. Is the government serious about controlling The Annapurna and Everest trails benefit, as trekkers pull out of remote areas. corruption? RAMYATA LIMBU ○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ played down the “donations” fearing that the publicity would Despite assurances from the Maoist leadership that touristshurt business. will But now the sums demanded have gone up and not be targetted, recent instances of extortion from local companies can no longer absorb the new costs. mountaineering and trekking groups in Nepal have raised fearsTrekkers in Humla were recently forced to pay $50 each that local cadre have their own fund-raising agenda. before being allowed to proceed, a trekking group has been Nepal’s tourism industry, already hit by a global recession,forced to pay a Maoist “tax” on the Kangchenjunga trail, rafting regional tensions and bandhs in Kathmandu, is expectedcompanies to be say Maoists now come to camp at night and adversely affected as news of the incidents spreadsdemand a similar fee. The Jiri trail is infested with Maoists, and through the Internet. although trekkers have never been harmed, they have been “Climbers are an adventurous lot, but if you get moreaccosted and asked to pay up. However, no extortion has incidents of extortion, then people will just go elsewhere,”been reported in popular trekking areas like the Annapurnas says Tashi Jangbu Sherpa, president of the Nepal and Mt Everest. Mountaineering Association. Even in Chitwan, there have been incidents where To be sure, there have been stray incidents of MaoistsMaoists and have paid midnight visits to camps demanding up to Rs criminal elements called khaobadis robbing tourists in the100,000. past Later on, tour leaders heard they were local youth three years. But tour guides and their agencies who paidpretending up had to be Maoists. KUNDA DIXIT Total votes: 1173

Weekly Internet Poll # 32. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Will the bombings and attacks on development Go to p5 infrastructure help or harm the Maoist cause? 2 EDITORIAL 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES NATION 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI 2002 TIMES 3 Nepali Times is published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Chief Editor: Kunda Dixit Editor: Anagha Neelakantan Design: Kiran Maharjan COMMENT by PUSKAR GAUTAM [email protected], www.nepalitimes.com Advertising: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Subscription: Anil Karki [email protected] Sales: Sudan Bista [email protected] Sanchaya Kosh Building, Block A-4th Floor, Lalitpur GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel: 01-543333-7, Fax: 01-521013 Printed at Jagadamba Press: 01-521393 ONE MAN’S TERRORIST ne of the things that has changed since 11 September is mediaAnd speaking of martyrs. There used to be a time (remember?) fear is effective only when the public is terrorised into submission. handling of the word “terrorist”. Even politically correctwhen purists for decades we in Nepal only had four martyrs—the freedom This is what makes bandhs “successful”. who used to stick strictly to the one-man’s-terrorist-is-another-fighters executed by the Ranas. Their names are burned into our No one has any illusions anymore that the Maoists’ ultimate goal is man’s-freedom-fighterO dictum buckled under the outrage of thememories from school textbooks. Today, the number of security absolute power. They are not in the mood to share power with No paper tiger attacks. And as country after country joined America’s ‘warforce on personnel who have “attained martyrdom” in six years of anyone. And it is clear they will do anything to get there, using the terror’, our government also found it useful to lump our Maoistconflict is approaching 1,000. The Maoist side has its own growing power of terror. “Imperialism interferes and fails, comrades into same category. list of “martyrs”, and in Maoland there are “martyr gates” on the To be fair, the Indians beat us to it. It was Indian Externalapproach Affairs to every village. interferes again and fails again, Imperialism today is a real tiger Minister Jaswant Singh who declared our Maoists “terrorists” lastThe contest for terminology like “martyrs”, “suicide bombers” and again it interferes and fails again, November even before we’d got around to it. New Delhi’s English“terrorists” shows that this is also a war of words. An attempt to shroud and this is how it invites its own with stars and stripes. papers, whose editorials often reflect the thinking of a certainslaughter section in symbolism. And because it involves words, the mass media ○○○○○ end.” That was Mao Zedong. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of the foreign policy establishment there, backtracked somewhat,becomes a part of it. That is why this is currently a subject for such Our comrades have taken that however, when they called the “people’s war” a “national liberationheated debate in journalism schools. One particular group called nugget of Maoism to heart, and media, influences the way they carefully and not get us caught up struggle”. Minnesotans Against Terrorism (MAT) has tried to play ombudsman and think. Trade imperialism works in global rivalries. Arbitrary use of the label “terrorist” carries the danger ofspot double trends in terror-labelling. It has tried to cut through the rhetoric and are convinced that the demise of imperialism is inevitable. through supra-national entities The Maoist ideologues have a standards. We will then tend to tag only those opposed to uscome as out with its own definition, saying: “Calling the targeted killing of like the WTO to protect the different perspective on terrorists, while those we support (even those who use terroristinnocent civilians anything but terrorism is completely unconscionable.” Mao also used to say that tactics) we will call good guys. And what of state-sponsoredBut even this definition has holes, as has been pointed out, since there imperialism is a paper tiger. But privileges of the powerful. this. Comrade terrorism, where the armed forces of democratically electedare states questions then about whether the firebombing of Dresden or Tokyo 60 years after Mao’s revolution, Military imperialism after 11 Baburam Bhattarai in perpetrate atrocities against civilians? Is a group terrorist onlyand if Hiroshimait is can also be called “terrorist” acts. September has moved from a low- a recent issue of his non-governmental, like al-Qaeda or Hamas? That is probably the moral of the story. Who is terrorist depends on and especially after the collapse of the Soviet Union, it is clear that intensity war to hot conflicts party organ Labels matter. Why else would the White House now insistwho on is talking. As for us, we will go along with “deliberate killing of stretching from Khost to Basilan.Awaj Jana calling Palestinians who blow themselves up “homicide bombers”?civilians to achieve political goals” as the most accurate definition. But imperialism is a real tiger with postulates that Because suicide is proof of desperation, and points to grievancesthat leaves out acts such as the torching of hospital vehicles, milk vans, The US president has called Iraq, stars and stripes. American interest and injustice that have become intolerable. Suicide is also anforestry ultimate offices, health centres and agriculture extension offices. The The Maoists interpret the Iran and North Korea the “axis of act of “martyrdom”—another loaded word. most effective weapon in the Maoists’ revolutionary arsenal is fear, and evil”, the emphasise being that in helping fight help in the form of hardware and Maoism in Nepal advice from India, Britain and thethe “evil” has to be defeated for lasting peace. Any force against anis to align with India in BILASH RAI United States for Nepal’s the encirclement of counter-insurgency operation as elected government is terrorist, Colin Powell declared. Nepali China. Whether China the beginning of imperialist takes the development in “interference.” They see the Maoists automatically fell into that slot. This categorisation has the same vein is another matter. social and economic contradic- Beijing’s geopolitical focus is on tions within Nepal, in the region,in any case been made easier STATE OF THE STATE by CK LAL because the Maoists have its eastern flank—along the South and internationally, as stemming China Sea, Vietnam, Korea, the Indians pull from a classic class war between increasingly targeted non- combatants and development Taiwan and Japan. It does not the rug from under rich imperialist oppressors and need the distraction of having to the feet of our com- supressed poor nations. infrastructure directly benefiting the poor. worry also about Tibet, Xinjiang, rades This explains the thesis of the and now Nepal. Chinese officials in Noida. Amusing ourselves to death Revolutionary Internationalist Imperialist forces generally have a two-pronged strategy to never refer to our comrades as The Maoist war has entered a Movement (RIM) that the destructive phase, a sign of reckless ntil 12 years ago, in the deal with revolution: directly by “Maoists”, and have always epicentres of all revolutions hurry. The leadership is confident black-and-white world of Media consolidation threatens pluralism. sending in troops or hardware to characterised them a home-grown originate in countries under the that another ceasefire, during which the Panchayat years, it fight rebels, and indirectly, movement using the name of the U imperialist yoke. What drives the Great Helmsman in vain. the group will rearm and retrain, was easy to say what ailed through intelligence-sharing. One Nepali revolution is the doctri- can propel it to victory in Nepali media. We said: give us After the royal massacre, my Its focus on the bottom line and control over the electromagnetic of the two will be visible in Nepal Our Maoists seem confident naire Maoist belief in the right- Kathmandu. So a five-day bandh is press freedom, and we’ll show son was so disturbed by the the need to please the disbursers spectrum as well as print media is in the months to come, especiallythat they are winning this war. eousness of the cause and in likely to be followed by longer you what media can be. The sight on the TV screen of the of licenses makes it as beholden against the law in many countries. if this conflict does not enter a But such revolutionary haste can international solidarity among bandhs to put pressure on the media is now free, but sadly, it late king, his mouth agape and to the state as the official Even in that bastion of laissez decisive phase soon. Elsewhere inalso translate into an open like-minded leftists about the government to agree to a ceasefire has let the country down. flies swarming around him, that media. A free media is no longer faire and free media, the United the world in recent decades the invitation for outside powers to “people’s war”. Our Maoists are and talks. The Maoists need to dead-end insurgency sustained social inequalities, which will Back in the Neer Shah years he had difficulty sleeping. Then free when it uses its freedom for States, the control of both US has tried both troops and step in. This may not be as far- the main actors in this larger keep the wheels of their revolution-only by a romantic dream of a continue to ensure them more when Nepal Television was last week there were those partisan exposés or campaigns television and print media by one intelligence. In Peru, the Ameri- fetched as we perhaps think: who global commune. South Asia, ary juggernaut turning so that theyutopia as with the NPA in the recruits. The faction-ridden and young, we expected it to learn as savage pictures from Satbaria against political figures who are company in the same territory is cans passed on intelligence on thecould have predicted last year with its social injustice, exploita- do not lose momentum. A continu-Philippines. The second could aimless government in Kathmandu it grew. It did learn, but the showing decomposing bodies rivals of its business mentors. not allowed. Here, in the absence whereabouts of Abimael Guzman,that there would be uniformed tion and large masses of disenfran- ing military stalemate will sap theirgive them a stab at power will, on the other hand, only wrong things. Today, it either being pulled out of mass graves A glaring recent example was of a strong regulatory entity, how leading to his capture, and US military in Libang? It chised, has become the main energy. Also, because there is reallythrough a king-making role in survive if propped up from outside. has news in officialese or it has with pickaxes. Again, he was the relentless smear campaign can we trust a private business ultimately the subduing of the wouldn’t be surprising if the laboratory to test RIM’s thesis nothing left to extort in rural areas,parliament, as with the JVP in Even if the parliamentary parties crass commercialism of the most deeply affected and couldn’t sleep. against Girija Prasad Koirala by group with so much power over Shining Path. In Colombia and Americans conclude that the that total revolution is the only the “people’s war” is now hurtingSri Lanka. are somehow sidelined in the vulgar kind. By being a poor It is tempting here to blame the owners of a national daily. In our lives? the Philippines, they sent troops Maoists may indeed win unless way out of the present morass in a the very people it was supposed to Landlocked as we are between coming months, there is no imitation of the poorest fare on the government ownership of its eagerness to portray the then The ex-hack presently running that got bogged down. The lessonthe Royal Nepal Army is signifi- region with 75 percent of the cantly beefed up. liberate. There is a real danger oftwo giant neighbours (and a guarantee of lasting peace. For that satellite channels, the NTV is in media for everything. In the prime minister in a bad light, the the Ministry of Information andworld’s absolute poor. for Nepal is clear: the best use of meddlesome distant giant), it is to happen the rulers in Kathmandu

SAPUT massive disaffection, even within danger of losing its remaining mantra of liberalisation, it is publishers went as far as to give Communication must know be the imperialist Indo-US alliance The US and Indian positions Imperialism’s present incarna- the rank-and-file. difficult to see how the Nepali (whoever they are in the future) viewers to cable. disturbing enough for adults, but have gone through similar ordeals. argued that all this would the Maoists full play. Wild familiar with laws in other will be to share intelligence. The on Nepal’s Maoists are converg- tion of globalism plays out at The Maoist leadership Maoists will win, let alone rule. will need to think about redressing The NTV’s mediocrity, it is having an adverse psychologi- Isn’t it possible to show these suddenly be set right with rumours went to print and on the countries about media consolida- Americans may be tempted to seeing. By their own analysis, the different levels. Socio-cultural Maoists say India will find more therefore has two options: inciteDespite the odds, our comrades the entrenched social and eco- however, pales into insignifi- cal impact on young viewers. Short tragic scenes with more respect privatisation. Don’t be too sure. airwaves as “news”, with devastat- tion. He chose to ignore them for some advantages in having a toe- imperialism not only binds the a mass uprising quickly, or joinbelieve that the objective condi- nomic disparities. cance when we look at the of turning off the TV, there is no for the dead? What is the Our experience with privatised ing consequences during episodes reasons we can guess at. This does hold in Nepal so they can keep of its natural class-allies in the oppressed down to where they the parliamentary mainstream.tions are more favourable as the ongoing coverage of the insur- way of protecting children from advantage of bringing the barbar- broadcast media is not like the Hrithik Roshan riots. not bode well: neither for tabs on rumblings in India and US and the Nepali state. These are, but also, through global The first path will keep the country’s economy spirals out of gency. Video footage of the being brutalised by insensitive ity of it all into our living rooms? much better. This is why we have to look democracy nor for a free and China, but they must tread emerging alignments show that it is only a question of time before movement bogged down in a control and public frustration with aftermath of fighting and the cameramen and irresponsible news Is it a case of ignorant producers, Private commercial media is askance at the decision by the pluralistic press. Since the deed the elected government grows. (Puskar Gautam is a former thoughtless broadcast of editors. or are those in charge of propa- often even more insidious in the Ministry of Information to grant has been done, our only hope They believe that the basis of their Maoist district commander from gruesome footage of corpses are The reason for my rage is ganda trying out psy-war tech- control of information—it terrestrial telecast rights to now is that parliament, the courts, victory will be our economic and Okhaldhunga.) personal. But there must be niques on the population at large? practices what John Pilger calls Kantipur Publications. Giving and civil society will realise the thousands of Nepali parents who Either way, it is bad news. “the censorship of exclusion”, one business entity such broad enormity of the risks involved.

