#348 11 - 17 May 2007 16 pages Rs 30

The long lines at Weekly Internet Poll # 348 gas stations are a Q. What is the best option for King Gyanendra? sure sign this Total votes: 5,779 Bankrupt country is broke

DAMBAR K SHRESTHA resume imports. cutting back on supplies by 30 differential. In the short-term

Weekly Internet Poll # 349. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com “We’ve always sold low and percent in past months to prod there doesn’t seem to be any Q. Do you think there will be talks he long queues at gas bought high, and that’s no way to the NOC to clear its dues. alternative but to raise gas prices, between the MJF and the eight-party stations in the capital this run a business,” says NOC The Petroleum Dealers’ but this is a hot potato no government? T week mean only one thing: spokesman Ichchha B Thapa, Association says private pumps politician wants to touch. this country is bankrupt. “either the government allows us have not got supplies since In the long term, given The latest crisis has been to raise fuel prices or it pays Tuesday. “We’ll keep having these Nepal’s heavy dependence on sparked off by Nepal Oil Indian Oil. There is no other shortages until the government imported oil and air pollution Corporation (NOC) not having the solution to this.” pays the Indians,” says Sharad problems, there must be a move money to pay for this month’s Street protests last August Bhandari of the dealers’ towards electric vehicles, says JA import of oil from India. It has forced the government to association. “And for that, the Goff at the renewable energy stocks to last just two more days. backtrack on a price hike. Ever eight parties need to take a quick group Eco-Visions in Thursday’s eight-party since, NOC has amassed nearly decision.” There are long queues Kathmandu. “It would be meeting is being held to decide Rs 6 billion in debt. Now, Indian at government gas stations, and prudent for the government of on a date for the postponed Oil has refused to ship more oil private pumps have run out of Nepal to eliminate all import constituent assembly elections. unless it receives Rs 150 million a fuel. duties and taxes on electric But the politicians should first month. Indian Oil has been NOC’s losses total Rs 250 vehicles like it did with Safa figure out a way to million a month and there is tempos,” he says. pay India to rampant smuggling of petrol back For example, Japan has no tax into India because of a Rs 7 per on electric cars and instead offers litre price a $2,500 rebate per electric car, which the country fully recoups in saved fuel bills and pollution reduction. Editorial p2 Peace train

KIRAN PANDAY 2 EDITORIAL 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Executive Editor: Anagha Neelakantan Design: Kiran Maharjan Web: Rupendra Kayastha Director Sales and Marketing: Sunaina Shah [email protected] Circulation Manager: Samir Maharjan [email protected] Subscription: [email protected],5011628/29 Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur New country, old habits [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5543333-6, Fax: 5521013 www.nepalitimes.com Printed at Jagadamba Press, Hatiban: 5547018 Listen to ‘the people’ while planning a new Nepal

n Kathmandu last week, I a constitution which, at its core, communities? EACE TRAIN met friends from the human respects ‘people’s power’. In a Nepal has to face up to the P Irights community in Nepal legalistic sense the alternate to a crucial challenge of its It was clear from the very outset that mainstreaming the Maoists coming out of a class on unitary constitution obviously is democratic struggle and related wasn’t going to be an easy task: for the Maoists as well as for the federalism. Over a decade ago, ‘federalist’. reforms. It still has large rest of the country. Post-independence India and unresolved issues related to land Every conflict leaves a legacy of bad blood and scores are when I was an election observer settled. The Northern Ireland peace process took more than a decade here, I, like other activists, was Sri Lanka have seen violence and reform and has to engage in a to get over entrenched hostilities and finally agree on power sharing delighted to see the emergence of blood-shed as communities and public discourse regarding the this week. Sri Lanka has slipped back into war after three years of a robust human rights and nationalities struggled for equal rights of women and girl ceasefire. democratic activism in Nepal. As equality. I am in favour of children. It has to find the best Often in the past year’s rollercoaster peace process we in Nepal part of the international rights federalism in Sri Lanka—where mechanism to facilitate equal have been pushed to the brink. Maoist negotiators used the threat of community, we nurtured these the monarchy was kicked out by representation of all minorities a return to war as an effective bargaining tool in negotiations. The colonial powers—because country was sometimes held hostage and Nepalis paid a ransom for forces, which we also saw as in the governing process and find peace. supporting the aspirations of political power-sharing is the modalities to combat But, such was our desire to see an end to conflict, that we went SAARC citizens. only way to resolve its raging discriminatory practices, whether along with it. Hope hinged on three factors: Indian facilitation, UN ethnic conflict. The struggle for traditional or recent. monitoring and the watchdog role of civil society. And all this had to federalism together with the right It is of course an exciting GUEST COLUMN be carefully sequenced so that neither the Maoist fighters nor the to self-determination suggest experience to deal with the Nimalka Fernando army generals felt it was a surrender. homelands, distinct languages, notion of power sharing Pushpa Kamal Dahal has had to do a precarious high-wire act: territories, and cultural balancing the frustrations of former fighters with the need to appear immediately after a victory of like a mature mainstream politician. Of all the leaders in the Group of What we did not expect to see identities. this nature. But we must not Eight, he has the toughest job. was these trends deteriorating But this might not be forget the soul of this struggle. As the Eight meet this week, they should be reminding slowly as political struggles took appropriate for Nepal. Nepal The strength of this resistance to themselves that this is not about just the mechanics of conducting hold. What happened? Did the today is at the threshold of giving monarchy and caste-based elections anymore. It is about how to address the ethnic progressives became so state-ist birth to the diversity of its domination was drawn from fragmentation threatening us in the aftermath of the insurgency. that they removed themselves people, rather than making ‘one those who risked their lives for a Despite YCL guerrillas-in-civvies roughing up someone or nation’. Can its political future, criminalised comrades attacking a police post we must remember from the ‘people’ in order to democratic and just Nepal. The Dahal is the moderate in this process. We need to help him keep his sustain the regime? This the aspirations of its minority cause for free and independent hotheads in check and try to understand it when he completely situation begs another question communities, janajatis, dalits, Nepal was nurtured by ‘the contradicts himself from one day to the next. of the Nepali polity: who is and other caste groups be people’. Last week in Dang, Baburam Bhattarai was heckled by his own setting the agenda now? Who is enshrined in an effective and The formation of a New Nepal party members who wanted to hang on to confiscated property. Now charting new territory, and what representative manner in a calls for a high level of there are grumblings within the Maoists about the Dahal-Bhattarai does it look like? federalist project? representation of the people at all stewardship of the process. Those who rejoice at an impending All constitutional pundits implosion in the Maoist party have only to see what happened when Nepal is going through an decision making levels in the tarai factions splintered off. intense process of constitution- offer all countries coming out of governance. And there’s no way The casualties of Dahal’s balancing act have been the two sharp making. The crucial issue of armed struggle federalist options, to facilitate this representation if censures against the Maoists last week from OHCHR and UNMIN. dealing with the monarchy might and perhaps they are compelled we can’t even agree on a state By laying preconditions for the second round of verification and for have been resolved in the call for by constitutional law to offer model. continued violence and intimidation, the federalism as a structure And before state structures are Maoists crossed a threshold. This could for power-sharing. But formed, there has to be broad- have serious repercussions for the one needs to begin from comrades and for the peace process. based dialogue as to how unity As usual when beset with internal the fundamentals. What can be forged within and among dissent, the Maoists look for an external are the core concerns of its numerous communities. enemy. So it is this time with the ultimatum the Nepali people? Where Representation and participatory on republic and the reinstatement of the in a federal structure democracy are crucial issues for ‘expansionist power’ label on India. But would we place dalits debate. Civil society and political most Nepalis are going to see this as rank and janjatis? Is forces need to take their task opportunism on the part of a force that geographical territory or operated out of Indian territory until recently. seriously and broaden their terms It is hard to see where all this is going: non-territorial asymmetry of debate before mapping the the Maoists have alienated just about more important? What country’s options. everyone. Peaceful politics requires a will be devolved unit? If certain level of maturity and tolerance. The it is regional units, how Nimalka Fernando is a Maoist leadership must do all it can to can we find Sri Lankan attorney prevent the derailment of the peace train. representation in that and founding member of This time they are its fellow passengers. political establishment Asian Regional Exchange for for discriminated-against New Alternatives. SAGAR SHRESTHA Rocky road to republic Koirala is stuck between royalists and his own party’s republicans here were no surprises at the four position without role or responsibility. He Maoists also squandered away their hills, continues to be a UML stronghold. day-long conclave of the Nepali then proclaimed from Biratnagar that credibility by forming an alliance with the The CPN-M remains the first choice of Congress district unit chiefs. With no Gyanendra could save the throne by palace against the country’s imperfect but dalits and other marginalised groups in the clearT directives from the central leadership abdicating, presumably in favour of his only democratic governments in the 1990s. hills and the tarai. on republicanism, inclusion and socialism, grandson or granddaughter. His last salvo Prachanda and his cohort undermined their Koirala is skating on thin ice laid out by the district committee chairs are going was fired from New Delhi where, as Nepal’s own case for a republic by opening the ‘international community’ monarchy. But back home more confused than ever. de facto head of state, he thundered that negotiations with King Gyanendra. there is a limit to what Mukherji and Basically, Girija Prasad Koirala told his Gyanendra should no more be called ‘king’. Thus, even though the other parties Moriarty can do. He needs conservatives The coup de grace was his accepting the swear by republicanism in public, the fate and right-wingers close to the palace as STATE OF THE STATE credentials of the new Chinese ambassador. of the monarchy will ultimately be decided much as they need him. Koirala now holds the position as well as the by the NC. Koirala knows this and wants to This marriage of convenience between C K Lal power of head of state. So why is he so use it to attract pro-palace forces to his the NC and the ‘ceremonial monarchy’ hesitant to bid adieu to the Shah Dynasty? party. A desperate choice, but the NC is in camp seems to have been solemnised with party that procedures rather than cheap Because he needs the pro-palace lobby. dire straits in most districts and is the tacit support of the Nepal Army. The sloganeering would help establish a Nepali communists have had a troubled clutching at straws. problem with all this is that Gyanendra has republic, and district presidents should go relationship with the palace. Until the mid- The Madhes Uprising has severely alienated the rank and file of the Congress back with a positive mindset and create 80s, the palace repeatedly used them to weakened the Congress on its home turf. to the extent that they may even defy their favourable conditions for the election. Fair keep kangresis in check. This climaxed with The NC has been the main enemy of the own president to reject any form of enough, but no help at all to party the communist boycott of the 1980 traditional power elite that drew its monarchy. presidents caught in the crosscurrents of referendum. Palace strategists had sustenance from the palace. The party has This is why Koirala goes on about republicanism and inclusion at the succeeded in engineering the victory of the never done well in the capital even when it ‘procedure’ rather than openly opposing grassroots. king over multiparty democracy by co-opting has the Valley’s biggest political republicanism. The standard bearer of the Koirala’s flip-flopping on the monarchy everyone opposed to BP Koirala. This is personalities on its side. The so-called republican movement inside the NC, is getting tiresome. First he came up with why the UML had no moral authority left to Chure-Bhabar and Bhitri Madhes, Narahari Acharya, might be getting closer the idea of a ceremonial monarchy, a lead the anti-king coalition in 1990. The populated mainly by migrants from the mid- to his goal after all. 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 3