LETTERS SOCIAL EVIL student like me, it could be worse ART OF GIVING has no one to blame but itself and pluralism,” #89) you state that “it viceroyNO in HEALER Nepal. That distinction such an outrageous thing to a “’Sup dudes?” (#89) on the net. “A blink or a wink” by Ramyata for younger students. What I have I worked in a tarai town for two years, of the problem, which is the belief Re:Whilst CK I Lal’sagree “Fatalism, with Ms Lustig’s capitalism its aphno manche culture for the took the Europeans two hundred has alwaysWhen gonea “great to the country” successor denied of apatient, and my brother lost all Could not make head or tail of Limbu (#90) shows this is a learnt from my experience is that and can relate to both situations of certain men about their right to andcomments altruism” about (#89). how What horribly has situation it finds itself in. Primary years to perfect the system.” This the Britishvisa toresident, my brother, the envoy even thoughof the confidence he had mustered.it. IWas he trying to make a prevalent problem here. I myself no penalty will compensate a described in your coverage of degrade women, and their happenedmen in Nepal to us harass along women, the way? allegiance to family or clan, not may be an understatement. Nepal the Delhihe was Darbar a senior in Kathmandu. government very well understand that my point? What was it? And why is have been a victim of sexual woman for the humiliation. Still, sexual harrassment. Before I came subsequent actions to cause Haveespecially we become women so of self-absorbed the kuire the common good, is the root is actually going through a struggle official and had a wife Gand Rimal four brother’s was a major operation,he indulging in this gross harassment, and know that it is why should the criminal assailant to Nepal, I was aware of the intimidation and harm. Sexual andvariety, selfish I believe that we it haveis utterly forgotten cause of the Maoist uprising. This similar to that which Europe went children in Nepal, weKathmandu decided toand the success rate is only generalisation and over (or rampant not only in the, get away? We all need to speak discriminatory treatment of women, harassment will only be success- thenaive art toof suggestgiving? Ifthat we the should Nepal tree and its root have sprung not through in the 1600s, circa King go to Thailand’s Bumrungrad. around 90 percent even in the overt) simplification? Does he workplace but also in the out. and I changed many of my daily fully addressed by dealing with the receive,Tourism mustBoard we will not manage give? Isn’t to that from abroad, but from the soil of Henry VIII, whenEGRETS states started to let Our decision was greatly US. I cannot bring my brother think now that he has nothing student-teacher relationship. If it Prateebha Tuladhar habits to “fit in”. With my col- underlying roots of gender whateducate our thosemothers lewd taught desperados us? Wake Nepal. Mr Lal and the Nepali elite go of priestly feudal systems. influenced by your interview withback. But I want to warn other more to say about things, it is Interesting piece by Eric Steffens can happen with a university Maharajgunj leagues and friends, this may have inequality, not by blaming up,through enlightened an education Hindu cam-rich. need to look in the mirror if they Although in most western countries Ruben Toral (“What people Nepalis not to be misled by thetime to diss his own offspring? on the Keshar Mahal birdlife (“The prevented some of the harassment ourselves for what we might have paign. The basic problemTapas is Thapa want to discover the cause. citizenship is the legal birthright of recognise is good value for five-star luxury and paraphernalia ìSujî return of the egrets,” #90). I hope it that previous volunteers warned me done to provoke the situation. The that these young (and notThapathali so S Troutman all genders and social and ethnic health care,” #87). The doctors in Bumrungrad. Good hospitals by email will give the restorers of the garden about, but it did not protect me issue is now what women wear—it’s young) men have a large build- Kathmandu classes, monarchs can still retain there said my brother's chance are known for their care and some incentive to accommodate from the daily hassles that strangers what men do. After three years in Asup anof testosteroneAmerican citizen, with not I under- much rule over religious systems, and the of recovery was good. A day doctors with a soothing touch, Dear Mr Bastakoti, (Letters, not just the cattle egret, but all the on the street felt was their right to Nepal, I will miss many things, but standin the thatway America,of outlet. asSo thewhat only While it is not surprising that your states and the civil services are before the operation, however, ahealing and not money is #89) It is Kunda Dixit’s other birds and bats that call the inflict on me. But my first reaction I look forward to reclaiming my superpower,alternative is will there receive to poking, interna- readers like Dr Amrit KC took largely secular. The systems are surgeon came in, said he was important there. personal choice to wear the tall trees home. One small when I saw the accompanying photo right to freedom from unwanted tionalpinching, criticism grabbing, from arubbing, significant offence at CK Lal’s exemplification still far from perfect. These things doing the operation and told Jyoti P Lohanihats he wants. If you don’t like correction: your front page picture to your “Teasing tourists” article was attention of my body and most of minorityleering, nojeering matter and what generally our of General Rana’s red tika (Letters, take time to evolve, and serious, my brother point blank: “You Kathmanduhis hats, or his writing, don’t is of a Little Egret, not a Cattle to notice the tourists’ bare legs and all, overcoming the shame that government’sleching at women? policies What are. is I thealso #89), it seems to me that both fearless soul-searching, by pro- may survive, or you may die.” read the column. For me, the Egret. arms. I find myself reacting this attention has caused me to willTourism be the Board first to going acknowledge to say— that parties have overlooked the active civic participants. Never have I heard a doctor say first thing I check every week on Sumit KC judgmentally when I see such internalise. I’m not saying that many“Start timesrespecting American women” policy or or IMF obvious: Nepal is not a secular (Name withheld) the Nepali Times website is Thamel culturally-inappropriate dress and short skirts are the flag of a policy“You areseeks more primarily likely to benefitget state but officially self-proclaims Under My Hat. It is the only wonder how tourists can be so feminist utopia, but every woman itselfwhatever both itpolitically is that you and are economi- after itself to be a Hindu kingdom. It CK Lal calls Julia Chang Bloch a DEMOLITION MAN thing that does not disappoint cally.(friends However,hip, business, CK Lal’s informa- “Do our should therefore come as no “viceroy” (#90). To be a viceroy one me when I browse newspapers unaware of the effect of their deserves the right to be judged Thank you for highlighting mayor clothing choice. But, although this only by who she is, not by what she bannerstion— whatever) yet wave” by(#90) being is yet a surprise that the commander-in- has to be a governor acting in the these days. I hope he never Keshav Sthapith (“Mr Establish- does contribute to the stereotypes wears. anothergentleman”? example of the Nepali chief exhibits his religious affilia- name of a king or a king-emperor. stops. ment,” #90). If we had only ten Christine Mylks “elite” blaming everybodyJyoti Thapaelse but tion publicly. Madam Chang, for all her strutting G Pokharel that feed the attitudes that lead to leaders like him, Nepal would be Ex-VSO themselves. The truthMelbourne is that Nepal In your editorial (“Feckless around, was not qualified to be a Tokyo sexual harassment, it is not the root in much better shape. Kiran Nakarmi Dallas USA

DISS IT

MIN BAJRACHARYA MIN I chanced upon Kunda Dixit’s 4 NATION 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES NATION 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES 5 Dead or alive ○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ We may yet turn into a nation of bounty hunters. The government has Letter from Bangkwang offered rewards ranging from one to five million rupees for anyone who nabs or helps nab top Maoist leaders. Informants providing information that leads to the arrest of any of those named are to get half the prize The following letter was written by Puskar KC, who is serving a 50 year jail sentencemoney, security and jobs. The government said it will give Rs 5 million for the killing or capture of Pushpa Kamal Dahal, alias Maoist Party in Bangkok’s Bangkwang prison with 12 other Nepali inmates. Chairman Prachanda, Dr Baburam Bhattarai, the architect-turned- Serving life in Bangkok Maoist-ideological head of the underground “people’s government”, ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and Mohan Vaidya, alias Kiran, one of the party’s most senior leaders. Second rung leaders such as Posta Bahadur Bogati, alias Diwakar, Dear Editor, Nanda Kishor Pun, alias Pasang, Krishna Bahadur Mohara, alias Amar I am writing you this letter in the hope that something can be done Singh and CP Gajurel, alias Gaurav will each about us Nepalis in foreign jails. I also hope to be able to warn other fetch Rs 3.5 million, dead or alive. The Nepalis not to make the mistakes I did that landed me in Bangkwang government has fixed a reward of Rs 2.5 Prison in Thailand. million each for Maoist central committee My home is in Gonga Bu, and the reason my English is good is members and one million each for local because I did my high school in Kalimpong. In 1991 when I returned level commanders and platoon chiefs. to Kathmandu, I got into bad company of neighbours who smoked The government has also fixed rewards and got drunk regularly. My mother wasn’t very happy with my new for Maoist weapons—General Purpose friends, and she was sad that my younger brother was following Machine Guns (GPMGs), 40 mm rocket in my footsteps. launchers and 81 mm mortars will fetch Rs She asked me to get a job so I would stay away from my “goonda” 400,000 each. Light Machine Guns (LMGs), Rs 200,000, self-loading rifles (SLRs) Rs Nepalis in Thai jails are homesick, hopeless, and abandoned by their motherland. friends. I got a job with a hotel in Thamel to pick up guests at the 100,000, Enfield 303 rifles and sub-machine airport, then I got promoted to receptionist. I quit because I couldn’t take guns Rs 75,000 and factory-made pistols and HEMLATA RAI leave when I wanted. I was back on the streets. revolvers Rs 25,000. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ for about $20 a month, and nationals visits, some of them wanted me to go Commission, it is clear to member One day my mom asked me if I would like to go to Bangkok for a hey all have identical stories: of other countries like the United to Nepal and see their families and tell Kapil Shrestha that repatriation of NEPALIS IN BANGKOK JAILS few weeks with some people who are into handicraft and jewelry Prisoners from other countries are transferred back to their the yearning for a better life, the States, Britain and Australia are taken them they were all right and not to Nepali prisoners in foreignName jails is Sentence Years served exports. I didn’t even have a passport, but they fixed it all for me. countries because their country has an extradition treaty. But not need to send money home to care of by their embassies. But the worry,” says Parks. But others do not, low on the government’s priorityIN BANGKWANG list. PRISON Bangkok was great, I enjoyed the nightlife and it was easy to forget my Nepal. There are some of us who have already spent 20 years T Nuree Sherpa 50 10 girl-friends in Kathmandu. here. That is a lot of time for a stupid thing we did accidentally families back home, a tempting trip Royal Nepal Embassy in Bangkok because they say: “If they find out I am “The government does not feel any Om B Gurung life 9 that seemed too good to be true, an doesn’t have much time for jail visits, in prison, it will kill them.” obligation towards its citizens in A few days later, the guys who brought me here told me we were when we were young. Iman Gurung ? 2 leaving for Jakarta. We got to the airport and I was handed a bag As far as I know, two Nepalis have already died here and four oily middleman who promised let alone providing the money for The prisoners’ needs are relatively foreign jails. Their failure toJivan see jailsThapa life 9 which they said contained gifts for their Indonesian friends. I did not others (including myself) have TB. Our families in Nepal are praying everything but dumped them in them to subsist. simple short-term ones like: all as correction homes rather thanChandra Rai life 9 suspect anything because they had been so nice to me. night and day for us. Through this letter, we would like our sarkar to Bangkok. Then: getting caught at Nepali inmates therefore survive Nepalis being allowed to share cells so punishment is reflected in theirPuskar KC (Nima) 50 9 The customs officer tore that luggage apart, and brought out three take some time to get us out from here. The ThaiNote sarkar isprinting ready to ○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ airport customs, the trial, sentenc- by doing laundry for better off they don’t have to live with hardcore inability to bring Nepalis back,”Singh B Tamang life 2 big plastic bags with white powder. I turned around to see where my have an extradition treaty with Nepal, but our sarkar is not taking any The state Mint has decided to purchase a security-printing machine to Robin Gurung life 2 interest. If there is a treaty, we can go to Nepal and complete our ing and years of incarceration at one prisoners. Or, they survive on Thai criminals, being allowed to he told us. friends were, but they had disappeared. I was charged with trying to print bank cheques and postal stamps in Nepal. Officials say they expect Lok B Tamang life 2 smuggle heroin and sentenced to 50 years. The Nepal Embassy was sentence in a Nepali jail. At least if we are in Nepal we can get support of Thailand’s prisons for drug Christian charity groups which means send and receive mail more regu- The government does notWangel even Ghale life 17 this to save the Exchequer over Rs 140 million a year in printing bills. nowhere, and I did not get a fair trial. I was sent to this maximum from our families. Whoever reads this letter, please put pressure on the traffickers. they have to convert and profess their larly, and a little pocket money for know how many Nepalis thereSanthosh are in Gurung 34 17 Once the machine arrives, in about six months, all bank cheques, postal security prison, where I met many other Nepalis with Nepal sarkar to bring us home. They are all Nepalis. Take devotion to Jesus Christ. And then soap or postage stamps. foreign jails. Ministry of ForeignRaj Gurung 40 11 stamps, and VAT and income tax stickers can be printed in the country. Raj Kumar Gurung 25 10 similar stories to mine. We made mistakes. We wereSakurai, young aand Japanese stupid. company,And manufactures and sells the machine for Chandra and Jivan who paid a Nepali there are volunteer activists like And then there are the more Affairs issued a circular to all Nepali I cursed my own stupidity and my fate. I have now unscrupulous people took advantage of our innocence. employment agency Rs 75,000 each Bangkok-based Sue Aldous, Sue serious demands, like being embassies to send their talliesMangal of Gurung 25 10 close to Rs 20.3 million, excluding VAT and import tax. Currently, Ram Bahadur Lama 33 6 been here eight years. Now, let me describe to you the All these years in jail has taughtchequebooks us a lesson. ofWe the are state-run banks are printed in India and postal for a job in South Korea nine years Ridley and Ben Parks who help included in the list of royal pardons inmates, but there is no totalMan yet. Ghaley 25 10 conditions here. Unlike the other inmates, we don’t get now eager and willing to changestamps ourselves in Austria. for a Passports,better currency notes and airplane tickets will ago. The agent abandoned them in prisoners with money, clothes and by the King of Thailand, or asking One-year-old data at the ministryGaman Gurung 25 10 proper treatment because our government and embassy tomorrow. Our parents are gettingcontinue older, toand be we printed took abroad. But none of this will happen before the Bangkok, where they were framed food—no strings attached. But most of for more attention from the Royal shows that there were 54 NepalisIN LARD in YAO PRISON does not care for us. Our daily meals are rotten, we the risk of going abroad so we couldCommission earn money for the for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) com- and were caught in a police drug all, the campaigners give the inmates a Nepal Embassy in Bangkok, or three Thai jails. Another figureArun Kumar Tamang ? ? don’t get enough food. We work for other prisoners just them. Our imprisonment has painedpletes them investigations greatly, and on a complaint filed with it alleging irregularities dragnet. (See #9 for full story of window to the outside world, and a lobbying with the government in shows that 104 Nepalis wereBeg arrested Bahadur Tamang ? ? to earn some pocket money. We live here with 7,000 we deeply regret with sorrowin what the purchasing we did. process. Chandra and Jivan). channel of communications to their Kathmandu to sign an extradition on narcotic trafficking offencesDhan at Bahadur Tamang ? ? murderers and drug addicts, they don’t understand There is nothing for us here. Our biggest fear is Ram S ? ? English, we survive on Rs 20 a day donated by charita- that Nepali society may not accept us back. But we Nearly two years after that story families back home. treaty with Thailand. Activists feel international airports since Ram1999 Bahadur Tamang ? ? ble people, and never know where our next meal is are determined to earn our self-respect and help our came out, Chandra and Jivan are still Parks is a retired computer that if the Nepal government or the alone, 40 of them were in Bangkok.Ms Bishnu Kumari Bista life 9 coming from. Our belongings are constantly being stolen, country. Many of us here are sick, and we don’t serving life sentences at Bangkwang consultant who made his money in the embassy in Bangkok took slightly Jivan Thapa’s brother SanadMs Dewaki has Bista we bathe in water that gives us rashes, we don’t see want to die here. We want to come home and have a Central Prison. More Nepalis have dot.com boom, and has decided to more interest, there is enough been given the run around (Bishnuby Kumari’s daughter) life 9 the vaguest display of human warmth and goodness meal or two of alu-chiura and Textbooksdal bhat before wein English been caught since, and there are now devote his life to helping prison goodwill for some of the Nepalis to various ministries in KathmanduMs Kanchhi in Kumalni ? 