LLL ETTERS

SPOT ON Tigers, and the MJF. Opportunists in the tarai are Kunda Dixit is right (‘On your marks’, #347). It’s trying to convert it into another criminalised Bihar. high time politicians became responsible citizens The leaders of the MJF did not dare to oppose the and thought twice about throwing any old political policies of the erstwhile government. In fact, many agenda at their cadres. The Maoists are behaving were even part of the government responsible for like bullies. Sitaula did his job well as long as it leading our country into crisis. was the Maoists who were the issue. That’s The people in the government are not interested changed, and he needs to reconsider his position. in holding the elections. Not solving the problem in As for grandpa, he has to show his commitment the tarai gives them a perfect excuse. What they in practical terms to at least democracy, if not... don’t realise of course is that in playing these Santosh Dhungana, email games they are merely making their own reign shorter. Girija Prasad Koirala must be having the last Abhi, New Delhi laugh about the postponed elections. After all, it buys him time to straighten things out in his own MAVERICK party. Singha Darbar has been replaced by It was wonderful to see CK Lal writing on a Baluwatar Darbar. Prachanda gallantly suggests business personality (‘Death of a maverick’, State that the Maoists be renamed the Unified- of the state, #347). Such pieces are encouraging Communists and the kangresis Grandstanding and break the monotonous cycle of politics and Monarchists. We’ve got the world’s longest dwelling on all the bad things around us. I would interim constitution and will soon have the mother like to see more positive and business-centric of all parliaments in our interim lawmaking body. news. I enjoyed the thought provoking article on Surya B Prasai, email currency pegging (‘Economy’s up’, Economic sense), and the interview with Vijay Vaidya TARAI TERROR (‘Business hasn’t grown as expected’). Thanks for Ajit Tiwari’s ‘Terror in the tarai’ (#347) was brightening our Friday mornings. heartrending. One can only imagine how Prakash Sharma, email much worse the situation will become if it is not TOGETHERNESS addressed promptly. Charles Haviland’s ‘Let’s stay Ethnic violence will together’ (Nepali pan, #346) is one of destroy the harmony and the best articles I’ve read in recent dignity of the Nepali people. years. I hope its message reaches It’s high time politicians put out and enlightens the country. this on top of their priority Udaya Kasaju, email list, instead of the time- frame to the elections to the SELF-DEFENSE constituent assembly. That I agree with M Gurung’s comment is by no means feasible in that law and order in Nepal is at its places where the lowest ebb and that no private government cannot even citizen should have to resort to provide security or much- forming ‘neighbourhood police’ needed services like post groups to protect their offices, municipalities, and communities (‘Law and order’, hospitals. letters, #347). But I think it is gravely injust to Sanjeev Karmacharya, Khusibun neighbourhood patrol groups to compare them to the Young Communist League. The YCL conducts itself I have been through various parts of the as an omnipotent and offensive ‘police force’, rather eastern tarai over the last few weeks. I grew up than a passive defensive force, as most ‘citizen’s there, and have family members who still live security’ groups can be characterised. The there. We understand the anger of people of league’s high-handedness and arrogance ensure madhesi origin (we aren’t), though it means we that the YCL deserves every critical remark are sometimes at the receiving end. The thing is directed towards it. In fact, how can we be so sure we’ve lived here for two generations, this is that the “decent law-abiding citizens” Gurung home, we speak the local languages and we love mentions are not compelled to resort to forming living here, in our diverse, colourful these neighbourhood police groups precisely to neighbourhoods, with all our different friends. But protect themselves from the YCL? There’s a we believe, as do our friends, ‘madhesi’ and thought. ‘pahadi’ alike, that none of this can continue if Chanda T, email something is not done fast, seriously, and respectfully about the real imbalances in our ASININE society. Those who do not have as much There might not be a Deep Throat at all (‘May Day! opportunity or voice as the rest of us need to be May Day!’, Ass, #347). For all we know what’s listened to. How can we Nepalis call ourselves coming out of the palace could be information that is ‘brave’, ‘glorious’, ‘warm-hearted’ or any of those being intentionally leaked (for what purpose, don’t hyperbolic labels we love to use if we can’t ask me). Ever heard of the term ‘disinformation’? exhibit basic decency to our compatriots. Name withheld, email Name withheld, Bishalnagar The Ass at Backside rocks. It seems as if you There is a limit to the people’s patience. are the only media outlet that can make fun of the Eventually, the people of pahadi origin will show Maoists and get away with it. If it weren’t for you, I’d their character by organising self-defence groups honestly stop reading the Nepali newspapers. that will eliminate bandits like the JTMM, the Prasanna KC, Pokhara 4 NATION 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 Being “Ideas, actions, European compassion” Pujan Roka grew up in Kathmandu and In the next six years the EU will attended St Xavier’s before heading to the nearly double its aid to Nepal US for a BA and an MBA. Award-winning editorial cartoonist and now author Roka ay 9th is another opportunity to celebrate our collective identity as Europeans and to reaffirm the longstanding spoke with Nepali Times about his book M partnership between the European Union and other Bhagavad Gita on Effective Leadership individual EU member states with Nepal. (reviewed in Strictly Business). A very forward-looking and positively charged speech by the then French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman laid the foundation stone for the European integration. The EU was created a few years Nepali Times: What is the one thing about leadership During my research I exchanged notes with later in 1957. Fifty years later, in 2007 as we celebrate our common you distilled from the Gita? well-known management gurus Peter Senge and history and values, Schuman’s idea of lasting peace continues to Pujan Roka: Leadership is about inspiring and Marshall Goldsmith, and their positive responses guiding others by ideas, actions, and compassion. motivated me further. inspire countries and peoples to set aside their disputes and This is what the Gita and contemporary leadership embark upon dialogue. authorities say. Why did you self-publish? Over the years the Many new and well-established writers are European Union has Why the Bhagavad Gita for a book on leadership? publishing their own books these days in COMMENT expanded from six to Scholars and management thinkers are the US. Self-publication has created a Eduardo Lechuga-Jimenez 27 member states constantly re-defining leadership. A few brand new publishing model which gives making the continent writers have looked into ancient texts, control to the writers instead of the such as Sun Tzu’s Art of War, and publishers. the largest economic spiritual figures such as Jesus, in the I found no publisher who could and political block. The integrated Europe houses approximately context of management and leadership. represent the genre that is demanded by 450 million people and accession negotiation is already underway But no one had previously explored the my book. There are publishers that with two more countries—Croatia and Turkey. Gita in the context of present-day specialise in either business or With continuous enlargement, the EU now has a global reach leadership. spirituality but there are none that that enables us to facilitate trade and development to support I did research on leadership for over specialise in handling both in a cohesive human rights, rule of law, and democracy worldwide. I am proud to three years, and examined what way. contemporary authorities have to say. Given these constraints, self- say that the EU has successfully been able to take on the Prominent management thinkers had not publishing has worked very well for me. responsibilities that come along the increased political influence it devoted much thought to the Gita, and Gita scholars I have a worldwide distribution through retailers like casts globally. Integrated Europe, today, is the largest development had not extracted lessons for business readers. My Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and major donor in the world. book is therfore both on leadership, and for admirers wholesalers like Ingram. I have been able to of the Gita who are interested to read it from a channel most of the proceeds to Save the Children different perspective. programs.