2 around us. We are chronically depressed, and some- ○○○○○○○○○ leave this earth. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 20 other Nepalis there, including inmates from Nepal. He fell in love get on the Thai king’s pardon list. his effort to bring his brotherMs back. Kanchhi Sherpani ? 2 times feel we are going mad. My message to young NepalisThe is Janak to be smartEducation and Materials Centre will begin publishing English- Pasong Lamu von den Steinen ? ? several women. Among them is one with Nepal during a trek, and has The Thai authorities don’t seem In fact, he suspects the government is In the past few years, many more Nepali brothers never to be tempted by the promiselanguage of instant textbooks riches, in all subjects taught in grades five through 10. This IN KLONG PREM PRISON is part of a government effort to wean away English-medium schools who used to be married to a visited many times. Once on a trek to want to keep the Nepalis either trying to make an example of the and sisters have joined us here and their stories are and never fall into this trap. This is a dead end. Hem Prasad Fabangi 6 3 identical to mine. They have been betrayed, cheated, Dear editor, thank you very frommuch using for your course precious books published privately in Nepal or imported from German. He got rid of her by he saw a sign that said: “Don’t and have been trying to work out prisoners in Thailand so others are or dumped by the middlemen who promised jobs in time and for printing my letter. It India.means The a lot Education to us. Regulation postulates uniformity in textbooks framing her in a drug scam, and change Nepal, let Nepal change ways to send them back. A draft dissuaded from going abroad. Japan. There are 12 of us here, and 100 more in other used by public and private schools, but the state-run Janak Education ran off with a Thai woman. you.” That became his motto, and he proposal for extradition was sent to Nepali embassies and consulate jails in Bangkok. This jail is for prisoners with 30 MaterialSincerely Centre has yours until now been unable to publish textbooks in Conditions are bad: meals of says ruefully: “That did it for me, the Foreign Ministry in 2000. No offices are no help. Deputy Chief of years and above. English.Puskar KC (ìNimaî) what Thais call “dog rice” (low grade now I am trapped.” one in the ministry we spoke to had Protocol Y N Paudel who has rice that smells) fish gruel, contami- Parks is in touch by mail with any knowledge of what happened to recently returned from the embassy nated water, and stuffy cells where the some of the inmates, and visited the the proposal. Ministry spokesman in Pakistan says there are Nepalis temperature is always above 35 Nepalis recently in Bangkwang. The Gyan Chandra Acharya has a faint there who have already completed Mr Clean degrees. Everything has to be bought prisoners are behind two wire-mesh recollection that there were some their jail terms, but they still can’t For more information: ○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ from the prison authorities: soap, fences separated by ten feet, and they differences between the two sides return because their families don’t Last month ministers were engaged in catfights over who took a Rs www.bangkwang.net 200,000 bribe. Pokhara-based industrialist Hari Prasad Pandey, minister clothing, water. Inmates say drugs have to shout at each other to be heard. on repatriation procedures, but have the money for the ticket. And for commerce and water resources in the UML’s 1995/96 minority and sex are also available: “If you can Parks was in Kathmandu this doesn’t remember what they the embassy itself doesn’t have a www.correct.go.th Mailing address: government, walked to the Chief District Officer’s office on 23 April to pay, you can buy.” month to meet families of Bangkwang were specifically. budget line for repatriation file a graft case against himself. CDO Tika Ram Aryal refused to register Basic necessities can be bought prisoners in Nepal. “During my At the National Human Rights airfares. (Name of prisoner) (Name of prisoner) the complaint saying his office didn’t have the mandate to deal with Bangkwang Central Prison Lard Yao Prison that type of complaint. But Pandey is not backing off—he has mailed 1 Nonthaburi Road 33-3 Ngamvongvan Road his complaint. By law, the CDO cannot reject a complaint sent through registered Suan Yai Chatuchak mail. He either has to act on it or forward it to the concerned investigat- Nonthaburi 11000 Thailand Bangkok 10900 Thailand ing authority. In a 42-page confession, Pandey says he amassed wealth Expedition organisers have through illegal practices and misuse of authority when he was a minister been pulling back from vulnerableof state. His long list of “economic crimes” he claims to have inflicted HERE AND THERE by DANIEL LAK areas in recent years. Highland against the “motherland” include bribing officials, laundering money Excursions, which handles largely and evading taxes. He has also declared his net worth—Rs 47.7 “Just keep to the mainAustralian trails...” trekkers says it has seenmillion—and a wants the government to take Rs 10 million to allow him to 50 percent decline, and has pulledrepent. He has requested that Rs 20.14 million be left for the education out of Dolpo, Manaslu, Humla andof his five daughters, all of whom are studying to become doctors. most recently from the Kangchenjunga area. “We’ll have Private eye on the press to lay of staff, or even close down, if current trends continue” says Uma Khakurel of Highland here are advantages—a few—to being west of the Suez, as I find myselfSometimes legislation is superfluous. All 1995, even cooperating in the airlift of weapons into the former Yugoslavia Excursions. at the moment. And no, it’s not consumer choice, the latest films or in defiance of United Nation sanctions. The report paints an eerie picture of Khakurel considers herself you need is an irreverent magazine. fortunate that none of her groups or the taste of beer, although I must confess the latter is somewhat the Pentagon cooperating with Iran—part of the “axis of evil” last time I guides have been confronted by T ○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ pleasant. No, I like being where I am at the moment because of the rich checked—to help the Bosnians. The CIA and British intelligence were Maoists, so far. “We just advise our deeply wary of the whole thing and chose not to get involved. The Penta- R e s o r t H o t e l variety of information and comment in the any argument, including the agonising of the princi- guides to keep to main trails and gon’s own Defense Intelligence Agency ran the operation. avoid confrontation.” She is now British press—easily the most unfettered and pled supporters of Israel. But the Guardian’s news- at On now to directing her tourists to the lively of the world’s newspaper scenes. reporting manages to be both hard-hitting and Budhanil-kantha My first port of call, of a morning in The Independent, a newspaper founded in the 1980s to live Annapurna and Everest regions. sensible. It finds facts, looks at them with a humanup to its name and to shun the usual fodder of Fleet Street, home of the Ang Tshering Sherpa, chairman For London or Liverpool, is the old faithful perspective and annoys the protectors of shibboleths and managing director of Asian British press. There I read an unbelievable counterpoint to the Pentagon-al- Aesthetic Living, Dining, of all sorts—be they lovers of the appalling sport of Trekking, which currently has more Guardian. Unique among the major daily Qaeda story. Even as France digests the shocking result of its general than half-a-dozen climbing groups Conference & Workshop fox-hunting in Britain, or the apostles of purist election, the people of the French republic, snap up a little tome that in Nepal and nearly two dozen in newspapers of the world, the Guardian is a non- market forces in all walks of life. profit organisation, run by a charitable trust and purports to explain the entire 11 September episode as a function of the odd Tibet, has gone out of his way to Tel: 375280, Fax: 371656 My relationship between American generals and the jihadis. The book— make the best of things. “One has to email: [email protected] charged by the trustees with a mission to afflict www.nepalhotel.com Guardian story of the week is somewhat moreaccording to KUNDA DIXIT go to the source. Go and meet the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. That’s disquieting, however. Amid the furore last week at The Independent—says a car bomb and not a plane destroyed clients in their home countries and the way all journalism should be, but isn’t. the resignation of the Dutch government—faced offices and killed workers at the Pentagon on that horrible day last year. A from p1 member. An email from Makalau militia who have been pushedtell them to the facts—that there is a American newspapers—even the best of them— with an official report detailing Holland’s complicity base camp by American climber R higher altitudes becauseproblem of military but so far no tourists have series of photographs of the alleged impact area are an invitation to readers D Caughron said Swiss and operations in the valleybeen could hurt. be Relying on correspond- strive to a painstakingly ridiculous degree for in the massacre of thousands of Bosnian Muslims toat spot debris or evidence that an aircraft full of fuel crashed into the walls The most recent incident that something called “objectivity”. What that means in got the most publicity because itSpanish expeditions were also getting desperate for fundsence, and email, and news reports, which Srebrinica in 1995— of the world’s largest office building. forced to pay up. therefore forced to rob tourists.sometimes exaggerate reality, doesn’t practice is that reporters and editors go to ridicu- Guardian reporters uncover The Independent dismisses the book went out on the internet was the mass-extortion of money from three The Trekking Agents Associa- Most trekking agencieshelp.” in Sherpa acknowledges that lous lengths to find the centre of any argument and even more horrendous information. The Dutch as French conspiracy-mongering but there’s more than a hint in the paper’s tion of Nepal (TAAN) said in a Kathmandu have beenapart hit doubly from appealing to the Maoists, report on Srebrinica is as long as any encyclopae-tone that there are still things that we “need to know”. expeditions bound for Makalu. On 5 then hover there like broken helicopters, shifting April, five heavily-armed Maoistsstatement: “To collect money from hard. Not only have theygovernment, suffered and political parties, ever rightwards as fanatics and politicians move the dia, and its authors had unprecedented access to And finally the Cumberland Times catches my eye, a local paper of the Lake carrying grenades and rifles cametourists, the few that are still coming from a decline in bookings,there’s but little else one can do. goalposts from their end towards the erstwhile their country’s intelligence information from the District in northern England. The banner headline here proves that sanity reigns into their camps in the village ofdespite the current situation, will they have also been victims of centre. Ask Ariel Sharon or George W Bush just 1990s. So determined were the Dutch, appar- Sedua three days north of further undermine the future of extortion from their Kathmandu somewhere, that people at peace can get their priorities straight. “Furniture Store Nepal’s tourism.” It demanded that offices. “The publicity from how useful that sort of behaviour can be. ently, to get to the bottom of the horrific events atto Close, employees distraught.” No mention of conspiracies and nobody is Tumlingtar and demanded Rs 5,000, cameras, binoculars andthe Maoists return the money to trekkers being robbed is going to No such scruples are found at the Srebrinica. blaming the Americans. Yet. the expedition. hit us even more,” admitted one Buried deep within the report is the altimeters. After some discussion, Now I’m of to the pub with a copy of they settled for Rs 10,000 per Security sources say Maoist trekking agent. Guardian. Not revelation that the American Defense Department Private Eye, the world’s greatest that the paper pushes polemic, far from it. Its trained al-Qaeda-related jihadi groups as late asdeflater of political and professional egos to learn all about who’s lying to who. commentary pages seethe with all reasonable sides of Who needs anti-corruption legislation when you have magazines like this one? 6 NATION 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES ECONOMY 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES 7 SOMEWHERE IN NEPAL by PUSKAR BHUSAL BIZ NEWS ECONOMIC SENSE by ARTHA BEED Honda’s here ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○ Last week the Syakar Company Ltd, which brings Honda town cars to Nepal, launched its state-of-the-art showroom, sales and spares facility at Dhobighat. The site also has space for Peace customers to test drive Hondas before buying them. Syakar Give and take currently offers four models: Honda City, 1300 cc, manual, full option. Price tag: Rs 2.13 million. Honda Civic, 1500 cc, Talk is cheap. Real peace isn’t. manual, full option at Rs 2.48 million. Honda Accord, 2000 cc, full option, automatic is going for Rs 3.98 million. Honda CRV, Getting tough on corruption is good. But who 2000 cc, full option, automatic comes for Rs 3.88 million. uring this Nepal bandh the Beed noticed vehicles plying watches the watchdog? Dthe streets with their license plates covered. Some more imaginative ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ riders pasted on signs proclaiming Sunrise Homes their “Freedom to Ride”. The drivers ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Judicial Probe did this as insurance against trouble, Commission Close on the heels of other developers, the MS Group launched a new housing scheme last weekimmediate within and the future, Ring from the staying power, Upadhyaya’s suggestion our current polity presupposes the something on paper to back up Roadany in Lalitpur. The housing scheme offers flats as well as semi-detached homes, and payment options to the business community to draw up existence of political parties that rely breach-of-trust complaints theyincluding might cash down and instalment plans. The prices range from Rs 1.66 million to Rs 3.76 organisersmillion. Theof the upper bandh. The authori- a code of conduct to discourage bribery heavily on constant cash inflows, we have to file within the fraternity.end This gets you 1,930 sq ft of space divided into three bedrooms, a living/dining room, family lounge,ties, decided kitchen, not to intervene because merits solemn contemplation. have to accept the virtual impossibility arrangement would have to leavepuja out enclosure, store, three toilets and a separate room and toilet for the household help. Thethey firm wanted assures vehicles on the streets, other direct losses in the process. beyond that and as Prithvi Narayan buyers that other services like water, electricity, etc will be taken care of. Admittedly, you can’t expect five firms of raising funds without venturing baksheesh, though. No legislation or regardless of the negative incentives Finally, after six years of cocktail Shah said, and Maoist ideologue