Schuman proposed that Europeans commit themselves to democracy and should solve important political and economic issues among themselves through dialogue. These are the same values the EU continues to uphold, and those values are also reflected in the aid we provide to other countries. Even though the European Commission opened its Delegation to Nepal in March 2002, its presence in Nepal is much older. It formally established diplomatic relations in 1975 and set up its Technical Office in 1992. An EU-Nepal Co-operation Agreement has existed since June 1996. Within this cooperation framework high- level consultation the so-called ‘Joint Commission’ takes place between the European Commission and the Government of Nepal on bi-annual basis. The most recent EC-Nepal Joint Commission was held on 14 February 2007. We have continuously increased our presence in Nepal in the form of increased development aid. In the next six-year cooperation period of 2007-2013, the EU will nearly double its aid to Nepal to 160 million (NRs 11 billion). The huge boost in aid to Nepal is an indication of our trust and faith in the Nepal’s current process of transition to democracy and sustainable peace. We assure a full backing to the current Nepal government and reassure our sincere support to the democratic process that will ultimately lead to lasting peace in the country. That is a reason why the EU likes to focus its assistance on the Nepal government’s endeavours to improve literacy in the coming five years. We believe in helping Nepal develop and prosper and will continue to work not only with the government but also with other leaders from civil society and the general public. We are fully committed to promote the core EU values of human rights, democracy, press freedom, and equality in Nepal with financial and moral support.

Eduardo Lechuga-Jimenez is Chargé d’ Affaires of the Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal. NATION 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 5

NIC and IFC

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepal Industrial and Commercial Bank has become the first Nepali bank to qualify for a line of credit with the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) under its Global Trade Finance Program. NIC, which has a $2 million credit line with IFC, can now have its international letters of credit and guarantees confirmed by the corporation, and will be associated with hundreds of correspondent banks around the world.

BoK expands ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ A new Bank of Kathmandu branch in Itahari will serve customers from Saptari, Siraha, Dhankuta, Sunsari and Morang. In the capital, customers can now also get cash in Shree Krishna Tower, New Baneswor from Bank of Kathmandu’s new ATM. BoK, established in 1995, and now has 14 branches and 48 ATMs all over the country.

New look ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ The Bajaj Discover DTSi sports a new look with improved head- and rearlights, and black metallic colour. The Discover’s DTSi power engine is exclusive to Bajaj Lordly lessons bikes while the ExhausTEC provides a mileage of 101km per litre. The Discover is Nepal’s highest selling bike in the 125cc category and now comes with a two-year warranty and five years of free The Gita can teach us about leadership servicing. Financing for the Discover is handled by the Teku branch of Everest Bank.

usiness managers normally the Gita had replaced Sun Tzu’s displaying holistic vision.

do not see the Gita as a The Art of War as “the hip new My quibbles are small and Springwood ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ B how-to guide for sorting ancient Eastern management text” large. The book could have been Surya Nepal’s latest venture, the Springwood line of clothing, is out modern-day leadership in boardrooms and classrooms. edited further to cut down on being launched in Kathmandu after a successful trial run in issues. The book’s 18 chapters are repetitions. And in terms of Pokhara. The range includes That’s because, at it simplest, written in easy-to-follow helping readers exercise shirts (Rs 450-750) and the Gita is an extended language. Each chapter details leadership traits, the book could trousers (Rs 650-750) for office conversation between Krishna and traits a leader should possess. have taken a more pragmatic how- wear, casual wear, and ‘college wear’ made from cotton, polyester Arjuna on the battlefield of Most are the usual leadership fare: to approach. For instance, for any cotton, cotton lycra, and cotton spandex. Surya Nepal also distributes the John Players brand of men’s clothing. Kuruchettra. The warrior Arjuna is leaders must be self-aware; they leadership action, it gives the must have the ability to embrace Gita’s version. It then gives

challenges; they must have the examples of similar actions taken Treat

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ STRICTLY BUSINESS ○○○○ desire to leave a legacy; they must by contemporary leaders. What it Ashutosh Tiwari Asian Thai Foods has launched a new instant have an ability to influence doesn’t do is help ordinary noodle brand, Treat, with a scheme Treat others; they must have a big- readers understand how they too Malamaal Daily, through which customers hesitant about taking part in a war picture sense of how what they can start transforming what they can win cash prizes of Rs 10,001 everyday. that requires him to kill his own do is connected to everything 'know' about leadership into how Treat costs Rs 10 per packet for vegetarian cousins, most of whom are baying else, and so on. they 'do' leadership in everyday and non-vegetarian flavours. Asian Thai for his blood. Krishna, Arjuna’s To this mix, Roka’s makes two situations. Foods manufactures other instant noodles friend and charioteer, dispels this unique contributions. First, he But this problem is common too, including Rumpum, 2PM, and Mama. confusion by teaching Arjuna how calls on leaders to derive spiritual to most leadership volumes,

fighting this righteous war nourishment by having faith in a whose authors seem to forget that Face of the month

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ amounts to fulfiling earthly higher authority. Second, he asks their readers are not Gandhi, ○○○○ duties. Arjuna’s actions in the them to achieve success by Mandela, or Arjuna, but ordinary The first winner of Fem Fairness Bleach’s Fem Face of the Month battlefield, Krishna instructs him, engaging in meditation, practicing mortals who struggle daily with campaign is Anchal Pradhan from Dhapakhel, Lalitpur. Face of the are a sliver of a larger truth about sacrifice, and selfless giving, and both self-discipline and self- Month is a monthly beauty the nature of the universe and adopting a sattvic mindset that is leadership. contest in which participants man’s place in it. open to hard work without being Perhaps in times ahead, as drop off their photos, names, and addresses, at Bakery Cafés, In Bhagavad Gita on Effective worried about the results. neuroscience, which has become Bluebird Departmental Stores, Leadership, Pujan Roka applies Roka puts lessons from the the newest tool of leadership Jai Nepal and Kumari Cinema Krishna’s instructions to effective Gita in today’s business context scholars, makes further advances Halls, Digi Plus, and Eden at Kathmandu Mall. The prizes are leadership practices. Roka by weaving what Krishna says to in understanding how the human Haier electronic goods and a lifesize photo by Digi Plus. reinforces those lessons with Arjuna with vignettes of stories brain works, we will learn more examples drawn from American drawn from the lives of Gandhi, about how to turn ancient

settings. Published last year, this Mandela, Martin Luther King or wisdom into habits that we can Howzzat ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ 172-page book carries an former IBM head Louis Gerstner, call our own. Until then, Dipendra Lama of Nepalganj and Safala Thapa of Lalitpur have approving blurb from the dean of and from baseball and basketball. regardless of whether one has read won the Lifebuoy Howzzat quiz contest. There were 1,640 entries the Kellogg School of I was intrigued, for instance, the Gita, this book serves as one from all over Nepal, of which 1,060 had all-correct answers. The Management. Last October, it was by the parallels he draws handy reference for managers to winners were chosen by lucky draw. Dipendra Lama gets Rs cited by Businessweek in an between Krishna’s showing his view their short-term decisions 50,000 as first prize, and runner-up Safala Thapa receives Rs article entitled ‘Karma virat rupa, or universal form, with a long-term life-fulfilling 25,000. Lifebuoy soap is manufactured by Unilever Nepal. Capitalism’, which asked whether and an effective leader’s horizon. z 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 NC fights have different cliques in the