ROBIN SAYAMI ROBIN competing for the same contract to play into the realm of shadiness. For a lot of regulatory framework should be such violations of rules can provide to party chatter that just castigated the Baburam Bhattarai repeated recently in chetana bhaya by the rules when none knows what Nepalis, the fund-raising tactics of allowed to outlaw someone’s token of criminal elements. government, the police, or both, and a newspaper column,sabai lai In the quest for “normalcy” we’ve kind of facilitation expenses the others political parties is not the real appreciation. For one thing, we need sometimes applaud the Maoists, Valley , let it be known to one Fibre-optic backbone begun to flout simple rules, not caring residents are beginning to get what the are ready to bear. The global dimen- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ problem. It’s the profligacy of the something of enduring value to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ remind and all. We all need to intervene about the consequences. It is a painful problem is all about. For one, real sions of this dilemma should prove political class. ourselves of our humanity. If youNepal and India have agreed to lay down a fibre-optic cable along the east-west Mahendra Highway across the creatively, whatever our social status CIAA instructive. After the Paris-based This intrinsic compulsion of really have to make a distinctionentire for length of Nepal. Under the agreement, signed on 13 April, India will pay for the project,decision, which isbut esti- is it right for this estate prices in the capital are rising asand ideological position. The moment? The death toll announced by Organisation for Economic Coopera- organised politics has understandably legal or accounting purposes, countmated to cost Rs 1.34 billion and will be undertaken jointly by the Nepal Telecommunication Corporation and more and more people affected by thelawyers have already begun, others the Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL), and is expected to be completed withingovernment two years has begun to resemble tion and Development came up with constricted the CIAA’s room for advance payments as graft and after- conflict are selling off their little all toshould join in. after construction begins. cricket scores and, like with cricket its Convention on Combating manoeuvre. Nevertheless, the service transactions as gifts. buy peace in what is still perceived as a There are also ways for donors to scores, people’s memories now only Bribery, major western governments commission has succeeded in setting Many people are worried that by secure place to live. In the districts, thehelp. They need to unite and push the hold on to very large numbers. More have moved to outlaw acts of bribery strict standards. Take the Lauda Air granting the CIAA the authority to general public has begun following thegovernment to prepare a common Nepalis are dying everyday, no one by nationals and companies abroad. investigations, for instance. By scrutinise ministerial policy decisions,Remote subsidies footsteps of their lawmakers and otheragenda . No more seminars, though. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ knows for what and why this has to be. But all the smiles are on the faces of demanding millions in bonds from the new legislation dilutes our grimy political leaders who left their villagesWe a could do better with some action- Peace is getting dearer. More Russia’s defence industry executives, two accused at the oddest of hours, the democracy. Some have gone to theThe Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has approved a package to subsidise domestic airlines flying long time ago. The people facing the oriented integrated development infrastructure is hit every day, more while their western counterparts are up CIAA drew scathing criticism for extent of describing the bills as toa remote airfields. The plan is to take $4 from every mountain flight ticket, $2 from every other passenger and worst of the violence now are those efforts, relief packages, service delivery n the official logbook of Nepal’s suspicion. Electoral laws already bar made their judgement calls. two percent from the income of every domestic charter. The government requires airlines to providedistricts area 25 cut off from the telecom caught in the crossfire who cannot in arms over the double whammy. arbitrariness. But look at the subtext negation of the principal gain ofpercent the discount to local passengers flying main routes, and an extra 25 percent to those flying remote routes. mechanisms—anything that will campaign against corruption, last individuals convicted of corruption Coming back to Upadhyaya, he First, they lost their tax deductions for here. If either man had managed to People’s Movement of 1990—the network and more transport vehicles afford to flee to safer areas. Political produce visible results. A US military The kitty is to be used to compensate the losses airlines will incur because of the new discounts.are damagedFlights coveredor brought to a halt. The leaders must return to their constitu- Iweek will be grafted as one of its from seeking public office for six addressed that part of the depravity expenses incurred while promoting raise that sum, wouldn’t that have supremacy of elected representativesby the of new rule are Thamkharka, Bhojpur, Tumlingtar, Lamidanda and Rumjhatar and Phaplu from Biratnagar; team was here, others might come. Just cost of all this—to replace lost goods defining moments. Not because years—which normally covers at least debate that has agitated Nepalis the business abroad. Now they have to been kind of self-incriminating? the people. Will the CIAA commis-those flying from Pokhara to Manang; and those from Nepalgunj to Chaurjhari, Dolpa, Bajhang, Bajura, encies and help those left behind resista word of caution: we can’t let this and vehicles and lost opportunities—is parliament used fast-track provisions two Lower House elections. The most. How could some people be on compete with firms that offer cheaper Just by drawing up a duly sioners be emboldened to re-writeSimikot, the Jumla and Salleri. The flights from Surkhet to Jumla, and Dhangadi to Bhajang and Bajura also the Maoist onslaught. become a matter of geo-politics, with qualify. tremendous. For instance, Sauraha in to approve legislation providing prohibition would cover up to a the take if there weren’t so many others goods and can still grease palms. countersigned covenant, our business country’s media policy? A lot would There’s plenty of talk about the Nepal’s northern and southern Chitwan had just started to see some sharper teeth to the anti-vice watch- decade, if both parliaments were to live ready to give? Not everyone can match The point is, the engines of community will have made a priceless probably depend on the personality need for peace and dialogue, but neighbours misconstruing the tourists, but with the telephone system dog. Nor because of the intra- out their full term. By seeking to relax Upadhyaya’s candour. But, then, he is commerce almost everywhere are contribution to encouraging probity in and peccadilloes of the commissioners. nothing will happen as long as our presence of the US or other countries parliamentary disunion triggered by that proviso by a year, however, our not your ordinary ex-bureaucrat. For lubricated with cash. During the last public life. Politicians and administra- It wouldn’t take long, though, for those now dead, only a daring few are now political scroungers see every tragedy asin a different way. If that happens, travelling. The insurgency and the Upper House’s addition of riders editor turned legislator was allowing someone at the forefront of the trade- years of the panchayat regime, there tors would no longer be the prime tempted to slap gag orders on certainNepali Samsonites an opportunity to cash in on. Our once again the definition and price of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ counter-insurgency measures have hit in violation of the deal members of the tainted characters to sneak back into is-a-convenience-transit-is-a-right was a clear distinction between a determinants of how much bad money stories to discover how censorious the problems are beyond party politicking:peace might be something we don’t distribution channels and since it is lower chamber thought they already public life while the stench of their brigade during the 1988-89 war of commission and a bribe. The tolerance is in circulation at any given moment. press can become when the newsSamsonite peg is Nepal is planning to set up a manufacturing facility in Nepal to serve the Indian market, and take which party should get how many of want to deal with. had set in concrete. The real anti-sleaze decadence still retained its sting. attrition with India that we lost, you level for the former was greater. Since Moreover, the signatories would have the CIAA’s abuse of authority. advantage of the free-trade regime the South Asian Preferential Trading Agreement difficult to move supplies, companies those who lay down arms, what faction (SAPTA) promises. The company made the announcement while launching two new story was in Birganj, where Surya The effort of another member of wouldn’t have expected Upadhyaya to are producing less, as well as suffering should be in government when—andReaders can post their views at Nath Upadhyaya, chief of the the house of elders, a full-time end up playing a leading part in products last week, the Crusair, an upright that can be pushed and pulled in three ways if—peace comes about. We’ve moved and the Flite, which the company claims is the lightest hard-sided luggage. The company [email protected] Commission for the Investigation of businessman when the legislature is in drafting the post-embargo constitu- also plans to open a retail franchise showroom on New Road. Abuse of Authority exhorted the hibernation, to shield from scrutiny tion. During last year’s turf war business community not to offer companies in which the government between the Attorney General’s Office bribes to politicians or bureaucrats. has less than one-third ownership, and the CIAA over Indian banknotes To be fair to our directly elected raised obvious conflict-of-interest that weren’t legal tender in Nepal,Standing we up to spinal injuriesINTERVIEW representatives, the disqualification issues. What was galling, though, was couldn’t quite figure out on whose side HEMLATA RAI in Nepal. A disproportionate number of people suffer stipulation introduced by an Upper the proposal to exempt noble- the Supreme Court had ruled. Since○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ injuries to the spine from falls endured while collecting House MP who has never contested an intentioned misdeeds as well. This the Attorney General recently resigned,spinal injury changed Nancy Sherpa’s life. Once an athlete and “very active mom”, she nowfodder, has to following livestock on cliffs or transporting election—barring that botched bid to rider would have created new it’s probably safe to award that victory watch every move she makes, even the smallconsumables on precipitous trails. With the spread of become head of the chamber a few opportunities for the more resourceful to the CIAA. A ones we take for granted. “Nothing is blackthe and road network, there has been a sharp increase in “We are part of the problem and we are years ago—could not have escaped to plot their moves as the authorities Coming from a man with whitesuch in spinal injury. Even if your problem is revers-spinal trauma from road accidents. ible, the process is painfully slow and frustrating,” sheWomen are the worst-affected. “The underprivi- explains. Still, Nancy is lucky. She drives, works leged social status of women is a factor in making Nepali Times: What is the business environment like right now? the causes of corruption to government. We are part of the problem and them victims of spinal injuries and the trauma that Surajready Vaidya: The situation is notto good. There make is also lack of political awe are readydifference.” to make a difference. at her trekking office and has a very supportive family. follows—women are given dangerous tasks like commitment. There have been many changes in government, which has Victims such as Sherpa, collecting fodder from tree tops, and families aren’t affected continuity. All top political leaders visit the Federation of What about labour issues? families affected by the injury of enthusiastic about providing Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) and give the When I began working with trade unions I didn’t know how complex the a member, as well as profession- them treatment,” says Pradeep impression that everything is under control. But political parties have yet to situation was and how simple the solutions were. The trade unions want the als, all came together on 7 April Dhungana, a physiotherapist with agree on a common economic agenda. We tend to wait until the last basic rights of workers guaranteed. Employers say the only reason they to open the Spinal Injury Sangha the Ryeler Cheshire Home at minute, we make on-the-spot decisions in times of crisis and crisis-solutions can’t make employees permanent is because our labour law is very pro- Nepal, and the Sangha’s first Jorpati. Spinal trauma victims are never good over the long run. employee. Business has to be flexible, be able to make quick decisions. venture, the Spinal Injury visiting his centre are mostly We need to have a clear understanding on flexibility in hiring. I don’t talk Rehabilitation Centre at Jorpati. married women between the ages How can confidence be restored? of firing because that is where the problems begin. Internationally, the ILO The centre was opened by Sir of 16 and 20, normally victims of Business now has one concern—peace and security. The FNCCI is worried has rules on termination of employees. We agree on the need to protect Edmund Hillary, who has seen falls. about the eventual outcome of what is happening now. The army is workers’ rights, but industry problems also need to be considered, espe- many spinal injury victims use his Life for survivors, already mobilised, nobody knows for how long. We don’t know if all political parties cially in difficult times such as now. We are working out good management MIN BAJRACHARYA two charitable hospitals in Solu made difficult by their new have the same agenda. The leaders must sit down and produce results. We practices based on the Global Compact. We’re also working on eliminating and Khumbu. impairments, is made worse by hear they are talking, but what are they talking about: politics or the the worst forms of child labour from industry in 11 districts. This is the first operation of the lack of basic knowledge and national interest? We’d like to see political leaders come together and say its kind in Nepal. While there are rehabilitation facilities. Fifteen- this is our single joint agenda. If that happens, I am sure that 50 percent Would you make new investments now? private and public hospitals that year-old Dil Maya Tamang of that the Maoist problem can be solved. The remaining 50 percent can Even now I am putting up tea factories in remote areas. But my way of treat such injuries, so far as they Kavre told us that when her injury then be taken up. We’re unable to say what will happen tomorrow. We’ve thinking has changed. My first factory was 100 percent family owned. The can be, there is nowhere victims resulted in paraparesis, worse met all political parties, big and small. We said: this is a national crisis, if second project is different—I’ve given 40 percent shares to local farmers, can go to learn how to live with than her pain and disability were you don’t handle it right, nobody knows what will happen in another six kept 40 percent and given 20 percent to my buyer.Suraj I think Vaidya we need isto president of the Vaidya’s them. The Centre seeks to comments from neighbours: months. change strategy and get people involved. Organisation of Industries and Trading Houses provide patients with specialised having this kind of handicap at care, support and counselling. In such a young age, they said, Dil So we lack stability and focusÖ How is tea doing? that is largely involved in trading and addition, they will be taught skills Maya was better off dead. Yes. There is also no vision and continuity. Nepal produces about 10 million kg each year. Aboutmanufacturing. 90 percent of that Nepali is Times spoke with Vaidya, and given information and Says Kanak Mani Dixit, CTC grown in the tarai. CTC growers have a problem because we haven’t education that will help them president of the Sangha. “Our How are businesses coping? been able to fulfil domestic demand locally. Tea whocoming is fromalso India a vice is president of the FNCCI, about remain active to the best of their attempt is to reverse this fatalistic Personally I think 11 September and the crisis we face are opportunities to displacing our producers. Our production cost is high,corruption, which drives the up investmentthe climate, and the abilities. “Counselling is as important as treatment. attitude and concentrate on reassess—look at what we have done, where we need to go, what the final product cost. India has protection in the formpotential of high tariffs for and new products from Nepal. Patients need mental support to lead a normal life”improving the quality of life of people who have problems are. The FNCCI has begun working to that end. We’re trying to taxes; we need to at least counter the Indian measures, protect our says Dr Anil Shrestha, technical director of the Centre.suffered life-changing spinal injuries.” Dixit himself create an environment where all say: we are business people, we want to industry. Tea takes five years to begin giving back in the hills and three broke his neck in a trekking accident two years ago, make profits, but we also realise that we need to give something back to years in the plains. Our farmers have no incentives or subsidies to sustain