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ central committee and in their Naya Patrika, 10 May wards. Joshi insisted that that Afraid of the royal shadow there is no bitterness between Many senior leaders inside Nepali them and that their dealings are Letter to the editor in Kantipur, 6 May should have understood that by now. Congress don’t speak to each cordial. Poudel was close to KP He must realise that most Nepalis are watching other. The fighting is serious, and Bhattarai, which is why Koirala On May Day at the Khula Manch, Prachanda to see if the CPN-M behaves like a political party in many cases very physical. propped up Joshi as a delivered a fiery speech. In summary, he warned that it is supposed to be. After all, it is now part of Sujata Koirala is famous for that if parliament didn’t declare Nepal a republic the government and interim parliament. The people competitor. When the NC was his party would launch a typhoon of protests aren’t so scared of the dead horse of the monarchy yelling when things don’t go her splitting, Poudel had almost from the streets, parliament, and the that they want to throw it into the river. There are way. Her dislike for Home decided to join Deuba’s faction, cantonments. Then Matrika Yadav threatened not some who think the monarchy has not been Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula but then he defeated Joshi in the to allow cabinet meetings to go ahead. Strong weakened, that it may get new energy and is common knowledge. Her NC central committee elections words were received by strong applause from a destabilise the state. But that shows a lack a self- relationship with Arjun Narsingh and decided to stay on. sympathetic crowd. confidence. Getting spooked by the ghost of a KC is also going downhill. KC has The relationship between The same day, Lena Sundh, representative monarchy only proves how insecure we are. After been heard saying Sujata is in of the UN’s High Commissioner for Human all, the people brought down a king who had the Joshi and Sushil Koirala, never Rights, issued a statement in which she entire strength of state security behind him. power only because of her father. really good, has hit a new low as accused the Maoists of not living up to their So why, at a time when your own party cadre Sujata calls KC a ‘mandale’. Joshi is becoming close to Sujata commitment to allow internally displaced people aren’t listening to your guidelines, get into a frenzy Meanwhile Situala and Koirala. Finance Minister Ram to return to their homes and returning property when the king goes to pray at a temple? Finance Minster Ram Sharan Sharan Mahat hates Arjun KC seized during the conflict. That evening the UN Prachandaji: the people are against all forms of Mahat are not on talking terms and their animosity often puts secretary general’s special representative Ian totalitarianism. They will not digest one party because Situala replaced Mahat as the prime minister in a tight Martin warned the Maoists not to put conditions trying to force its writ on all others. Your party is the NC spokesperson. They never ahead of the second phase of the verification of already in government. Together with the other spot. the fighters in the cantonments. Since then there parties, you are responsible for the rule of law look at each other in meetings and Meanwhile, Khum Bahadur have been attacks on a police through the police and the judiciary. To ignore that at a recent central committee Khadka, Baldeb Sharma Majgaiya, post in Banke, and abductions and allow the YCL to take the law into its own meeting started calling each other and Deepak Giri have had a cold for ransom. hands doesn’t sound logical, comrade. The YCL’s names. There’s coldness between war for over a decade. The NC in The question arises: modus operandi is to beat up bus Situala and Chakra Prasad Kaski is divided into three why is Prachanda flogging conductors who refuse to take damaged Bastola’s too. Situala became groups, lead by former speaker the dead horse of ten rupee notes. How often do you want district chairman of Jhapa after monarchy? Shouldn’t to say sorry for this kind of behaviour? Taranath Ranabhat, Mahadeb this country’s priority The people are much more worried his contribution to the 1990 Gurung, and Sukra Raj Shastri. be the establishment about the lack of development, People’s Movement, defeating the Before Jana Andolan II, Shastri of true peace? sluggish economic growth, and the fact candidate supported by Bastola in and Gurung had formed an What the Maoists that the absence of war is not peace 1992 elections. Situala, who until alliance against Ranabhat. They couldn’t win with 11 than about whether or not we then was close to Krishna Prasad called him a royalist and did not years of armed throw away the corpse of Bhattarai and Ganesh Man Singh, allow him to return to his struggle was monarchy. Just went over to Girija Prasad achieved through 19 remember, the people are district. They still do not accept days of street protests. watching your Koirala’s camp, and insiders say Ranabhat as an NC representative This is proof that the people performance and Bastola felt slighted. The and he still cannot go back to support non-violent struggle evaluating your every relationship went sour and they Kaski to visit his family. and that this path is more move. don’t even greet each other. When Nona Koirala was alive, effective in fighting for democracy. Pushpa Pokhrel, Govinda Raj Joshi and Ram she and Shailaja Acharya agreed Prachanda and his comrades Kathmandu Chandra Poudel, both from that Sujata was incompetent. Tanahun, are bitter enemies. They Acharya is said to have stopped KIRAN PANDAY FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 7 Sujata from contesting for a that is running high against the whose property the Maoists have central committee position. Nona Maoists’ lack of transparency confiscated during their 10 year- has died and Acharya tries to keep about their expenditure of the long, and the value of all the “Anything is possible if away from politics due to her one billion rupees already given seized property, but the Nepali own weak health. This has made to them for the management of Congress central office has records the left parties unite” Sujata stronger and she is their army and cantonments. of 129 politicians and party understood to be trying to form The horrible state of the activists who have had property Interview with Maoist leader alliances with Shekhar and cantonments housing the taken away from them. On the list Mohan Baidya in Budhabar, 9 May Sashank Koirala—who, fighters, the increasing pressure are: general secretary Kul Bahadur apparently, hate each other. to return property, and the Gurung (Ilam), party leader Khum strain on the peace process due Bahadur Khadka (Dang), and Why did this talk about not Thieving ways to these factors puts the Maoist central party members Binay Dhoj returning the property seized

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ leadership is a tight spot. Unless Chand (Bardiya), Maheswor during the ‘people’s war’ start after Ghatana ra bichar, 9-15 May it reins in the YCL and control Prasad Singh (Dhanusa- you entered government? its actions, assists in the process Mahottari), Gopal Raj Pahadi We believe that we should first The government needs to give out of holding elections to the (Sankhuwasabha), Surendra develop a long-term strategy for another Rs 440 million, but wants constituent assembly, and Prasad Chaudhari (Parsa), land distribution. Chairman to wait until the Maoists return returns captured property, the Purshottam Basnet Pushpa Kamal Dahal is clear private property seized from atmosphere around the country (Solukhumbu), Diwakar Gautam when he says that if land has been citizens . The reluctance also will remain negative. (Pyuthan), Ananda Prasad seized unfairly, it needs to go stems from the popular sentiment There is no official record of Dhungana (Dhanusa). back to the [original] owner. But if they are feudal, it will not. The eight parties need to sit together to form policies on land reform, and new laws can be made through interim legislature. There will be no redistribution or return until these issues are settled. We KIRAN PANDAY believe in giving land to the poor, and we have to be careful that seized property does not go back to the rich again.

Discussions about left party unification have pushed back the elections to the constituent assembly and prevented eight-party meetings. If Girija (sic) and Deuba (sic) can talk about unification, why can’t we talk about a unified left? The left parties have a majority in parliament and feel that a united left will make the alliance stronger, though we can, of course, face the Nepali Congress as an independent entity. The NC is trying hard to disrupt the momentum we have created in our unification [plans].

What do you hope a united left will achieve? Unity until the elections to the constituent assembly is most important, so we can work for equality and socialism. Right now, a republic is not possible either, without left party unification. Even the capitalists talk about a republic, but the NC is so influenced by Left Right foreign capitalist forces, that it refuses to join the discussion. Election preparations? Electoral constituencies? What about 21 June? Peace and security? Voter lists? Citizenship Girija Prasad Koirala: “I know, the elections The left parties have contributed to the success of the two distribution? Federal structure? have to happen at any cost! Only the dates People’s Movements, and in forming the 12-point agreement. Girija Prasad Koirala: “I don’t know! I don’t now!” will change!!” Together, the left parties can fight foreign interference and the royalist forces together. Anything is possible if the left parties unite. Due to ideological and political differences with the CPN-UML 6 May Nepal, there can be no immediate unification with them, but we could settle our differences through discussion.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

Your party’s central committee meeting also decided to talk about “ nationalism. People who are scared by the popularity of the Young Communist League and who Our political agendas have been hampered because of international “ envy their creativity are accusing the YCL of being an illegitimate organisation. interference. Look at what the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum is doing in the tarai, listen to [US ambassador] Moriarty’s speeches—it’s clear foreign forces do not want Nepal to be a republic. Who would call Nepal independent with all this interference? Nepal is being CPN-M chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal in an interview with Naya Patrika, 9 May Sikkimised.