“Every seriously injured person needs this. I’m glad KIRAN PANDEY I can help other traumatised people accept their andnew survived miraculously. society. We have formed an ethics committee because the FNCCI thinks themselves during that period. Still, we can realise our tremendous The Centre, run entirely by qualified Nepali business people have to come out and say we are corrupt. But it is the potential in tea if government were to review the tariffs, taxes and physical condition and keep up with the business of lighter colour. Sixty percent of tea sold as Darjeeling is of the Assam Goma Dulal, despitenurses, her owm physiotherapists condition and health assistants, will have system that has made us so, because without that you cannot get anything domestic incentives. Last year we produced about 700,000 kg of orthodox living,” says Goma Dulal, who lost all movement to variety. In Nepal we have 99 percent China clone tea, the variety the world wants to help otherseparate spinal injury male patients. and female wards, a physiotherapy unit done. I’m talking about corruption at all levels. We accept that we are (hill) tea, this year we should reach about a million kg. By 2005 we may juvenile rheumatoid arthritis over 20 years ago. At the is interested in. From that point of view we’re is a good shape. We have and an occupational therapy unit. It has already corrupt, but also say that corruption doesn’t begin and end with us. There is reach 2.5 million kg. Centre Dulal will counsel people like Narayan Yadav, a been building niche markets, Germany, Japan and US and the potential is started with four live-in patients, and will provide another party to it. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has a code quadriplegic. Before meeting with a road accident, good. Yadav was a cook and the breadwinner for his fiverehabilitation care for up to 30 individuals, as well as on, say, donations to political parties. We are trying to agree on something What is the potential for orthodox tea? outpatient support, once it starts operating to full similar and ask government for tax-deductions on such contributions. These Compared to Darjeeling tea we have a better fragrance. There are two children and wife. “When you are traumatised and You talk about tea as one would expect you to about Toyota cars. How mentally weak, the entire world looks gloomy,” hecapacity. told are very basic issues, but can have a big impact if we begin enforcing types of bushes that produce good teas, the Assam variety, and the China them. We will have a roundtable in June and present our assessment on clone. In the hills we use the China bush which hasdid thebetter change aroma come and about? us from his bed at the Centre. Before the 1989/90 blockade with India, my family was involved in many A rural lifestyle and difficult terrain together www.himalmag.com/spinalinjury,make [email protected] products. During the blockade we were forced to run our industries on 10 life difficult for spinal trauma victims and their families litres of diesel a day, which was when we changed our strategy. We realised that our advantage would be in areas where we didn’t depend on the outside for raw materials. We sold our shares in many industries and got involved in tea. I’m also looking at silk, garlic and olives. These are areas we should be investing in. With these products you need investment, care, and time. You need to be part of the product. With tea, I have realised that your heart must be in it, to enjoy it and grow with the venture. This was why it was easy to shift from Toyota to tea. We have invested about Rs 70 million already and another 30 million is in the pipeline. 8 SPORT 26 APRIL - 2 MAY 2002 26 APRIL - 2 MAY 2002 9

Match Schedule 1ST STAGE City Nepal Match About the Trophy Time

The World Cup trophy is 36 cm high, made of solid 18-carat gold and The 2002 FIFA W rldFriday 31.05.02CupSeoul 17:15 France vs Senegal weighs 4.97 kg. The base contains two layers of semi-precious malachite Starting 31 May, 32 teams will battle it out in Japan and South Korea in what promises to be the closest FIFA World Cup in Saturday 01.06.02 Niigata 12:15 Ireland vs Cameroon and has room for 17 small plaques bearing the name of the winners— recent years. Nepali Times brings you this intro to the biggest global sporting event of the year. Ulsan 14:45 Uruguay vs Denmark space enough for the World Champions up to the year 2038. The Sapporo 17:15 Germany vs Saudi Arabia designer of the World Cup trophy, Italian artist Silvio Gazzaniga de- run-up to the World Cup this time has been Sunday 02.06.02 Ibaraki 11:15 Argentina vs Nigeria scribed his creation: “The lines spring out from the base, rising in spirals, The Favorites the shakiest and most uncertain ever. But a Busan 13:15 Paraguay vs South Africa stretching out to receive the world. From the remarkable dynamic tensions World Cup without Brazil is unimagi- of the compact body of the sculpture rise the figures of two athletes at the Argentina Saitama 15:15 England vs Sweden stirring moment of victory”. The current FIFA World Cup Trophy cannot be nable, and it’s impossible to write off Gwangju 17:15 Spain vs Slovenia the four-time world champions, especially won outright, as the regulations state that it shall remain FIFA’s own Monday 03.06.02 Niigata 12:15 Croatia vs Mexico + Very talented squad with depth and with players like Rivaldo, Ronaldo and possession. The World Cup winners retain it until the next tournament excellent qualifying campaign Ronaldinho playing together. Ulsan 14:45 Brazil vs Turkey and are awarded a replica, gold-plated rather than solid gold. - Lack of a solid central defence During qualification, the team was Sapporo 17:15 Italy vs Ecuador After an emphatic qualifying performance and a convincing 1-0 away unrecognisable at times, lacking harmony and Tuesday 04.06.02 Gwangju 12:15 China PR vs Costa Rica win against Germany last week, the Albiceleste quality. Their unstable defence usually let Saitama 14:45 Japan vs Belgium have emerged as the biggest favourites to take them down, and Brazil is not known for its Busan 17:15 Korea Republic vs Poland the World Cup this June. Colombia coach great goalkeepers either. They pulled them- Wednesday 05.06.02 Kobe 12:15 Russia vs Tunisia Italy Portugal Francisco Maturana said of the then runaway selves through and won enough points to Suwon 14:45 USA vs Portugal qualify, finally thumping Venezuela 3-0 in group leaders: “It is hell playing against Ibaraki 17:15 Germany vs Ireland the decisive match. + Vast talent, excellent defence + Very talented midfield led by Figo and Rui Argentina.” Thursday 06.06.02 Daegu 12:15 Denmark vs Senegal Maturana’s assessment is understandable Brazil are Brazil, and will always be - Finding the right combination could be a Costa, excellent qualifying run when you consider the likes of Batistuta, favourites especially in the FIFA Saitama 14:45 Cameroon vs Saudi Arabia problem, especially in attack - Finishing has been a problem due to Lopez, Veron, Aimar and Zanetti all superstars World Cup, which is their arena. Busan 17:15 France vs Uruguay inefficient attack Coach Felipe Scolari possesses Friday 07.06.02 Kobe 12:15 Sweden vsThe Nigeria biggest strength of the Azzurri is undoubtedly their defence. With in their respective clubs. The Argentines have so some of the best defenders in the world—veteran Paolo Maldini,Portugal have been called the Brazil of Europe, and the current genera- a core of experienced players Jeonju 14:45 Spain vs Paraguay much talent, they could probably field two teams Alessandro Nesta, Fabio Cannavaro and Marco Materazzi—Italytion ofcould young Portuguese players had a brilliant run in Euro 2000, only to that would be serious contenders for the title. capable of fighting for glory in Sapporo 17:15 Argentina vs England Korea/Japan 2002, including very well win the World Cup simply because no one would bebe able stopped to by Zidane’s golden goal penalty in the semi-final. Portugal The only question is whether they can replicate Saturday 08.06.02 Daegu 12:15 South Africa vs Slovenia Marcos, Cafú, Emerson, Carlos, and of score against them! Their stinginess and have been in excellent form over the past few years, and topped their their past performances in a month’s time in Ibaraki 14:45 Italy vs Croatiadefensive pedigree showed in Euro difficult qualifying group which included Ireland and The Netherlands. The Japan and Korea, for a FIFA World Cup- course former World Players of the Year Rivaldo and Ronaldo… but can Seogwipo 17:15 Brazil vs China2000, PR when they let in only three goals in latter will not be playing in Japan and Korea winning coach needs his players to hit form at they perform as a team? Sunday 09.06.02 Miyagi 12:15 Mexico vseight Ecuador matches. after failing to qualify. the same time, and within the same limited Brazil Italy’s other strength is the Everyone knows what Luis Figo can time frame. Injuries are another worry, but Players to Watch: Rivaldo, Ronaldo, Caf­, Roberto Carlos Incheon 14:45 Costa Rica vs Turkey Yokohama 17:15 Japan vs talentRussia of its squad. How- do—his incredible dribbling and runs can the sheer depth of this side in attack ever, choosing the turn any game around. However it is AC and defence means the Argentines + On paper, one of the best attacking forces in Monday 10.06.02 Daegu 12:15 Korea Republic vs USA the tournament, lots of experience perfect combination Milan’s Rui Costa who will be decisive to have almost everything going for Oita 14:45 Tunisia vs Belgium - Poor qualifying campaign and defence could be coach the Portuguese campaign. Like Figo, Rui them, including the young prodigies, Jeonju 17:15 Portugal vsGiovanni Poland Trapattoni’s biggest Costa has the ability to take an entire game Aimar and Saviola. After being upstaged by bitter South American rivals Argentina, Brazil’s Tuesday 11.06.02 Incheon 12:15 Denmark concern.vs France With so many stars to into his own hands and has done so many Argentina’s main weakness, however, lies in Suwon 12:15 Senegal vschoose Uruguay from, the right combination times with his former club Fiorentina. The central defence. Coach Marcelo Bielsa needs to will be vital. Certainly a key player question is whether he can perform as decide who is going to partner Roma’s Walter Samuel. There is veteran Shizuoka 17:15 Cameroon vs Germany Yokohama 17:15 Saudi Arabiafor thevs Ireland Azzurri will be Francesco consistently for his national side. Nestor Sensini, who is nearing the end of his career and is not exactly Totti. The Roma maestro was Portugal also play arguably the most Wednesday 12.06.02 Miyagi 12:15 Sweden vs Argentina blessed with speed. Roberto Ayala is dominant in the air, but he some- outstanding last year, attractive football of any European side, times commits the mistake of holding onto the ball too often. Osaka 12:15 Nigeria vswhen England his club won the their fluid midfield passing combination has Players to watch: Pablo Aimar, Javier Saviola, Claudio Lopez, Daejeon 17:15 South AfricaScudetto. vs Spain He has the left most of their opponents out of the Juan Sebastian Veron Seogwipo 17:15 Slovenia abilityvs Paraguay to lift the players game. But the team tends to crowd the Thursday 13.06.02 Suwon 12:15 Costa Ricaaround vs Brazil him, and his midfield at times, and sometimes doesn’t Seoul 12:15 Turkey vspassing China PR and commitment are second to none. If combinationsuse are itsa possession effectively enough— Oita 17:15 Mexico vsmajor Italy problem for Italy, there couldn’t be a better person for thetheir job, only as major problem is inefficiency in Yokohama 17:15 Ecuador vs“Trap” Croatia is one of the most experienced and successful coachesscoring in goals despite dominating posses- football today. sion. This could be a cause for concern Friday 14.06.02 Osaka 12:15 Tunisia vs Japan In attack, Christian Vieri appears to be Italy’s first-choice especiallystriker, in world class matches where Shizuoka 12:15 Belgium vsbut Russia like Michael Owen, the Inter Milan player is very injury-prone.every Also opportunity counts. Incheon 17:15 Portugal vsin Koreathe frame are former Juventus team mates Alessandro Del PieroAlthough, Portugal lack the more “complete” squads of their illustrious Daejeon 17:15 Poland vsFilippo USA Inzaghi, as well as Roma teammates Vicenzo Montellarivals, and their recent performances give you the feeling that they will create 2ND STAGE Marco Delvecchio. a huge impression this year on the world stage. France Round of 16 It is obvious there is a plethora of talent, but will too many possibili- Saturday 15.06.02 Seogwipo 12:15 1 ties undermine the team’s consistency? Players to Watch: Luis Figo, Manuel Rui Costa, Sergio Conceicao + All-round solid team Players to watch: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, - Out of form goalkeeper Barthez Vicenzo Montella, Fabio Cannovaro If Les Bleus can recapture the defensive solidity that won them the World Cup in ’98, and break forward with the devastating fluidity that saw them lift the Euro 2000 crown, they will be a difficult side to beat this time round. Coach Roger Lemerre has it all at his disposal: a solid defence, an inspirational midfield and an efficient attack. Like Argentina, there is an abundance of talent in this team, which has dominated the football world for the last three st nd years. The French have been E vs 2 B = (1) known for their poise in Niigata 17:15 1 st A vs nd2 F = (5) defence, and that should st nd Sunday 16.06.02 Oita 12:15 1 F vs 2 A = (6) England not change in the finals, with Bixente Lizarazu Suwon 17:15 1 st B vs nd2 E = (2) + A young and determined squad that keeps and Lilian Thuram having Monday 17.06.02 Jeonju 12:15 1 st G vs nd2 D = (3) been in top form of late. improving Kobe 17:15 1 st nd And then there is C vs 2 H = (7) - Injury proneness, bad defensive record and likely absence of David Beckham Zidane. The Real Madrid Tuesday 18.06.02 Miyagi 12:15 1 st H vs nd2 C = (8) star will again be the After a complete revival under Swedish coach Sven-Goran Daejeon 17:15 1 st D vs nd2 G = (4) team’s creative lynchpin, and Eriksson, England have gradually emerged as challengers for the the ferocious skills of Arse- Quarter Finals title. They have been impressive in qualifying, notably against nal’s Patrick Vieira can be Friday 21.06.02 Shizuoka 12:15 W (5) vs W (7) = (C) Germany in Munich where they won 5-1. England may have been supported by a host of defen- Ulsan 17:15 W (1) vs W (3) = (A) thrashing their opponents in the pre-World Cup friendlies, but their sive or offensive players as the Saturday 22.06.02 Gwangju 12:15 W (2) vs W (4) = (B) defensive shakiness could show against the likes of need arises. The Zidane-Vieira Osaka 17:15 W (6) vs W (8) = (D) Argentina and Nigeria, whom they combination means France Semifinals join in Group F. easily has the most devastating Tuesday 25.06.02 Seoul 17:15 W (A) vs W (B) = (AB) England is also a young team central midfield in the tournament. that seems yet to reach peak Wednesday 26.06.02 Saitama 17:15 W (C) vs W (D) = (CD) While Lemerre faces selection headaches that many of his peers form, even with prolific striker would love to have, the current French side does show a certain Finals Michael Owen scoring very consist- weakness in central defence. Laurent Blanc’s retirement from the Saturday 29.06.02 Daegu 16:45 L (AB) vs L (CD) ently. Another big blow is the injury to international scene paved the way for his Manchester United teammate Sunday 30.06.02 Yokohama 16:45 W (AB) vs W (CD) David Beckham who may or may not fully Mikaël Silvestre to join captain Marcel Desailly in the centre, a pairing that recover in time for the tournament. Having had trouble containing the talents of Raul in Spain’s 2-1 victory over said that, England showed how well they France in March last year. Goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has made several can do without him after thumping horrific mistakes this past season, and may have to be replaced. Paraguay 4-0 in Anfield. England have Another major blow is the loss of midfielder Robert Pires due to injury. the stuff to have a good run in the Lemerre should be able to sort these problems out, but does France still Group A Group B Group C Group D World Cup, but their shortcomings have the winning mentality that has brought them glory in the past few may come back to haunt them. years? France Spain Brazil Korea Players to watch: David Trezeguet, Zinedine Zidane, Lilian Senegal Slovenia Turkey Poland Players to watch: Michael Thuram, Patrick Vieira Uruguay Paraguay China USA Owen, David Beckham Denmark South Africa Costa Rica Portugal

Group E Group F Group G Group H

Germany Argentina Italy Japan Saudi Arabia Nigeria Ecuador Belgium Ireland England Croatia Russia Cameroon Sweden Mexico Tunisia 10 WORLD 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI 2002 TIMES ASIA 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES 11 COMMENT by HELEN MACK Rent-a-crowd So you want to go to Canada? ○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ISLAMABAD - In the run up to the 30 April referendum on giving MONTREAL - Think Canada only wants immigrants with PhDs or Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf five more years in power, the computer degrees? Think again: Butchers and welders are just two government has been ultra-sensitive to media criticism of Musharraf’s groups that have been admitted into the country recently as one of the plan to stay in office through the world’s richest nations deals with a shortage of blue-collar workers. vote. Reports have dubbed his The Case of Myrna Mack“We’ve had a lot of people come in the trades areas—welders, Oil diplomacy rallies ‘rent-a-crowd’ and called the carpenters, metal finishers, machinists, mechanics,” says Gerry gatherings less than what B-grade villagers talk of watching “their land Clement, assistant deputy minister of immigration in the western political parties can muster. Last province of Manitoba. “Our major source countries have been laid to waste.” In reporting what she To recover from its decades-long China takes on US domination, and Sunday, this tension resulted in traditional areas of immigration, with the Philippines the highest, police baton-charging journalists saw and heard, she became an enemy insurgency and counter-insurgency followed by Germany, the former Yugoslavia, the Ukraine and China.” finds new sources for oil. during a pre-referendum rally in of the state—her work exposed the The country has long filled labour shortages with temporary workers ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Faisalabad. The government has barbaric policies practised against the Guatemala needs to confront its past. who are permitted entry only if they already have a job offer and with east Asian countries,” Li Yizhong, head been especially irked by an displaced populations, uncovered the the understanding that they cannot apply for permanent residency editorial in the English daily The of Sinopec, China’s largest oil firm, truth behind state actions, and called once here. In 2000, over 70,000 permits were granted to temporary News. Criticising Musharraf for told the Boao Forum for Asia. South- for the restoration of basic human workers, a slight increase over the previous peak a dozen years using the 200,000 councillors east Asian oil is safer, but considered elected under his plan to establish rights. Myrna’s scholarly work made earlier. Other areas of shortage include construction, engineering, capitals from Tripoli to Teheran is truck transportation and food services and accommodations. inferior in quality to that from the real democracy by devolving power her an “internal enemy”. On 11 China’s insatiable thirst for oil. A net Middle East. Industry watchers also at the grass roots, the paper said: September 1990, as Myrna left her importer since 1996, China has been “Our correspondent’s report on how believe China must look for less- office, two men stabbed her 27 times. eyeing oil exploration in Nigeria, the local body system is being Tunisia and Libya, while relyingexplored on territories where western oil abused to fabricate a victory for President Pervez Musharraf in the Vinicio Cerezo, head of state at the (IPS) companies are not firmly established. time, later informed law enforcement the Middle East for over half its referendum is not surprising as it duplicates a tradition in politics that In Libya, Nigeria and Tunisia, the military regime had sworn to eliminate.” The president is expected authorities that Myrna was “targeted” current oil imports. In Tripoli Jiang Jiang pledged investment and to win the vote. because intelligence reports indicated Public goods, private providers attended the signing of an oil pact ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ presented China as a powerful ally to that her work posed risks for the between China National Petroleum the Muslim world. The first Chinese counterinsurgency effort. GENEVA - The EU has denied that it seeks to privatise all public Corporation, a state-owned Chinese services, including water, as stated in confidential documents leader to visit Libya, Jiang visited the As chief petitioner in her case, I have high military officials has been delayed oil giant, and the Libyan National Oil attributed to the bloc that were distributed this week by non-govern- premises where Libyan leader sought justice in Guatemala’s courts for indefinitely because the defendants’ Company, which opened Libya’s oil mental organisations. Internal EU documents, leaked by the NGOs, Muammar Qaddafi’s daughter and (IPS) 12 years. In 1993, ex-Sergeant Major lawyers appealed the case. Achievingand democratise the justice system. fields to Chinese exploration. Visiting contain the petition for privatisation that the EU is to present in the Nigeria—Africa’s largest oil pro-some 3,000 other people were killed nternational pressure encouraged Noel de Jesús Beteta was sentenced to 25 even these successes has been difficult:But there are many roadblocks— negotiations underway at the WTO, say activists. Sources from the ducer—Jiang promised a visit fromduring a a 1986 US bombing raid. Guatemala to become a democracy years in prison, making him the first the police investigator was assassinated,judicial reform, conceived 16 years ago WTO and EU denied—though with different levels of emphasis—the possibility of such privatisation. Mike Moore, WTO director-general, Chinese trade mission of “thousands“America destroyed houses but it will World’s cheapest anti-AIDS drug and supported the 1996 Peace state agent and first member of the army judges have been threatened, witnessesand strengthened through the peace ○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ I of Chinese businessmen”. Alreadynot thesucceed in destroying Libyan Accords that ended our decades-long so punished. Beteta’s conviction was only have fled into exile. I have been accords, is sadly still being debated. said it was “simply untrue” that the organisation’s General Agreement on Trade in Services would “somehow require developing countries to sixth largest oil producer in thevalues world, and principles,” Jiang said. He BANGKOK - Since the start of this month, a state-run pharmacy in civil war. But for Guatemala to truly a partial victory. He was partly harassed and campaigns to discredit In name Guatemala is a fledgling northern Bangkok has seen a two-fold increase in the number of privatise public services, including water supply.” Anthony Gooch, Nigeria plans to increase productionspoke strongly in support of the enjoy the fruits of a new era, global responsible for stabbing Myrna, but in me organised. democracy. In reality, power continues patients seeking anti-HIV drugs. Close to 20 patients with HIV are spokesman for the European Commission’s trade division, stated, “We by 50 percent shortly and sell moreisolated Arab nation, which Washing- efforts must help our country develop Guatemala, human rights abuses begin Terror works. So do bureaucraticto remain with the military high purchasing the drugs daily, say sales clerks at this drug store that sells do not intend requesting that public services be done away with.” The oil directly to China. ton has placed on its list of state a range of drugs made by the Government Pharmaceutical Organisa- the legal, judicial and political courage at a much higher level. bottlenecks that provide easy cover commandfor and political and economic intent of the EU reportedly entails privatising all postal, financial and Although Jiang’s visits weresponsors of terrorism: “China is tion (GPO). That is double the number of people with HIV who to confront its past. Responsibility for Myrna’s death defendants and permit the state to conservatives. We lack a truly banking services, the generation and supply of electricity, tourism and arranged some time ago and carefullyagainst linking the terrorism with a submitted doctors’ prescriptions for the anti-retroviral (ARV) drugs That history includes the brutal must be shared by the men in charge evade responsibility. Evidence anddemocratic climate where criminal telecommunications. scripted, they occur amidst renewedcertain nationality or religion.” before. The pill that the state drug-maker is marketing, called GPO- 1990 murder of my sister, Myrna of government security in September procedural documents are lost or behaviour that the state previously VIR, is sold for about 45 cents per tablet. A month’s supply thus costs tensions in the Middle East. ViolenceThese remarks distance Beijing Elizabeth Mack Chang. At the time, 1990. My task is to insure that a destroyed, documents key to the legalsupported is prosecuted. Such an $27, as opposed to the $450 that a month of AIDS drugs produced by between Israel and Palestine andfrom its Washington’s commitment to international pharmaceutical giants would cost. Besides the price, this Myrna’s murder symbolised the general and two colonels are held process are altered, state security isenvironment needs the political ANTOANETA BEZLOVA (IPS) which the US regards as “rogue impact on international oil marketsfight the ‘axis of evil’—Iran, Iraq new pill is also unique as it contains three separate drugs, all part of savagery of a 36-year-old civil war in legally accountable for their roles in invoked to deny information. Add desireto to dismantle state control, IN BEIJING ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ and North Korea. Oft-fragile the anti-AIDS drugs cocktail. Patients can now take one tablet twice a the chilling process that led to this many Guatemalan judges whostrong and independent agencies, nations”—Jiang sent a message that and prices have highlighted China’s which government forces killed over relations between China and the US day instead of three tablets twice a day. Myrna’s assassination. The Supreme function as agents of impunity ratheradherence to international human ne of the last diplomatic tours despite its pledge to support the US growing reliance on imported oil. 200,000 Guatemalans. Now it is an Three-way development are in trouble again because of ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ of Chinese Communist Party ‘war against terror’, Beijing disagrees Despite inflated prices in the Middle icon of our democracy’s unfulfilled Court ordered an investigation of these than servants of justice, and a legalrights conventions, and a commit- chief Jiang Zemin before he with Washington’s ‘axis of evil’ and East, last year China imported Washington’s70 increasingly public promises. The 12-year judicial military officials to determine their system that can be manipulated byment the to justice. The international LONDON - A three-year-study has brought out a new development O (IPS) steps down this autumn underscores ‘rogue nation’ foreign policy. “Jiang’s million tonnes of oil, comparedshow with of support for Taiwan. journey we have made in pursuing responsibility. A military court issued defence through frivolous lawsuits.community must push Guatemala model that brings together corporations, governments and communi- ties. The Tri-Sector Partnership proposal follows an experiment withtwo fundamentals that will shape visits show that China will carry on 36 million tonnes in 1999. WithMainland China regards the her case underscores the intransigence a warrant for their arrest. In 1999, Still, the struggle has gone from thetoward a better, more just future. 30 projects in 20 countries. The projects, carried out by a group of China’s foreign policy in the coming its own diplomacy and strengthen annual economic growth at 7 percent,democratic island of Taiwan as a of the old order. another judge ordered their trial. In technical, legal, and political arenas, 120 companies, NGOs and government agencies calling itself Busi- years. Beijing’s criticism of US its traditional good relations with China’s imports are projected torebel rise province, which split from the Rights in Malaysia An anthropologist, Myrna June 2001 a date was set for the trial, closer to a hearing in the courts. The ○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ness Partners for Development (BPD), is a move to find a middle pathhegemony and the Chinese rush to the developing world,” says to 100 million tonnes by 2010,motherland after the 1949 civil war. studied the Mayans and other making it possible at last to present the exposure has given the Myrna Mack PENANG- Activists here fear the imminent leadership changes in (Project Syndicate) between hostility to corporations and absence of private investment.satiate the country’s growing oil and Professor Guo Xianggang, a nearly a third of its projected totalReuniting oil with Taiwan, by force if indigenous Guatemalans forced to evidence against these individuals. Foundation and other civic efforts the The approach is based on the idea of pooling the core competencies Malaysia’s Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) could render the energy needs underpin the two-week researcher at the China International demand of 320 million tonnes.necessary, is one of the Chinese abandon their ancestral homes during This first effort of Guatemala to try chance to propose ways to modernise of the three sectors. James Wolfensohn, president of the World Bank, body even more impotent. The changes come as detainees under the (Helen Mack is member of the tour that took Jiang to Libya, Nigeria Affairs Research Institute. Last week, Chinese oil officialsleadership’s primary goals in the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite detention without the worst years of the civil war. She which co-sponsored the projects, said: “The currency of community the Center for Justice and and Tunisia and ends this weekend in That is only one side of Beijing’s called for more diversified oil suppliesnew century. trial and has been used several times in the past 12 months, are on visited remote areas and heard development is not just money; it is knowledge and experience.” An International Civil Rights. In example of the approach is a project in Venezuela’s Bolivar state Iran’s capital. charm offensive in Africa and the to offset the country’s vulnerability to hunger strike to press the government to charge them in court or release them. This month the two-year terms of Suhakam’s inaugural involving the Canadian mining company Placer Dome. The company 1992, she was awarded the With highly-publicised diplo- Middle East. Grounding Beijing’s fuel cost fluctuations. “We will have to commissioners expire. Musa Hitam, chairman of the commission, has Right Livelihood Award .) built a health centre in partnership with the central government, the matic appearances in Libya and Iran— statements of friendship signed in enhance our oil supply from south- declined reappointment. He had come under fire from rights groups local health authority and an NGO. for suggesting that in the aftermath of 9/11 human rights should “take (IPS) a back seat”. Two other commissioners expected to be dropped or to leave service, a former Chief Judge of Malaya and former University OPINION by JOSEPH E STIGLITZ (IPS) of Malaya law professor, have earned plaudits for working courageously COMMENT by JAN KNIPPERS BLACKdespite difficult constraints. NGOs say the selection committee should comprise parliamentarians of different political affiliations, rights groups and civil society. Suhakam’s high point came last year when it Another man’s freedom fighter produced a scathing inquiry report against police brutality and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ recommended easing curbs on freedom of assembly. CANBERRA – “Anti-terrorism” legislation proposed by the Australian government would undermine international human rights standards MONTEREYRediscovering - Jose “Xanana” Gusmao was elected president of East Timor by a “civilisation” Hard lessons and should be rejected, human rights and community groups told a he IMF finally recognises the failure of its big bailout policies—all too landslide in last Sunday’s elections. With 89 percent of the 378,538 ballots We can’t let the US bankrupt the Senate committee inquiring into the draft bill this week. Amnesty counted, Gusmao (see pic), poet-guerrilla leader- statesman, had about 80 evident in Thailand, Indonesia, Korea, Russia, Brazil, and most recently, International has expressed alarm that the proposed legislation—the countries for example—are still holding on. Many trajectories of long-term (IPS) in Argentina. Big bailouts allowed countries to briefly maintain over- Security Legislation Amendment (Terrorism) Bill 2002—would under-percent of the votes. He will be inaugurated on 20 May, as the UN withdraws T IMF’s new bankruptcy policy. from a two-year stint of transitional administration. global trends suggest that we could eradicate mass poverty and achieve a mine international rights standards by reversing the onus of proof to valued exchange rates, which allowed the rich ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ in these countries to get their ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ more hospitable world. money out at more favourable terms than they might have done otherwise. That those accused of “terrorism”, so that they must prove their innocence, But before that, on 1 May, East Timor will declare its independence—for the to delay a resolution, and that these are particularly costly in situations such as The obstacles to civilisation are not lack of technical or economic know-how. allowed western banks that lent imprudently to get repaid. As overvalued and also remove the right to silence. The director-general of the second time. The first time the island did so, after Portuguese colonisers those in East Asia and Argentina, where corporate distress is prevalent and the We know how to produce and conserve, to regenerate and recycle essential goods. exchange rates—even if maintained for only a short period—further depressed the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, Dennis Richardson, withdrew in 1974, it was immediately overrun by economy faces a major downturn. Such negative incentives are why bankruptcy defended the proposed legislation, but agreed when asked if “terror- We know how to redistribute money and expand opportunity, how to provide economy, the country had to repay billions of dollars in IMF loans. Indonesian troops. Their occupation until 1999 law in America allows judges discretion to force recalcitrant creditors to acceptism” is a value-laden term. The Law Council of Australia, which for “human resource development” and how to care for those with special needs. The problem was most evident in the 1998 Russian bailout, where only after extinguished a third of the population (some a resolution that is in the broader interest. Why should principles that makeappeared before the committee, described the proposed definition of The resources are not lacking; they are mal- the “failure”—after the devaluation of the ruble—did 200,000), but not the independence movement. In sense within countries not be applied in the terrorism—modelled on the British Terrorism Act passed in November distributed. The black-hole density of the current growth resume. The billions lent to Russia quickly 2000—as “unacceptably broad, imprecise and unwieldy”. It is particu-the 1999 UN-sponsored referendum, the East international arena? concentration of economic power, and the techno- wound up in the Swiss and Cyprus bank accounts of larly critical of actions qualifying as terrorism if they are done with theTimorese voted overwhelmingly for independence There needs to be an international arbiter. But what logical sophistication with which it is continuously Russia’s oligarchs. All this was evident when the money intention of “advancing a political, religious or ideological cause”. Thebut Indonesian armed forces and their militias voted guidance should be given to this international bank- re-concentrated, make the political task an awesome was lent in July 1998, but today Russia’s people are Senate Legal and Constitutional Committee, which is evenly balancedwith their weapons, leaving thousands dead, ruptcy referee? There’s no simple answer to the one. The process of incorporating or re-incorporat- paying for the IMF’s mistakes. Argentina provided the between government members and members from the opposition hundreds of thousands displaced, and physical appropriate design of bankruptcy law or regulation. TheLabor and a progressive minor party, is likely to be split on the infrastructure in ruins. ing the non-affluent into economic decision-making US has also experienced a fierce debate over bankruptcylegislation. Mercifully, elections for a constituent assembly must call forth all the vehicles mobilised in the last two centuries—organised labour, racial-, ethnic-, coup de grace to the IMF’s big bailout strategy. reform. Bankruptcy can’t simply be delegated to that took place in August 2001 were peaceful, even and gender-based social movements, multi-sector I, and others, argued for years for a greater reliance technocrats. There are efficiency issues, but also festive, passing leadership to Fretilin, the party and multi-class political parties. on standstill agreements, restructuring, and bankruptcy. distributional concerns. The IMF, being linked to perceived as representing the independence Like bacteria that have developed resistance to The IMF has come around, but the conflict of interest financial markets, is likely to push for rules favouring movement. Emerging from centuries of colonialism (IPS) antibiotics, the untamed 19 should have been clear all along—the IMF, as a major those interests. More balance is needed. The principles and occupation, the East Timorese have been advised of America’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy law—the provision by consultants from inter-governmental and non- creditor, could not also be the bankruptcy judge. The th Fund recently proposed alternative procedures that which allows rapid reorganisation of firms to maintainKyoto in trouble again governmental organisations, multinational corpora- century version of might deal with the problem, and regrettably, the US economic activity—should underlay the new rules. ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ tions, and overdeveloped states, on how to deal with capitalism has returned in more virulent form. Treasury immediately threw cold water on the propos- The fact that the US can veto even these modest IMFOTTAWA - The Canadian government is hedging on its commitment tothe challenges of independence. To limit the mobility of money, globalise the als. John Taylor, Undersecretary of Treasury for proposals illustrates a fundamental weakness of currentratify the Kyoto Protocol because the EU opposes Canada’s demand But most of us hail from states where independ- popular regulation of it, or at least buffer international economic arrangements. In the UN five that it be allowed to cut greenhouse gas emissions less than it ence as popular sovereignty is fast eroding and where vulnerable peoples from the subversive potential International Affairs, suggests matters should be left to originally agreed. Prime Minister Jean Chretien told the Canadian the market. All that is needed, he suggests, are “collective countries hold a veto—largely a historical anachronism. this century’s technology camouflages social relations of some trillion dollars sloshing around in parliament this week that his government will ratify Kyoto “one day” cyberspace everyday looking for quick and dirty action” clauses allowing the majority (or a India, once a British colony, does not; France does. Thebut would not set a deadline. The prime minister said that clean energyof a much older order. Somewhere along the route to supermajority) of a group of bondholders to impose notion that a single country can exercise effective veto credits are the major stumbling block to ratification. Canada wants a a civilised 21 ways to reproduce, social activists need new their will on a minority, to prevent scavengers who, in power seems inconsonant with basic democratic principles. Were America 30 percent reduction on the greenhouse gas emission cuts required paradigms and more effective strategies and the past, bought up small stakes in a bond issue and used their position to extractless bent on pursuing unilateralist policies, this might not make much of aunder the accord because it exports natural gas and hydroelectric- organisations. difference. But the Bush Administration not only ignores the basic princi-ity—so-called “clean energy”—to the United States. The European If we want to enter a civilisedPerhaps in this the East Timorese have more large concessions. st Taylor, a distinguished macro-economist, has paid little attention to recent ples of economics, but also those underlying international cooperation. TheUnion opposes large credits, and EU environment commissioner 21 century, there are to teach in this matter than we do. They have IMF is trying to create an alternative. The world cannot allow America to vetoMargot Wallstrom said last week that her 15-state community will learnt that each-against-all individualism reaps developments in economic theory and experiences in economic policy in the arena likely oppose Canada’s quest to obtain export credits. An environ- lessons from East Timor. of bankruptcy. Collective action clauses are important, but not enough. The IMFits efforts. st century we got pulled back into the only a nothing-left-to-lose kind of freedom; that mental spokesman for the Canadian government said he believes it security can only be collective, and that it ultimately lies in the symbiosis and long advocated the hands-off market-oriented approach to bankruptcy resolution, still wants to ratify the deal, but is feeling the heat from business19 th. The model of equilibrium or social contract mutual commitments of a just community. and it has mostly been a disaster. Korea and Malaysia ignored IMF advice—their lobbyists and provincial governments in energy-producing regionsachieved in the most advanced European social welfare states, and envisioned since of the country. governments took an active role and followed extensive restructuring. Those (Project Syndicate) World War II by so much of the world as a distant goal, has lost its resonance (IPS) economies recovered fast. Countries that relied on IMF advice didn’t fare too well. since the early 1980s. Economic theory holds that there are incentives for some market participants (Joseph Stiglitz, professor of economics at Columbia University, Utopias aside, the idea of a social system relatively open and democratic, fair(Jan Black is professor of international policy studies at the Monterey and equitable, and creative and productive, is no pipe dream. We have seen was formerly chief economist and senior vice-president of the (IPS) Institute of International Studies and author of Inequity in the World Bank.) many at local and national levels in the past, and a few—the ScandinavianGlobal Village: Recycled Rhetoric and Disposable People.) 12 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS THIS PAGE CONTAINS MATERIAL SELECTED FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES HISTORY AND CULTURE 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES 13 Praying for peace to believe and live in a world Nobody present was sporting the NEPALITERATURE by MANJUSHREE THAPA ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ some 5,000 years old—because if national dress and yet their Aruna Uprety inRajdhani, the villagers also become nationality or respect for and 19 April modern, they will stop offering loyalty towards the monarch were money (at the pujas). not under suspicion. Why then Media monopoly? was it compulsory for photogra- From 14 April (Baisakh 1) I have heard of simultaneous pujas phers to wear the national dress n environmental journalist of the finest calibre, Kedar Sharma is by Gajendra Budathoki being performed in seven Nepali Dress Code when King Gyanendra laid the also a poet—a poet recently returned from a long sabbatical in the ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ world of NGOs and INGOs. (Poetry does not pay rent, after all.) In cities. We are supposedly praying foundation stone for the Ashok A Yubaraj Ghimire inKantipur, Binayak in Kathmandu or during the long poem below, he speaks against the exploitation of the Bagmati 3 It’s not water that flows in Bagmati these days Nepal Samacharpatra, 21 April that the ongoing war ends, and river, whose waters are used, without much heartache, for sacred rites and It is said it’s mockery that peace is restored. Looking 23 April 23, 2002 Prince Paras’ program in the sewerage alike. Sharma decries the hypocrisy of those who hold the a country is neither soil alone nor soul The recent government decision to allow Natural History Museum? waters of Bagmati holy, and he likens its abuse to the exploitation of but the soul of the soil, and the soil of souls 7 at the healthy pundits perform- Day after day the city is eager Kantipur Publications to operate a national Nepali girls who—when revered—lead the stunted lives of goddesses, or, What then is a river— ing the rites one gets the After the referendum [in 1980], for costly speeches television service has sparked off new debate when degraded, lose their lives servicing men. Water? BP Koirala had to return from costly commitments in Nepal. Kantipur Publications impressionpublishes fivethat, if nothing else, Or shore? newspapers and newsmagazines and also the main gate of the royal palace costly seminars the prayers will at least bring the costly news operates an FM radio station. even though he had an official Talks, referendum Oh, those who buy and sell dreams of healing Bagmati priests peace—all that they get ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ by piping in water from across the high mountains— It is internationally mandated that invitation. He didn’t have the From Baghdwar to Chobhar Flows the Bagmati But all at once and sometimes with no provocation for performing the rites would Interview with Dr Baburam speak with your hand placed on your heart all joys sizzle Their flames, dying out allowing a media house to operate all official grey coat. He had his forms of mass media isnot dangerous, have come their way without Bhattarai inJana Awaj, 9 April speak on the vow that the king be holy spill onto the streets because that allowsthe puja. it to control international image, personality, 1 standing by the riverside ghat and flow towards Bagmati All possibilities at birth speak on the oath of your ancestors’ ashes information to serveI want its own to ask the pundits: if and nationality and had gone to (Fantastic! On the possibility of talks all fancies of childhood interests. In order to avoid Even despair is costly in this city) praying works, why did they wait the palace in his national dress, all upsurges of adulthood— Will anything brought to a temple turn into a deity? and a negotiated Will anyone settled in this land turn into a Nepali? this danger,so even long? larger They could have started but the colour of his coat was The city gets giddy on costly perfumes settlement: who can ever say they’ll come to pass? Will anything poured in from the shore turn this river into Bagmati? democraciespraying such back as thein 1990. They may more important than his other and costly booze US and the United “Yes, we’ve always kept the Who can foretell and loses itself in costly courtship plays say there was peace in 1990 and qualities. If we could be similar 4 Kingdom have not where we’ll walk doors open for talks and a A girl sold to a whorehouse in Muglan Dancing, leaping about, shining as brightly as it can permitted athat single so there media was no need to sticklers, as disciplined in our where we’ll flow peaceful resolution, and we will is sent back to the village it ejaculates before climax organisationpray. to Butrun then another question proclaimed aims and their whether over the course of a lifetime continue to do so. Remember after contracting AIDS then goes to wash up in the Bagmati broadcastarises—what as well as sort of pundits are implementation, perhaps Nepal we’ll expand or wilt? that we aren’t talking only for Down a river of tears she flows (A mockery! print publications. could have gone much further. Yet they if they couldn’t foresee the disgrace revulsion pity struggle to survive will to live Even the city’s impotence is costly) The UK’s Radio Authority and Independent Television Commission also exercises some restrictions in the sake of talking, but to find a even as it forms a few pools the river advances future? How could they not Our government bodies still She must survive, the broadcasting sector. Britain’s 1996 broadcasting law restricts an organisation involved in national forward-looking political It moves towards a goal no matter the direction Decked in costly outfits so she’ll survive as long as her breath remains radio broadcasting from getting involved in television, and vice versa. Similarly, a publicationforesee house what our leaders would treat journalists and photogra- The city consumes costly resources resolution for finding a solution The river can diverge anywhere commanding more than 20 percent of market cannot enter national-level radio and televisionturn broadcasting. out to be? Now when phers as though they were A river is lifted from the shore and taken to the city wears powder, lipstick, rouge to the people’s problems, which It can converge anywhere Publications commanding less than 20 percent of market are allowed to apply for licences, but permission government or civil servants. If There she is played with, made to dance and to give pleasure and gorges on costly recipes