SELECTED MATERIAL TRANSLATED EVERY WEEK FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 8 MUSIC

wedding parties evoked by transcends our identities,” says Trikaal’s newest offering of ethnic the original. Navaraj. “Trikaal is not a band. It The album closes with Trikaal has no permanent members, we electronic music hits some high notes Air, eight minutes of classic are just musicians performing ethnic-influenced electronic under a common banner. Any of dance music composed by us may leave, but Trikaal will go didgeridoo player Salil Kanika on,” he says. and Navaraj Gurung. There are This isn’t a perfect album, to hints of Asian underground be sure—the transitions between sounds, Thievery Corporation, the different styles suggested by The third ear and the odd blips of a speedy the various instruments can be PRANAYA SJB RANA and the tune lifts off with his of tabla and shaker. Rajendra Karna Mad Professor, but the end result choppy. But what Trikaal do staccato vocals. Ani Choying’s adds a sublime udo. is a sound unto itself. The manage is to be cosmopolitan rikaal’s latest offering, ethereal voice and Santosh Trikaal Tantriks, a shortened electronic beats, didgeridoo, tabla, while remaining Nepali in Trikaal 3: Global Waves, Shrestha’s ishraj give this track version of Trikaal’s most famous and ishraj almost don’t work, but essence. lives up to its name. The moments of transcendence. The song, a 30 minute epic from various elements of surprise, like T Ani is back again on track four, Trikaal II, is instantly the harmonica cameo by Girish album’s nine ethnic electronic tracks are lush with the sounds of Jewels of Heaven, which builds recognisable, particularly Nikhil Subedi of the rock band Mukut, the Australian didgeridoo, the slowly, with Ani Choying and Tuladhar’s strong djembe and the scatting, and the densely African djembe, the south Asian Navaraj expertly playing off each Shyam Nepali’s slippery sarangi. textured sound come together flute and sarangi, and the guitar. others’ vocals. It doesn't actually Jam Freak Street is Trikaal’s after all. Trikaal Air refers to the The record starts off with the reach a peak, though, which makes nod to cheekiness. It starts out earlier tracks and sounds like an soft Shanti River, a tribute to the for somewhat unsatisfying instantly recognisable as an homage to the entire album. river of peace. Ani Choying listening. interpretation of DJ Raju’s With this album, Trikaal Dolma’s soft, otherworldly The album’s standout track is phenomenally successful remix of manage, in a small way, to Buddhist chant slowly gives way Colours of East-West, which stars Chyangba Hoi Chyangba. By the transcend time, as they promise Trikaal 3: Global Waves is to Sujay Shrestha’s acoustic Bijaya Vaidya, Sur Sudha’s end, though, you’re transported in their closing track, fusing the available through SAC Music strumming. Tabla maestro Navaraj virtuoso sitar player riffing with someplace rather different from ethnic past with the electronic International, Gurung deals out a steady beat Sujay’s guitar, against a backdrop the teenybopper discos and present and future. “Our music www.sacmusicnepal.com. All together now

YUKO MASKAY

he Kathmandu Chorale’s annual spring concert is upon us, and T promises to be more diverse than ever. The ensemble performances are of madrigals, arias, Nepali folk songs, jazz, rock ‘n roll, and gospel tunes. The instruments being played include the clarinet, trumpet, French horn, viola, double bass, piano, keyboard, violin, flute, and madal. The chorus is a culturally diverse group of Nepalis, expats, musicians, amateurs, missionaries, and students—all there for the love of music, and to raise money for a worthy cause. Bryan Varenkamp, a Texas linguist who has been residing on and off in Nepal since 1985 and conducting the chorus for the past five years, says this performance will be a lot more “colourful” than last year’s winter concert. “We have an ensemble of music spanning many eras, from the 1300s to songs that were popular two years ago,” he explains. “We will also perform a medley of songs from The Phantom of the Opera.” The challenge in song selection is that, historically, choral singing is so closely associated with the church, which is not a connection the chorale necessarily wants to push. They try therefore to choose secular music that everyone will be interested in. Varenkamp says the variety of music is also a reflection of the diversity of the singers—some are full-fledged musicians while others cannot read music. Suman Chitrakar, who was introduced to the chorale by his music teacher at Kathmandu University, says it’s a great chance to explore and develop his talent. “I’m really learning to use my vocal chords,” he says. The Kathmandu Chorale, which turns 15 this year, was started by American native Kareen Messerschmidt, who wanted to share her passion for music—for a charitable purpose. “The Kathmandu Chorale from its early years has always been about giving back,” she says. Last year the chorale attracted 800 listeners and raised Rs 110,000 through donations. This year, the two organisations that will receive donations are the Spinal Injury Rehabilitation Centre and Namaste Children Nepal, which provides orphans and other children food, education, and healthcare.

The Kathmandu Chorale Spring Concert is on 19 May at 3.30 PM and 6 PM at The British School Auditorium in Jhamsikhel, Patan. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information contact Bryan Varenkamp at 9841218610. 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 9 A new conservatory aims for better jazz in the city Future sounds RAHUL GIRI

athmandu’s first Jazzmandu in 2001 deserved the hype. The musicians, from Nepal and around the world, were excellent, Kand the atmosphere was energetic. Six years later, the ‘Kathmandu’s phenomenal jazz scene’ line is starting to sound like a bromide, in part because it’s not entirely true. The sounds haven’t really matured—there’s still a lot of noodling, rock-tinged sounds, and staid chords that walk a fine line between clichéd and standard. Cadenza, which regularly expanded its range of styles, often goes into hibernation. Sure, you can catch live shows in a number of clubs and bars by bands such as Inner Groove, the JCS quartet, and Cadenza, but the offerings can get predictable. Stupa’s Yuvaraj Chhetri argues that that is because “jazz is an acquired taste,” and that audiences in Nepal need some time before they can be hit with truly experimental sounds. That attitude, ever-so-slightly patronising as it is, is the first line of reasoning most musicians we spoke with trotted out. But push the question, and you see another real barrier to regular, challenging performances—the lack of trained musicians exposed to a variety of sophisticated music. Jigmee Sherpa of the JCS quartet says this is why it is unreasonable to expect jazz to develop any faster in Kathmandu.

MIN BAJRACHARYA

Mariano Abello, who plays with Cadenza and Stupa says he was shocked to find out that many talented jazz musicians here learn music by repeatedly listening to CDs and then imitating what they hear. Few would take the line that you absolutely cannot be a good jazz musician without formal training, but to raise the overall standard of performance and understanding of music, which in turn guides innovation, it’s important to have some kind of training. Abello likens not having basic knowledge of music theory to knowing how to speak, but not being able to read or write. This is why Abello and Nirakar Yakthumba of Stupa and 1974AD are setting up the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, to provide professional music education for students at all levels. The school, which will be located in Gyanodaya College in Jhamsikhel, will contain five practice rooms, two combo rooms, a percussion room, a classroom and a 200-seater auditorium. There will be state-of-the-art recording facilities and Yamaha instruments. The largely expat faculty will be chosen for their teaching and performing experiences. Lessons will focus on music theory, ear training, improvisation classes, arranging, and composition. The school is slated to open in September this year. The promoters believe there is enough raw talent here. “In four years we will have Nepali musicians who can perform on the international circuit,” says Yakthumba. The musicians in Kathmandu’s closely knit jazz community are holding their breath. So are audiences.

For more information on the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, go to www.katjazz.com.