MIN BAJRACHARYA MIN everything has gone down the are now like a festering wound. When allowed to flow freely and when all that can be tasted is tasted and polluted can only be granted on the basis of public support. drain, they are praying and giving not, why is it still mandatory for The city leads a costly life and in the end it displays its own grandeur she is chased back to the shore The Nepali government issued a license to Kantipur Publications for terrestrial television broadcasting In the previous talks, the arrives in its entirety at Bagmati’s shore the people false assurances. invited journalists to wear the and much pride in itself on 17 April. Kantipur has been publishing newspapers for nine years and since 1998 has been operating reactionary government side did Down a river of her own tears flows Bagmati If, as the pundits say, we can national dress during most state- (Ah, sometimes with price tags still affixed) Kantipur FM in Kathmandu with its relay transmission centre in Dhankuta. not understand the idea of a Certain things are fixed disgrace revulsion pity struggle to survive will to live organised programs? Things have In Europe, mass media establishments are not allowed to work in both broadcast and printmake media peace byso praying, here is a forward-looking political certain things are unfixed She must flow, Three-fourths of the three cities’ earnings that no individual organisation can “cross subsidise” its products, creating unfair competitionrequest or a to them. “Oh, learned changed somewhat from 12 years so she’ll flow as long as a trickle remains flow into these waters resolution (if it did, it pretended in this is the river’s being monopoly. Senior journalist Hiranya Lal Shrestha believes allowing a single establishment inones, all sectorsplease perform of a puja that ago, when the postings, transfer everyone’s despair not to). Through all three 5 mass media could create a monopoly that will have a negative effect on the county’s politicscan and kill the germ that encourages and even assignments handed to A dam determines everything all impotence economy. “Allowing a monopoly of a single media house in all sectors of mass media is as dangerous as rounds of talks, it assumed we and the river is stripped of force Banished from the city many people’s dreams our ministers to be corrupt. journalists from Gorkhapatra, and the waking states of many others allowing foreign investment in mass media,” claims Suresh Acharya, president of the Federation of were ready to surrender under the tired, infected, wounded water 2 Nepalese Journalists. He added, “It is a threat to the whole nation. This could control the processMake them of forget their hunger the RSS, and Radio Nepal were reaches Bagmati’s shores and sigh Treachery, sin, deeds performed for purification the existing political regime and Without anyone noticing, information dissemination, and manipulate public opinion on various national issues.” to steal money at all costs. A decided by government bodies. Private sector media is estab- neither presented an alternative the potted bodhi tree degenerates and hauling the city’s much-mourned corpse Look Experts believe that the lack of clear legal provisions on foreign investment and whetherpuja one that media will make them return proposal for political resolution even as it is daily worshipped moves forward like a funeral procession the rainbow shades of blood and sweat establishment can operate in all kinds of mass media channels is resulting in confusion andthe that money leaves they have taken in lished and is moving forward in a and unseen forms, unwritten stories nor had the courage to accept Just as hundreds of thousands of The city is elated it sees itself purified the regulations open to contrasting interpretations to suit individual interests. Some media expertsdifferent believe deals—Dhamija, Lauda, commercially-viable manner. are visible in Bagmati’s waters that allowing an establishment to enter all sectors of mass media should not be interpreted negatively. our proposal, which led to the panchakanya virgins and navadurga goddesses the city is eager it sees itself vitalised lead diminished lives Your form is visible/My form is visible in this water Others claim that the issuing of the license constitutes a misuse of authority. RNAC, Sajha Yatayat…” but the death rites for its values breakdown of the talks… though they are worshipped tens of times A mirror flows in Bagmati Journalist-turned-parliamentarian Hom Nath Dahal said Europe’s Time publication is linkedIf with we can the actually TV perform Forgetting this bitter truth Sher are being performed channel CNBC, India’s Sahara TV channel and India Today magazine are both involved bothrites in publicationto bring about peace, it is Withered bodhi tree always, always in Bagmati Nepal’s most expensive water Bahadur (Deuba) stupidly went Shrivelled life flows through the Chobhar gorge and broadcasting. The government’s decision must thus not be judged in isolation from internationalpossible our pundits will be Yet the river is silent Keep going, keep going around telling intellectuals, and Mastered river practices. It has no choice invited to Afghanistan, Israel and 8 “The government can be criticised if it allows one party to enter both print media and broadcast and radio and television that we The expansion of the tree Palestine, opening another A silent war rages People can always float prevents another party from doing the same. But if it selects one particular party from a competitive bid, it were traitors. He lacks intellect. the freedom of life between a city with countless prospects ford the shallows opportunity for foreign employ- the flow of the river should be allowed to do so,” said Dahal. However, he also believes that there is a threat of a monopoly if If there is anyone who has a and a river that has no choice build bridges ment and ending our foreign are they worshipped the same party is allowed to be involved in all kinds of mass media. little more grey matter and can if not ride boats, ride ships after being forced to a halt? Let’s see who’ll survive till the end! Kailash Sirohiya, managing director of Kantipur Publications claims that the creation of exchangea monopoly problems. is Our leaders understand our forward-looking People will cross water by any means impossible in the present open market economy. “Going against the national interest and creatingwould be a good, the country Stop the ringing of bells and the blowing of conch shells! 6 But if by chance a river monopoly are out of question if an institution is aware, and committed to serving the nation’s needs and political solution and wants to Put out all these incense sticks and lamps! would have more industries, and A mockery: flows into a current of people talk, we are willing to immedi- Cast aside this sandalwood and these rice grains! the interests of the audience,” he said. The highway of civility, itself, suffers an accident gets immersed in the ocean of a city no one would be hungry. Not Don’t place ugly stains on devotion! Minister of Information and Communication Jaya Prakash Prasad Gupta said the government decision ately declare a ceasefire and sit it can’t cross only would we be able to take Shattered milestone fully complies with the National Broadcasting Act and that the decision was taken in accordance with all down to talk. Chairman Allow the tree to grow don’t pray! it can’t breathe It drowns The success of the private media Shattered resting place legal procedures. “Our concern should be our own needs and our own legal foundation. Internationalfood to the Karnali region, but Allow people to progress don’t pray! Comrade Prachanda’s press Shattered journey Through the Chobhar gorge flows practices and legal provisions should only be given secondary consideration,” Gupta said.even sweets. has compelled the state to don’t pray! releases state this, and so the Nepal’s most lifeless water loosen its control over state- The river yields not creativity but oblivion Tell me, panditji, are you Your prayers have cloaked all wrongdoings ball clearly lies in their court. If This poem is translated with the help of Wayne Amtzis. really interested in bringing owned media. Even within these Standing at Bagmati’s shores that situation arises, we want to Let water flow in the river the entire city sings a song of ingratitude peace in Nepal? If you are, organisations people are coming Let water flow in Bagmati to believe that state-owned remind you that even the instead of burning rice or praying five-day Nepal bandh can be media should be given more to stone idols or building called off.” temples, why don’t you perform freedom and their employees the rites of hard work and should be able to work like realOn a referendum on productivity? Why have your journalists. Journalists and civilwhether a constituent pujas been unable to teach servants have different mandates.assembly is needed: anyone the values of hard work? Security officials must be able to“That is another shrewd move by Instead you teach people to accept these changing senti- the (king) to consolidate his position believe in fate and bow to you in ments. After all, a photographerby creating a rift between the allegiance, hoping that will take may have one or two official revolutionary forces, the masses, and care of all their problems. If events to attend, but a whole the political parties that are talking pujas could bring peace, there host of other assignments too, about constitutional amendment. QUOTE OF THE WEEK wouldn’t have been mass and it is uncomfortable to do allThis is like (the late king) Birendra, murders in Gujarat after the this in a suit or daura suruwal. Thewho had a referendum to decide “Anyone can kill them (Maoist prayers in Ayodhaya. Or were official bodies need to realise this,whether Nepal should have a went on about his double life— leaders), bring their heads in a the killings in Gujarat directed or the unfortunate day might comereformed Panchayat or multiparty having to keep his disco gear in a bag, and take away the prize by Ayodhaya’s Ram? when labour unions themselves democracy, and to protect the secret trunk in the monastery, money in the same bag.” The reality is different— raise this issue. Panchayat in 1968 (2036). We’d I, the only foreigner at the party, anhidden from the stern head monk— there is more chaos where there But moves to relax the dressadvise that there is no need for ex-hippie and ex-Hare Krishna for I thought “Double Dorje” would be — Devendra Raj Kandel, Double Dorje are more prayers. There are code must come from within theanother referendum to decide DANIEL B HABER whom Kathmandu was once an exoticthe more apt moniker. He reminded ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Saturday afternoon fever in Thamel, and a dancing monk. Minister of State for Home in royal family. In the past year Hisbetween○○○○○○○○○○ a constituent assembly and ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ me of the mischievous hero of the prayers at Pashupati every first met 19 year-old Raj destination, second only to Marra- morning and evening. Why do Majesty has himself given manyreformed multiparty democracy…. kesh. But in 2002, post-11 Bhutanese movie The Cup, about the Rajdhani, 24 April Bajracharya (nicknamed “Buzz”) were bitten with Saturday Afternoon indication of their sexual preference. equally hunky partner proved to be young Tibetan monks, secret football the poverty and stench around audiences not in strict nationalIn order to take a political leap in an Internet cafe, beaming at Fever. There were about 25-30 Laid-back Buzz was the epitome of less than twinkle-toes on hisSeptember, two left here we were in Thamel the temple not disappear? If dress, but the national cap and today, there are two basic precondi- I and except for moi, not a hippie or fans who had to sneak around the me from under his spiky haircut party-goers, all Nepalis in their late 1950s cool, but some of the other feet. The teenage disco dervish wore a abbot to watch the World Cup on a prayers brought peace the unofficial attire. When the latetions: handing over the right to and latest space-age, aluminum- teens or early 20s, mostly guys, and dancers were hot and sexy. One hunky black tank-top that showed offtourist his in sight. Here was another King Birendra went to London make and promulgate the main laws lost generation going to afternoon rented television. Dorje confessed to rimmed shades, signing out of a most of the couples on the dance guy, who was the cynosure of the floor, well-built chest and arms which he going to a friend’s house to watch for his health check up, he gaveof the country—the constitution— chat line. We exchanged email floor were boy-boy or girl-girl—no really kicked up a storm although his was waving above his gyratingdiscos head, and as hip as their MTV audiences to individuals and to the sovereign people (or counterparts anywhere in the world. MTV and learn the dance steps. addresses and he said, “You must and he vogued like the hieroglyphic I left before the party was over, groups in the Royal Garden conducting elections to the come to my birthday party on 14 gestures of some ancient Nile priest.When Dorje danced, he seemed to Hotel. Nepal’s Ambassador to constituent assembly), and be exorcising demons from his soul. and as I said good-bye to Buzz and his February!”—also Valentine’s Day “Who is this guy,” I asked Buzz, but friends, Dorje was sitting outside on the the UK, Singha Bahadur Basnet,building a national army or and Lhosar. neither he nor his friends fromAlthough good he was born in Nepal and educated in South India, his soul wasstairs perspiring after another dance and under secretary to the presspeople’s army...” Upon entering the gates of middle-class families seemed to know number, contemplating the pedestrian secretariat Shekhar Dhungana Thamel’s Station Pub, the doorman the mysterious, male Cinderfella.akin to I satthose tantrik shamans and galloping horsemen of the Tibetan traffic, some grungy backpackers, a were also present with His greeted me like Stanley meeting on the couch taking in the talent, like newspaper hawker. He said good-bye Majesty, who was wearing a kurta, Livingstone, “Daniel, I presume”. Andy Warhol at Studio 54, plateau.now the I boldly walked up and thulabadas (those in positions of complimented disco dervish after he and invited me to his monastery in aligarhi pyjama, and Nehru jacket. They had been expecting me for name of another hot, Thamel disco. Bodhnath where he is a teacher of some power and influence) wouldn’t some time and so, without having to The DJ played a good eclecticfinished mix twirling like a Kansas tornado. be involved in stealing idols from To my surprise, the young man of the 500 young monks housed there, pay the Rs 200 entrance fee, I was from Harlem hip-hop to Hindi filmi but added, “Don’t tell my teacher!” temples and selling them ushered upstairs to the pulsing music. The most popular wasseemed “ quite touched, politely thanked “Since Budanilkantha School has abroad…. Our pundits pray and me and, like some celebrity, A couple of weeks later I got a rythms of a disco beat and strobing Maro Dum telephone message at my office. “He been accepted as collateral, this conduct pujas because they lights. And this was only 4:30PM. Dum autographed his name, Dorje Lama, in my notebook with the note, didn’t leave his number,” the secretary gentleman wants to put up haven’t learnt any other form of Even before the emergency ” from the 1970s film “Thank you for your kindness.” informed me, “but he said his name was Singha Darbar as collateral.” hard work. They explore the (The newspaper’s press line states Kathmandu’s discos offered weekend about pot-smoking foreign hippies in When I asked him if he was a Double Dorje”. world through the Internet and it is published in India, and “day discos” and many teenyboppers Kathmandu. Then came the chorus student, he confessed that he was a television, but still want people carries the email address: that everyone joined in, screeching Kantipur, 20 April monk. I had been just about to dub [email protected]). “ Hare Krishna, Hare Ram!” Here was him “Disco Dorje” but when he 14 CITY 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES CULTURE AND SOCIETY 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES 15 THEATRE REVIEW by AVIDIT ACHARYA ABOUT TOWN YAK YETI YAK by MIKU RENEW EXHIBITION Paris—city of lights Exhibition of photographs. 30 April-9 May, 9AM-6PM, except Saturday at It’s never been easier the Alliance Française, Thapatahli, opposite Rotary Club. Or0ganised by French Embassy and to renew your Alliance Française. subscriptions to Synthesis of tarai art by SC Suman. 8AM-6PM, until 30 April, Indigo Gallery, Naxal. 413580 Nepali Times. Shanti, shanti, shanti. Just call: EVENTS “How can you kill your own people New dates - Festival of War based on episodes of the Mahabharata. Annual drama production of Studio 7. Shows cancelled: 26 and 27 April. and be happy?” New dates 28 April, 3/4/5/10/11/12 May at the Naga Theatre, Hotel Vajra, duration 1hr 15 min. tea and show Rs 700, reduced student tickets avail- ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 543337 able. [email protected]. 271545