Stupa performs at Moksh on Tuesdays and Fridays, Inner Groove at Dwarika’s on Wednesdays, JCS at Jazz Upstairs on Tuesdays and at Full Moon on Thursdays, and Cadenza at Jazz Upstairs Wednesdays and Saturdays. 10 NATION 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 Young Clueless League The YCL can’t give up its old habits and isn’t ready for its new role

hile their Maoist mentors warm their bottoms on ministerial seats, the Young Communist League is neither influenced W by reason, intimidated by threats of police raids, nor worried by the damage it is inflicting on its mother party. Everybody, On the Lam including Good Guy Ian Martin and his crowd of bluecoats, is helpless. But if you were a neutralised Maoist conscript looking for ways to Fleeing the politicisation of everything start a new life, would you rather join a sexily named political outfit and brandish power in Kathmandu, or go back to your village to sow iving in Interesting Times Rhetoric Fatigue: Over- this place, and it came as a huge turnips? takes its toll on us all, even exposure to speeches, threats and relief to confirm that there is, in By offering its young cadres raw clout to rule the streets, the insensitive types like the ideological drivel can lead to fact, life beyond bad politics. Maoist leadership has craftily brought together ex-guerrillas under a L political umbrella. But if the YCL’s parental harness is not tightened, Hand get worn down by the irritability, sleep loss, and Getting away is good—just ask its freelancers and warlords can run amok in the countryside. Signs relentless flow of bad news and delirium. The victim feels the millions of Nepalis who have of this are already visible. nagging uncertainty as to what harangued and bullied into already left and unlike the Hand, YCL brand-building can’t be comes next. towing the party line by everyone aren’t coming back anytime soon. NEPALI PAN done just by staging exhibitions Reading the morning papers is he meets, while suspecting While the politicos squabble and Pranav Budhathoki of smuggled computers at often enough to skew the day friends and family are actually undermine each other, the economy Tundikhel. Recently, they irreparably, while staying one undercover politicians out to ruin stagnates, filling outbound flights nabbed some burglars and step ahead of marauding his life. with young men desperate to work delivered summary justice. The YCL also helped track down the Obsessive Analysis for minimum wage. More culprits who leaked SLC question papers in Bhaktapur, and as we go Disorder: Reading between the discretely, developed countries to press, are helping direct traffic in Kathmandu and protecting MOVING TARGET lines of every available newspaper select the best educated and most tourists from touts at the airport. Yet, the YCL hasn’t been able to win Foreign Hand the public trust in the capital. becomes compulsive and time qualified from among the mobs of One reason is that Kathmandu’s vocal natives have always been consuming. Symptoms include visa applicants, fuelling the scornful of outsiders. The customary wisdom among ’Manduites is demonstrators and wildcat strikes stuffing pockets with news downward spiral. There is no blame that migrants are a strain on capital’s resources and they contribute seems like a full-time job. By clippings to show cabdrivers and in anyone searching elsewhere for a to traffic congestion and the growth of slums. increasing stress levels in an buttonholing strangers for their better harvest, but the longer this Nepalis are much more sympathetic to the police force. already hectic life, political opinions on current events. brain drain continues the worse off Underpaid and corrupt they may be, but look at the way we instability undermines mental Nervous twitches may occur at the Nepal ends up. are clamouring to get their posts re-established all over the stability and peace of mind, sound of Radio Nepal’s hourly The Hand fondly recalls a country. Forget the YCL, we want our loved and loathed cops back especially when the potential for beep and when passing bygone era when politics played a on the beat. chaos and carnage looms large. newsstands. marginal role in most people’s Any hopes that the signatories Betrayal Rage: Symptoms lives, the economy functioned of the historic peace treaty weren’t include cursing out authority normally, and everyone was lying, and their signatures figures on street corners and allowed to go about their lives actually meant peace, are now throwing objects at the television. without hindrance. No extortion/ dashed as the New Nepal proves Sufferers feel tricked and donations, no angry rabble snarling to be less stable and more manipulated by unseen forces for traffic, no kamikaze trade unpredictable then the old. Just unknown, nefarious purposes. unionism, and much less posturing trying to keep track of the Chronic Lassitude: not to the backbeat of menacing empowerment of everybody and wanting to get out of bed in the rhetoric. This freedom from politicisation of everything all at morning is a primary symptom, political stress and interference that once can leave one bewildered accompanied by an overwhelming is taken for granted in most and exhausted. sense of resignation that whatever countries would be highly All this makes leaving the you produce will be nationalised beneficial here after so much MIN BAJRACHARYA country more attractive than ever, and we’ll all end up in re- politicisation, and the very least we CLEANING UP THE ACT: YCL members gain some sympathy and sticking around a potential education camps anyways, so should demand from our rulers is through their street cleaning efforts, but it isn't enough. health hazard. why bother? to be left to our own devices. The Hand has identified Upon recognising several of Perhaps that’s all it would take to The YCL is not going to become extinct anytime soon and no several syndromes to look out for these symptoms recently, the make fleeing less appealing and state apparatus is able to tame them. They are not giving up on and strongly suggests fleeing Hand fled abroad for a cure. The give Nepal the chance for a decent extortion and bullying because that is the only lifestyle to which they should they appear. whole world feels like a spa after future. z are accustomed. One way to tame them is to train them in various law-enforcement efforts. The fellows in red aprons seem to be pretty good at traffic management. A week to bring them up to speed, and they could augment Kathmandu’s traffic police which is overstretched trying to manage an unmanageable situation. Or maybe our INGO friends could start hiring them as security guards. Neighbourhoods could pay the YCL to do anti-crime patrols. Civil society has lofty plans about security sector reform which so far has been a lot of hot air. But not a single one of them seems to be offering anything like employment or genuine opportunities to these ex-warriors to fall back on. Re-integrating the YCL into a society sceptical of their methods will not be easy. The media hounds them as if they are sworn enemies of the state. Businesses see them as extortionists. It is clear that the going is getting tough for the YCL with plenty of testosterone but not much to do. How many games of volleyball can you play in a day? Might is right may be the law of the jungle, but now they are out in the open the YCL needs to invest a little more in public relations. There is a danger that we will just be replacing one band of thugs with another. The League’s criminal justice system could degenerate into gangland violence. Instead of playing cops and robbers, the YCL is better off listening to the genuine grievances of the people. When they do, they should try not to run foul of the government. After all, their parent is part of the government now. z NATION 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 11 Replacement population Fears of a second wave of Bhutani refugees in the making

NAVIN SINGH KHADKA

ome Bhutani refugees in the UN-run camps in Jhapa and SMorang are readying to leave for new homes in the US and Canada. But refugee leaders are worried about a possible second round of arrivals from Bhutan. Over 80,000 Bhutanis were not allowed to vote in the recent mock elections held ahead of the country’s first parliamentary elections next year. Most were Nepali-speaking Lhotsampas termed 'foreign nationals' in last year's census. Bhuani refugee and democracy movement leader Tek Nath Rijal who sees a humanitarian crisis in the making. Rijal recently spoke to Bhutani national assembly members and village block heads, who told him that the mock voting was another reminder to ANUP KAPHLE COMING AND GOING: These Bhutani refugee camps in Jhapa may remain crowded despite third country resettlement. Nepali-speaking Lhotsampas that they are not 'real' Bhutanis. “They said that during the report being constantly told that policy is of non-discrimination.” around 82,000, 13 percent of like in the late ‘80s but it will registration for mock voting, their names would not be He did however indicate that Bhutan’s present population. happen in several phases, and Nepali-speaking Bhutanis were included in the voters’ list and some southern Bhutanis of Nepali This figure is the difference Nepal will again have to bear the told in a humiliating manner the census. origin were not allowed to vote in between those counted as consequences.” that that they too now had a Rijal says the village heads the mock polls last month. “If Bhutani citizens and the total The majority of Bhutani chance to settle in countries like whose constituencies were not they did not have valid population (635,000) as refugees living in the camps in the US, just like the Bhutani included in voters’ registration documents, only then it must enumerated by Bhutan’s east Nepal say they were forcibly refugees in Nepal,” Rijal said. counted the number of Nepali have been so. As long as you are a Population and Census evicted from Bhutan in the early “They also told me they were speakers excluded from the mock citizen, there is no problem.” Commission in 2005. Refuge 1990s. Thimphu has consistently threatened repeatedly that it was voting. “They found that the Wangdi could not give us an sources say that last year’s termed the now over 105,000 time for them to decide about number is close to 80,000.” exact number of Bhutanis who are census and the non-registration Lhotsampa refugees illegal resettling elsewhere.” Bhutani officials deny this. not on the voters’ list. “We are of voters this year, are immigrants. Another refugee leader told Bhutan’s chief election still in the process of voter indications that over 80,000 The joint refugee verification us that “Nepali speakers in commissioner Kunjang Wangdi registration; it is difficult for me Nepali speakers in southern process carried out by Nepal and southern Bhutan are being says refugee leaders in Nepal are to say anything until that is Bhutan are in the process of Bhutan has been through accused of having relatives in the spreading propaganda. “It is completed.” being made stateless. 16 rounds of ministerial level refugee camps in Nepal and irresponsible on their part to do Refugee leaders believe the One leader said, “All might meetings and is regularly indulging in politics.” They also this. The royal government’s ‘non-Bhutani’ figure stands at not be made refugees at one go, disrupted by disputes. 12 REVIEW 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 Ancient history for modern times A welcome re-issue of the classic, if dated, work of historian Dilli Raman Regmi

illi Raman Regmi’s massive know that New Delhi-based the four volumes of Medieval Nepal Mandala and presents the history of Nepal from REVIEW publishers Rupa & Co, in Nepal into two volumes and the first comprehensive assessment Dantiquity up to 1814 is TR Vaidya association with the Dr Dilli two of Modern Nepal into one. of their economic, itself of historic importance. Raman Regmi Foundation in Nepal’s changing political administrative, socio-cultural, Regmi was the first scholar to Kathmandu, have re-issued this scenario has affected and artistic systems. Regmi’s explore in elaborate detail the help make the case for Nepal as an seminal work in four parts— interpretive and analytical work is critiqued as Kathmandu political, economic, social, and independent entity. Ancient Nepal, Medieval Nepal approaches to history. After the Valley-centric, a leaning he cultural aspects of Nepal in Nepal scholars and Vols I and II, Modern Nepal fall of Rana rule in 1951 local would not deny. He believed antiquity and medieval times and enthusiasts will be pleased to Vols I and II. The reprint rolls and foreign scholars started that the Valley, the original undertaking exploratory and ‘Nepal’, was “the centre of analytical research on Nepal’s learning” in medieval times. history. Today, historians can In 1961 Regmi wrote a brief write frankly without fear of volume on early modern Nepal, censorship or retribution and based on contemporary there are now new authoritative epigraphic evidence. Fourteen scholarly texts. But first there years later, he published the was DR Regmi. two volumes of Modern Nepal, Regmi started writing about covering political history up to Nepali history, politics, and 1814 with detailed economics in 1942, Most of his explanations, exhaustive books were published by Firma information, and KL Mukhopadhyaya, Calcutta. comprehensive analytical Ancient Nepal was first assessments of specific events. published in 1960 and enlarged The re-issue contains new in 1969. The author’s information and analysis. The meticulous research results in a revised volumes bear testimony political history of the Licchavi to Regmi’s extensive research, period’s kings, polity, economy, but do not contain his and foreign policy, and society, trademark analysis of the social, and analytical descriptions of economic, administrative, and the culture, art, architecture, and cultural aspects of the era. sculpture of the time. Regmi’s Nepal’s history was, until assessment of the importance DR Regmi, written and and utility of various source interpreted by foreign scholars materials connected with this in terms of it being a small period of Nepal’s history country sandwiched between remains valuable. two massive ones. In his The two volumes of histories, Regmi makes a strong Medieval Nepal present a short case to counter that perception. history of the kingdoms of the Regmi’s academic time covering the areas contributions, in particular, his including and around present- history books suffer from day Nepal. Regmi details the certain limitations. Since he Khasa Malla kingdom extending was not an epigraphist, he had from Garhwal (in present-day to depend upon the findings India) in the west, to the Trisuli and interpretations of others. At in the east, Manosarovar and the time that he was writing, Taklakhar area (in present-day there had been very limited Tibet) in the north, and the tarai archaeological excavations and in the south. explorations carried out to The Karnata kingdom with interpret Nepal’s history. Simroangarch as capital Regmi’s political career has had extended from the Mahabharat positive and negative range in the north, to Bodh Gaya influences on his scholarly and the Ganga in the south, the work. From the present day Gandaki in the west, and the perspective, some of his views Kosi in the east. Also covered can seem obsolete or erroneous. are the the baise principalities Yet, it remains rewarding to in the Karnali basin area, the consult these books as a chaubise in the Gandaki basin product of their time—and of area, and the three Sena an indefatigable scholar. kingdoms of the eastern Nepal. The publishers of this Finally, there are the three Malla welcome re-issue seem to have kingdoms that ruled from the inexplicably omitted the fourth three towns of Kathmandu volume of Medieval Nepal, part Valley from the Trisuli in the IV. Also, a new edition, with west, the Dudh Kosi in the east, corrections and updated by Kuti and Kerong (present-day contemporary scholars would be Tibet) in the north, and to the much appreciated. Mahabharat range in the south. Regmi writes in detail about TR Vaidya is professor of the genealogical political history history and vice-chancellor of of the Malla dynasty of the Lumbini Buddha University. 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 13

Advertorial Europe Day – 9 May 2007 MIN BAJRACHARYA total EU contribution to the mission stood at EUR 5,050,000.00.

Conflict Mitigation Conflict Mitigation Packages The European Commission launched Conflict Mitigation Package I (CMP I) in 2005, which will conclude this year. Under this first Conflict Mitigation Package I (2.153 M ) three projects are currently in their final year of implementation. Two projects are aiming at improving the socio-economic conditions and confidence building measures for people in rural areas and one is aimed at mitigating the conflict through mass communication and media in Nepal. The subsequent Conflict Staff members of the Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal Mitigation Package II (7 M ), under which implementation will start in May of 2007, May is the day people from 27 different countries of the The EU Institutions seeks to strengthen national institutions in their efforts to European Union (EU) celebrate their common reference There are five main EU institutions, each playing a specific role: promote and enforce human rights and aims at assisting 9 as Europeans. The celebration of ”Europe Day” takes Q European Commission (driving force and executive body); efforts to enforce rule of law in Nepal. place the same day as the former French Foreign Minister Q Council of the European Union (representing the Robert Schuman delivered a famous speech back in 1950 that governments of the Member States); Infrastructure and Rural Development laid the foundation stone for the European integration. Q European Parliament (elected directly since 1979 by the Renewal Energy Project Nepal Schuman proposed that Europeans committed themselves to citizens of the Member States); The European Commission has been funding Nepal democracy and increased dialogues should solve important Q European Court of Justice (ensuring compliance with law); Government’s Alternative Energy Promotion Centre (AEPC) political and economic issues among themselves. Schuman’s Q Court of Auditors (controlling sound and lawful management to implement the Renewable Energy Project since 2004. The proposal came when Europe was trying recover from the of the EU budget). five year project will end at the end of 2008. The total EC devastation it suffered during the Second World War (1939- contribution to the project is 15 million. 45). In 2007, as Europeans again celebrate their common Several other agencies and bodies complete the system, The overall objectives of the project are to create a history and values, Schuman’s idea of lasting peace continues including the European Economic and Social Committee, the renewable energy infrastructure in rural areas, which to inspire countries and peoples to set aside their disputes and Committee of the Regions, the European Central Bank, the facilitates income generation, sustainable growth and embark upon a dialogue. European Ombudsman and the European Investment Bank. delivery of social services, thus alleviating poverty. Schuman envisaged that economic interdependence The Presidency of the European Union rotates every 6 months Furthermore, it aims to facilitate institutional between European countries would make war a phenomenon among the 27 Member States. Every five years, European strengthening to public agencies and policy reform, of the past. It took less than a year before Schuman’s idea citizens elect new members to the European Parliament. mainly to encourage the Government’s policy of was translated into a binding legal document – the political democratization and decentralization. commitment to peace was thus already a reality. On 18 April The EU in Nepal 1951, six countries signed the Treaty of Paris establishing Several EU member countries are long-standing development the European Coal and Steel Community. Soon thereafter, this partners with Nepal and currently five member countries have commitment was sealed with the Treaties of Rome, which established individual diplomatic missions in Kathmandu: are still considered the founding documents of today’s Denmark, Finland, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. European Union. These five EU member countries share the responsibility for acting as the local EU Presidency in Nepal. Continuous Enlargement The European Commission opened its Delegation to Nepal Over the years the European Community has expanded from in March 2002. But its presence in Nepal is much older — it 6 to 27 member states with the entry of Romania and Bulgaria formally tied diplomatic relations in 1975 and established its on 1 January 2007. The initial 6 member states are Belgium, Technical Office in 1992. An EU-Nepal Co-operation Agreement Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands. has existed since June 1996. Within this co-operation Denmark, Ireland and the United Kingdom joined in 1973, framework high-level consultations – the so-called ‘Joint Greece in 1981, Spain and Portugal in 1986, Austria, Finland Commission’ takes place between the European Commission and Sweden in 1995. The biggest ever enlargement took and the Government of Nepal on bi-annual basis. The most Economic Cooperation and Regional place in 2004with 10 countries – Cyprus, the Czech Republic, recent EC-Nepal Joint Commission was held on 14 February Integration Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia 2007. The EU member countries and the European The European Commission has allocated a budget of about 8 and Slovenia. Commission (EC) coordinate their policies and assistance to million EUR to support: a) Nepal WTO programme, access to The EU, its members, and institutions have a common flag Nepal but the individual member states have their own finance for SMEs, and diversification of exports; b) SAARC in that is used as a symbol of the European unity – the flag is assistance programmes. Additionally the EC administers the the context of standards and customs harmonization, helping dark blue with a circle of 12 yellow stars. No matter how many common EU budget for specific initiatives and assistance as well the region to better integrate economically as the EC/EU has member states join the EU, this flag remains the same. as a portfolio of development assistance. Following are the been invited as an observer at the 14th SAARC Summit in As a further integrating factor the common currency, the major EU funded projects underway in Nepal: New Delhi. Euro ( ) was introduced on 1 January 1999 and put into real circulation three years later. Currently 13 EU Member States, Human Rights Humanitarian Aid including Slovenia, the latest joining the European Monetary European Initiative for Democracy and Human The European Commission is one of the biggest sources of Union on 1 January 2007, use the Euro as official currency. Rights (EIDHR) humanitarian aid to Nepal. Since 2001, the European The EIDHR is programmed for promoting core values of the Commission’s Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO) has European Union and serves as a mean to promote these provided close to 26 million aid for victims of these crises, values by providing financial and moral support to civil society including 12 million for the 106,000 Bhutanese refugees in initiatives concerning human rights and democratization in third Nepal and nearly 14 million for victims of the armed conflict. countries. The general objectives of EIDHR are to respond In 2006, ECHO’s fundng to Nepal totalled 7.8 million rapidly to requests for small-scale financial supports for (EUR 3 million for conflict-affected populations). In 2007, initiatives designed to promote and protect human rights and funding will be 6 million. reiterating the EC’s willingness to democratization as well as efforts aimed at conflict resolution. support Nepal in this time of transition where humanitarian Nepal is one of the 68 focus countries for the EIDHR needs are still high. worldwide. Since Nepal became a focus country for EIDHR support in 2001, the European Commission has funded 27 EIDHR micro projects and 9 EIDHR Europe has a global reach which enables us to facilitate Macro Projects in Nepal with the total contribution of trade and development to support human right, rule of law 5,430,435.00. Project selection process is underway and democracy worldwide. In this proud moment the for the project selection under the EIDHR Micro Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal allocations to Nepal for 2006 ( 375,000.00) would like to remember the special friendship between the EU and Nepal. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Nepal The OHCHR Mission in Nepal, the largest in the world, Eduardo LECHUGA-JIMENEZ also had the European Union as its biggest donor during Chargé d’ Affaires its first mandate of September 2005 to March 2007. The Delegation of the European Commission to Nepal 14 CITY 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348