The second act of this shorter-than- Nepal Education and Book Fair 2002 Discount on academic and BOOKWORM ensure justice, so can breaking them general books, study abroad information, on-the-spot admission to foreign usual Studio 7 production dramatisesbe justified. universities and colleges, career guidance, contests and more. 3-11 May, Hindu Nationalism: Origins, Ideologies and Modern Myths Chetan Bhatt the battlefield at Kurukshetra. A Every sentence in the script has Bhrikuti Mandap exhibition hall. Berg, Oxford, 2001 fighting dance tells the story of the echoes in modern society—globally Rs 1,700 death of nobles and “cauldron of hate”,and within Nepal. Can a civilisation Peace rally Bhadrakali-Shahid Gate-Tripureswar-Teku. Ends near narrated by three soldiers, one played martyr’s tree, Teku, Pachali. 3.45-5PM, 26 April. Bhatt examines the history and ideologies of Hindu nationalism and Hindutva from the endth of the 19 ever be based only on legislative by Lehmann herself. (Her best line: powers? Can we fathom of the roots of Participatory Monitoring and Evaluation Workshop from 29 April-3 May organised by ELD,century and evaluates the social and political philosophies of its main thinkers. Hindu nationalism’s “How can you kill your own people andhuman evil, or the fountainhead of [email protected]. 524202 central claim is that it is an indigenous product of authentic Indian ethnic and religious traditions. Bhatt be happy?”) The dance is followed by enlightenment?a The play forces us to argues that it is in fact based on relatively recent ideas, frequently related to western colonial influences scene in which the inability of Arjuna, Friends of the Bagmati Special invitation to college and schools students, watch press for ask questions about the times when [email protected] details. [email protected] like Romantic and Enlightenment rationalist ideas. played by Ishwor Dangol, to take up human beings may be required by arms against his kin is influenced by hen does moral righteous- Saroj Aryal’s lean physique in circumstance to act outside the law, or Krishna’s reminding him of his duty. Condemned to Exploitation: Trafficking of Women and Girls in Nepal: Building a ness win over rule of law? providing the audience with a false take the law into their own hands, for a MUSIC As Krishna bolsters Arjuna’s spirit, his Community Surveillance System for Prevention Yubaraj Sangroula Can the taking of one sense of raw and ruthless power, both purpose greater than the law can Dinesh & Pemba Live every Friday 7PM-9PM, Himalatte Cafe, Thamel. 262526 W words in the play concisely echo the text Kathmandu School of Law, Kathmandu, 2001 human life by another ever be key to his character. In addition, the identify. Can rules ever foresee of the Down Memory Lane Teesta plays tunes from the 50s to the 90s, Wednesday nights, Rox Rs 700 justified? What about revenge— exaggerated changes in tone and Gita. events—like some that have transpired Bar, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. 491234 The author examines the gender relationships in Nepal’s current social structure, prostitution and won’t an eye for eye only making manipulation of speech of Surya Then there is the famous mace duel in Nepal in the past 12 months—so Live music by Catch 22, Friday nights at the 40,000 ½ ft Bar, Rum Doodle Restaurant,other modes of trafficking, and recent trends, and analyses the causes behind trafficking. He asks what both sides blind? Maharjan’s Baddarayan bring to life between Bhimsen (Karma Gelek) and cataclysmic that the laws of the land Thamel. 414336 legal framework is available to counter the practice and through an examination of the social and All appropriate and timely the role of the chamberlain in Duryodhana, which ends in just don’t suffice? economic marginalisation that contributes to it, suggests how and why community action is the best questions in the context of the present Duryodhana’s court. Duryodhana’s thigh being shattered by Climax resolved, the play ends a powerful blow from Bhim. Krishna dramatically with a chant of peace: DRINK way to tackle it. conflict in Nepal. But these are the The production is based on two tells Bhim to break the rules of mace- same age-old questions of righteous- one-act plays of the Sanskrit dramatist Beer Mug Club Talk beer, drink beer. Monday nights, Rox Bar, Hyatt Regency Kathmandu. ness, justice and compassion that Bhasa, who lived 2,000 years before fighting by hitting Duryodhana below shanti, shanti, shanti. And yet it still 491234 Radicalism and Violence in Agrarian Structure: The Maoist Movement in Bihar BN people have been trying to find the much-acclaimed Kalidasa. In the the waist. The remaining part of this actwhispers painful truths about our own Prasad society and culture. We are inclined to Sizzling Singles Buy one single malt drink, get one free. The Rodi Bar, Hotel Soaltee CrowneManak Publications, Delhi, 2002 answers to since the age of the first act, Krishna plays the Pandava is dominated by the judgement of Plaza. 273999 Mahabharata. And how pertinent that envoy to Duryodhana’s court. Balaram, played by Rajendra Shrestha,ask, “How do human actions Rs 760 contribute to the evils in our midst?” Classic teas Thirty teas including all Dilmah Tea’s herbals, greens, blacks and Oolongs. Prasad argues that changes in agrarian social formation the post-colonial era, and the emergence of Studio 7 should decide to adapt the Duryodhana’s belligerence as he tries in which he takes the position that Hindu epic at the Hotel Vajra at this to arrest the envoy is in stark contrast Bhim should be punished for breakingAs with all Studio 7 productions, the Also Ilam, Darjeeling, Makaibari and more. The Coffee Shop, Hotel de l’Annapurna. democratic institutions alienated traditionally disadvantaged as well as influential classes/ castes. heavily-accented delivery is not a Various power groups launched ‘Caste Senas’ that worked through violent, extra-constitutional means, present time. to Krishna’s mellow words of tolerancethe rules of war. By the end, however, a poignant discourse between distraction after the first five minutes, which placed democracy in crisis and in turn led to another agrarian crisis. Directed by Sabine Lehmann, the and wisdom. But even Krishna, FOOD production was staged in collaboration brilliantly rendered by Salil Subedi, Duryodhana and his young son and instead lends a certain authenticity Vegetarian delights 50 percent off on all vegetarian items at any outlet during lunch. Hotel de with the renowned Yakshagana Theater loses his cool when pushed to the edgeDurjaya ends in all accepting the to the English depiction. The props Collected Essays MN Srinivas l’Annapurna. 221711 of South India. Yakshagana, a form of by Duryodhana’s uncompromising triumph of righteousness, and breakingare what we have come to expect at the Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2002 Vajra: superb. The timeliness of the Wet and Wild Summer Swimming with buffet lunch and free bottle of beer or soft drink. theatre in which words and music and warlike stance. the cycle of revenge. Duryodhana Rs 1,328 merge with dance, gestures, eye and Krishna and Duryodhana, playedrealises that this is retribution for his selection, the rendering of the dance Adults Rs 444, children Rs 222 plus taxes. Saturdays and Sundays at the Godavari Village and music elements, the adaptation of Resort. MN Srinivas’ work is seminal in the development of sociology and anthropology in India. His body language, are competently by Sanjeeb Dhakal, are the only many misdeeds in the past. methodologically rigorous, yet accessible, essays bridge theory, method and fieldwork and track adapted by the Studio 7 crew. characters that talk directly to the Aswathhama (Purna Krishna Dangol),the script and, last but not least, the The San Miguel Brunch Brunch, live music and unlimited draft beer. Rs 600 plus tax,changing Satur- realities. They are grouped under Village Studies, Caste and Social Structure, Gender, Duryodhana’s rage and Krishna’s audience. Krishna is composed and son of Duryodhana’s preceptor, is theintimacy of Vajra’s Naga Theatre make days, The Fun Café, Radisson Hotel. 411818 Religion, Cultural and Social Change in India, Sociology and Social Anthropology in India, Method grace are magnified by an accompani- convincing, Duryodhana is loud and lone dissenting voice. this is a production worth watching. And, when you relate the on-stage The new Roadhouse Café Completely redesigned with separate bar seating and coffee bar. and Autobiographical Essays. ment of fast drums and graceful comes across as ludicrous. The scene is The domination of Krishna’s Original Mediterranean specialities, and wood-fired pizzas coming soon. The Roadhouse Café, melodies. Shakuni’s exaggerated dance thus narrated through the lens of judgement in the first act and that of drama to the unfolding events in the Thamel. and eye movements combine with Krishna’s judgement. Balaram’s in the second illustrate the nation at large, you are forced to think riddles of morality: rules alone do nothard during the drive back across the Cakes, Bakes & Baguettes Pastries, puddings, oven-fresh breads, Shangri La Bakery. Bishnumati. Home delivery available. 412999 ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Krishnarpan Restaurant Six-16 courses of ceremonial Nepali cuisine in authentic setting,Courtesy: Mandala Book Point, Kantipath, 227711, [email protected] Dwarika’s Hotel. 479488 Weekend Brunch Rs 350 per head, special package available with bowling. Oriental and CLASSIFIED It is the fact that many of the continental lunch or dinner by the pond. 1905 Boardwalk, Kantipath. 225272 staff on these cruises are ○○○○○○ Nepali. And it’s not just ex- Vegetarian Specialties and clay-oven pizzas at Stupa View Restaurant & Terrace,Nagarkot Boudha. special at NakedFor Chef insertions Bed and ring NT Marketing at 543333-36. Gurkha security personnel 480262 breakfast, transport both ways, three-course gourmet dinner. Rs 1,440 or $19. For reservations protecting cargo ships from Authentic Thai food Everyday at Yin Yang Restaurant. 425510 ring 441494, 680006 and terraces with views of stupa and Himalayas. pirate attacks in the Moluccas, Paddy Foley’s Irish Pub A wide range of drinks and food. Live music on Wednesday, Thurs- International vegetarian specialties, pizza from clay Sail away homethere are now Nepali waiters day and Sunday nights. 416096. oven, ice cream, soft guitar tunes on Fridays, Blue seas, great food, exotic ports--and speak Nepali.and pursers as well. House for rent Ground floor: living room, kitchen, Saturdays, Sundays from 5PM on. Special events on On our first day on the dining room, one bathroom. First floor: master K-Too!full Beer moon. and OpenSteakhouse daily 11AM-8.30PM. not the “longest”, 480262. Gemini Superstar’s Andaman GETAWAYS bedroom with attached bath, one bedroom, “highest”, “first” or any other superlative. Just a Sea Cruise that was making its bathroom, pantry. Second floor: one bedroom with way from Singapore through White rhododendron getaway at the Horseshoe Resort in Mude, three hours from relaxed, easy-going bar and restaurant with the attached bath, store, lobby. Third floor: terrace coldest beer and juiciest steaks this side of the moon. Malaysia to Thailand, my Kathmandu. Two days of rhododendron walks in forests, package tours at $30 perand day, laundry all meals room. Location: Galfutar. Tel: By the Kathmandu Guest House. 433043 Australian friend Lealand Penton and sauna included. Email [email protected] 412094. and I made our happy way We down to the cocktail bar. We All-round entertainment Desserts and cookie-making for children, hiking and picnics for The way to Mexico is too far. Botega Restaurant and were served by a smiling man outdoor enthusiasts, ambience, books and bar for others. The Fort Resort www.mountain- with a face of the cast com- take Tequila Bar is near Thamel Chowk. 266433. 15 retreats.com. 226977 Stupa iewV and Restauranterrace & T at monly called “Mongolian” in this Baudhanath Stupa. Well-appointed restaurant percent off season discount Behind the Wall Two nights bed and breakfast with add ons for $99 plus taxes for one or two part of the world. He could be Filipino, we thought. But it was a pride people, Dwarika’s Hotel. for details. naggingly familiar kind of face. Taste the difference Cosy Nepali-style house on an organic farm in Gamcha, south of So we asked and, of course, he Thimi. Up to Rs 1,200 per person per night including meals. [email protected]. was Nepali. Tej Gurung told us in that there were seven other Nepalis on board, all British Gurkha alumni, trained for two years in the Philippines to qualify as jobs For inclusion in the listing send information to [email protected] cruise security officers. If I was surprised to find so many Nepalis on a cruiseliner in the on FM 102.4 Andaman Sea, they were even more surprised. There is nothing to well NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL beat being able to watch a fiery sun setting into a still sea reflecting DSES-24-04-2002 09:00 GMT mushroom-like limestone islands, and talk in Nepali about the The satellite picture taken on Wednesday at noon MIN BAJRACHARYA faraway Himalaya. ○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ done. shows the massive buildup of thunderstorm cells across Mon-Fri 0615-0645 BBC World Today Dil Bahadur Thapa from Pokhara is a senior officer who has just central and eastern Nepal. The influence of moisture ake a trip on one of the numerous luxury cruise shipscompleted operating his three-year in term, and he said I was the first Nepali he’d from the Tibetan plateau meeting rising hot air from Sat 0615-0645 BBC Science in Actionsouth-east Asia, and you might find yourself closerhad to the home pleasure than of serving on this boat. Another senior officer, Lil the Indian plains will continue to bring rain into early you expected. No, dal-bhat hasn’t yet taken on theThapa, status who of is originally from Kathmandu, described to me how busy next week. Expect the cool spell to continue till at T Sun 0615-0645 BBC Agenda cuisine du jour. he is round the clock, responsible with the rest of the team for all least Tuesday. When the heat picks up again, it will in aspects of security on board. It’s hard work, but they seemed happy, turn trigger more localised thunderstorms caused by Daily 2045-2115 BBC residual water vapour. High passes covered with new earning a good living, travelling and serving as excellent roving- snow up to 4,000 m. Night temperatures will remain in g]]kfnL]]] ;]]jf]]] ambassadors for Nepal. “After they talk to us, most guests tell us their the 14-15 range. next holiday will be in Nepal. There is tremendous goodwill for Nepal,” Dil Bahadur said. If there are people who deserve a medal for giving Daily 2245-2300g]]kfnL]]] ;]]jf]]] BBC our country a good image and promoting Nepal, then these seven on board the Gemini Superstar are it.

JAGADAMBA PRESS KATHMANDU VALLEY Radio Sagarmatha JAGADAMBA PRESS

Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue P.O. Box 6958, Bakhundole, Lalitpur, Nepal ALL PICS: MIN BAJRACHARYA [email protected] Tel: ++977-1-545680, 545681 Fax: ++ 977-1- 530227From left to right: Dil Bahadur Sarki (Pokhara), Nar Bahadur Gurung Phone: (01) 521393, 543017, 547018 E-mail: [email protected] (Dang), Madan Rai (Itahari), Ganga Rai (Dharan), Lekh Bahadur Thapa Fax: 977-1-536390 27-14 28-15 28-15 29-15 30-16 /l8of] ] ;u/dfyf www.radiosagarmatha.org (Pokhara), Om Gurung (Jhapa), Ambar Gurung (Kathmandu), and Lil Thapa (Kathmandu). 16 26 APRIL - 2 MAY NEPALI2002 TIMES Under My Hat NEPALI SOCIETY

by Kunda Dixit General dynamic

he Chief of Army Staff female Colonel, and two weeks they can do well in the medical Fortune cookies Prajwalla Sumshere Ranaago the first Brigadier General. services, as engineers, in the paused after pinning the Gen Radha says it has never legal departments, as Military eing a nation of chronic optimists, our jovial and Indira Gandhi, Anagha Neelakantan. firstT star on the shoulders of Drbeen her intention to be the first in Police, in signals and in other carefree temperament makes us Nepalis able to Year of the RABBIT: 1939, 1951, 1963, Radha (Shah) KC, and said to everything. “I just wanted to be a clerical jobs.” Today, the army’s Bovercome any adversity and confront all challenges 1975, 1987. Opposite of tigers, but sure- her: “I am proud you’ve becomemedical a doctor,” she told us. “But I women medics take up assign- that fate may have in store for us. footed and sensitive. Famous rabbits: Brigadier General and made also wanted to join the army ments in UN peacekeeping Luckily, we have astrology to help us in our ability to Ben Kingsley, history.” Hear. Hear. Radha thenbecause my father was an operations and have served in anticipate events and therefore psychologically prepare Roger Rabbit, Popeye. shared a glass of bubbly with officer, and I liked its military Sierra Leone, Lebanon and East ourselves for any mischief that the planets, in cahoots with Year of the DRAGON: other new generals—all of themorderliness and punctuality.” The Timor. Doing stints in field men, except her. In fact, Gen KCRNA does not have female hospitals set up around the the constellations, may have up their sleeves. Without this 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988. Don’t has become the first-ever soldiers, but women have served country is mandatory. astrological Early Warning System we could very well be over-commit, or push yourself too hard. woman to earn stars in the Royalin the medical forces. There are Radha’s anaesthetist hus- caught unawares as we go about our important task of Admit that not everyone finds you Nepal Army. now 25 female doctors and 40 band Dr Amrit KC was also national deconstruction. attractive. Famous dragons: Emperor The career of Brigadier nurses, some of whom currently among the Nepalis sent on For instance, if it wasn’t for the Department of Bokassa, Osama bin Laden, Queen General Dr Radha, a paediatri-serve in recently-set up field scholarship to Pune in 1968. He Astrology and Astrophysics at the Royal Nepal Academe ofVictoria, Puff. cian with the RNA, began with hospitalsa in different parts of the retired as a Major, and Radha Scientologists and Technocrats (RONAST), the under- Year of the SNAKE: 1941, 1953, scholarship to study medicine incountry. The RNA’s legal wing can’t help quipping: “But he ground comrades would have been blissfully unaware that a1965, 1977, 1989. Maintain a well- 1968. She was the only womanalso employs women. The only probably regrets his decision among four Nepalis chosen to doother army unit that has women is now.” Dr Amrit is sitting nearby planetary conjunction would favour a five-day national balanced diet and slither regularly. so at the Armed Forces Medicalthe paratroops, where women and nods, and says his job these shutdown. It is our good fortune that Nepal’s alert See a doctor if your venom count College at Pune in India from fold up parachutes. days is to field congratulatory astrologers saw this coming, otherwise we may have drops. Famous snakes: Frank Zappa, where she graduated and joined “There is talk about getting in phone calls from friends and squandered the banned days by inadvertently going to work. Che Guevara, Baby Doc service as a Lieutenant. She more women as supporting well-wishers. “That’s all I have For those of you who may have missed this news item Duvalier, Comrade Hiss.went on to become the first forces,” says Gen Radha. “I think been doing all week,” he says. in a Kathmandu daily last week about a conference that was Year of the HORSE: 1942, 1954, 1966, The doctor couple is happy, convened precisely so we can predict the future even more 1978, 1990. Others may think you don’t and they are clear about the accurately, I quote verbatim: have much upstairs, so think before you reason for their success. “I made it because I got the opportunity to neigh. Surprise them with flashes of study,” says Radha, “Most other brilliance. Famous Horses: Vladimir Putin, Nepali women don’t. This shows Dr Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, Crystal-gazing to stay: Astrologers that women can all do better if Kathmandu April 17— Comrade Boxer. only they get the chance.” Their Although astrology has carved a considerable Year of the SHEEP: 1943, daughter is doing an MBA in niche among believers in Nepal and other places,1955, 1967, 1979, 1991. This is Australia, and their son has just sceptics still hound the scientific basis of the art ofthe year to stop following and start finished high school. prediction. In order to protect astrology from vanishing, leading, but do you know where Gen Radha now joins seven an association called ‘Chinese-Tibetan Astrologers other Brigadier Generals in the Academy’ was established. you are going? Famous sheep: medical corps. This will be her “Negative forces are decreasing the importanceJohann in Sebastian Bach, Englebert last promotion—unless rumours our lives,” said Astrologer Ganesh Bajra Lama. At the Humperdink, the Duke of York, are true that the RNA is consider- inaugural session of the academy, astrologers practicing both Chinese-Tibetan and Indian astrology Govinda Raj Joshi. ing having a Major General from today called for the protection of both forms of Year of the MONKEY: 1944, 1956, the medical corps. All we can astrology stating that they are facing a danger of 1968,1980, 1992. Good at problem say is: “Salaam Jarsap!” disappearing. solving, can be too smart by half and this Speaking at the conference, Dr Keshar Jung year stop scratching yourself in public. Rayamajhi, chairman of the Royal Council, said that astrology is especially necessary during times of crises, Famous monkeys: King Henry VIII, Mikhail and expressed concern over the “abnormal condition” Gorbachev, Rotarian Dilip Poudyal, Tarzan of the country at the present moment. of the Apes, Comrade Hanuman. Year of the ROOSTER: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993. Being an early bird, you tend to get the worm. But don’t underestimate the advantage of laziness in this day and age. Famous roosters: Michelle Pfeiffer, As far as I can tell, the good doctor is spot on. He has Chicken Little, Colonel Sanders, hit the ball right on its head in the bulls eye. There is no Comrade Ginger. gainsaying that we have been deficient in the employment of Year of the DOG: 1946, 1958, 1970, the Chinese-Tibetan astrological techniques. It’s time to find 1982, 1994. This is an excellent year for out which animal rules our year. As Mao said: “There is an romance, but partnerships may change. animal that hides in all our hearts.” Lady Dogs should watch out for smooth Year of the RAT: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, talkers. Famous dogs: Ernest Hemmingway, 1984. Makes a great underground leader, but Emma Thompson, Chatyang basically a loner. Famous rats: Mick Jagger, Hulk Master, Comrade Lassie. Hogan, Zhou Enlai, Comrade Cloud. Year of the BOAR: 1947, 1959, 1971, Year of the OX: 1937, 1949, 1982, 1995. Although you may be scintillat- 1961, 1973, 1985. Please don’t mind our ing company, boredom is your biggest saying so, but rather stubborn in your ways. challenge this year. Famous boars: Wolfgang Famous oxen: Arnold Swarzenegger, Josef Amadeus Mozart, Zhao Ziyang, Napoleon, Stalin, Ferdinand Marcos, Comrade Awesome. yours truly the Mad Hatter. Year of the TIGER: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986. Cunning, sharp- witted, a creature of the night and can turn into man-eater. Famous tigers: Roxanne Barr, Margaret Thatcher,

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