ABOUT TOWN Peter Parker (Tobey Maguire) finally seems to be finding the right balance between being Spiderman and dating EXHIBITIONS girlfriend Mary-Jane Watson (Kirsten Dunst), but his new- ™ Colours of the sepals and petals an exhibition of paintings based found happiness is shattered when a meteorite crashes to on botanical art by Neera Joshi Pradhan, 10.30 AM-6PM, except earth bringing with it a slimy black substance that binds Saturdays at Park Gallery, Pulchok, until 15 May. 5522307 with Spidey’s suit to give him new powers. Two new supervillians Sandman and Venom enter the fray and to ™ Moments of passion an exhibition of collage paintings by Gaurav add to his troubles, Harry Osborne (James Franco) is Shrestha, until 15 May, 11AM-6PM daily at The Art Shop, Darbar back as the new Green Goblin.

Marg. 9841341810 Entertainment ™ Sacred realms mixed media works by Seema Sharma Shah at Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, until 26 May, Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal www.jainepal.com 11AM-6PM daily. 4218048 Quest

EVENTS ™ Letters from Iwo Jima a Clint Eastwood film, 11 May, 6.30 PM at ;xeflutfdns" ;ljwfg+ lgdf0fsf{ nflu ;ljwfg;efsf+ ] g]kfn ;/sf/ † the Lazimpat Gallery Cafe. lgjfrgdf{ ;xefuL eO { cfkm}+n] 5fgsf] kltlglw| dfkm{t ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ™ The Honest Thief performed by ;"rgf ljefu Studio 7, opening weekend 4-6 May, gof F ;ljwfg+ lgdf0f{ u/f }+ . further performances on 11-19 May and 18-20 May, 7.15 PM at the Naga Theater, Hotel Vajra. 4271545 ™ Pilgrim’s Book Festival 11-20 May, 10Am-8PM at Pilgrim’s Book House, Kupondole. 5521159 ™ Light of the Himalaya an FSA Film Club and WAVE magazine presentation, 13 May, 5.30 PM at Yala Maya Kendra, Rs 50 entrance, all proceeds go to the Tilganga Eye Centre. 5542544 ™ The Alliance’s Brunch Sunday brunch at the Alliance Francaise, 13 May,11AM in the AF garden, Rs 300. 4241163. ™ Yuva Chalfal Shrinkhala about contemporary discussions on FM Radios, 3-5PM, 11 May, at Martin Chautari. 4107599 ™ Lectures, therapies, and workshops on memory, self-confidence, stress and health by Dutch psychotherapist P Langedijk, until 12 May at Nepal Japan Children’s Library, Lainchaur. 4279712 ™ School bullying a talk program by Niti Rana, 17 May at The New Era, Battisputali. 9851023958 ™ Pottery course by Santosh Kumar from the Delhi Blue Pottery Trust, at Newa Art Ceramics in Madhyapur, Thimi, 25 May- 24 June. 9841257968

MUSIC ™ Stupa Live at the Moksh Bar, 8.30 PM on 11 May. 5526212 ™ Kathmandu Chorale spring concert 19 May, 3.30 PM and 6 PM, at The British School, Jhamsikhel. Admission free. 5521218 ™ Jatra ma jazz every Saturday by Inner Groove, 6:30 PM onwards, Jatra, Thamel.4256622 ™ Open mic night at Via Via Café, every Friday, 8PM onwards. ™ Live music at the Red Onion Bar, Wednesdays from 8PM with NEPALI WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL Yanki and Zigme Lepcha. 4416071 The rain these days is normal, but chill ™ DJ Raju and the Cloudwalkers live at the Rox Bar, Hyatt Regency, in the hills is not. This is because inundating waves of cold westerlies are every Friday and Saturday. 4491234 keeping the warm air from the south at KATHMANDU bay. The welcome rain comes from low DINING pressure systems emerging from the ™ Hawaiian Nite at La Soon Restaurant, Pulchok, 11 May, Rs 850 Tibetan plateau and pulling in surrounding clouds. Thursday afternoon’s satellite including a complimentary drink. 5537166 picture shows a fresh westerly front on ™ Friday evening BBQ with live music, at the Hotel Himalaya, 7PM, the border of Iran and Pakistan heading Rs 499 net. 5523900 east with no confronting system to block at the Dhaba, Thapathali. 9841290619 it. This, and with the powerful low ™ Kebabs and curries pressure over Nepal means lots of rain ™ Krishnarpan Nepali specialty restaurant at Dwarika’s Hotel, six to early next week. For the weekend Valley 22 course ceremonial lunch and dinner. 4479488 residents can expect lovely weather— ™ Weekend special with sekuwa, bara, barbeque, Fridays at mild days, passing clouds, breezy afternoons, fresh mornings, and light Ambassador Garden House, Lazimpat, 5.30 PM. 4411706 occasional rains. ™ Mongolian BBQ Wednesdays and Fridays, 6.30 PM at the Splash KATHMANDU VALLEY Bar and Grill, Radisson Hotel. Rs 1,000 for unlimited barbeque and beer. 4422828 Fri Sat Sun Mon Tue ™ Flavours of the Middle East every Friday and the taste of Thailand every Wednesday at The Café, Hyatt Regency, Boudha. 4491234 ™ Light nouvelle snacks and elaborate cordon bleu meals at 29-15 30-15 29-16 28-156 28-16 6 La’Soon, Pulchok, behind the Egyptian embassy. 5537166 ™ Continental cuisine and wine by the fire place at Kilroy’s, Thamel. 4250440. ™ Smorgasbord lunch at Park Village Resort, every Saturday. 4375280 ™ Gyakok at the Shambala Garden Café, Hotel Shangri-La, minimum four diners at Rs 450 per person, two hours’ notice. ™ Retro brunch barbecue with Crossfire Band at Le Meridien, Gokarna from 12-4PM, Rs 1,000 including swimming. 4451212 ™ Calcutta’s rolls, biryani, kebabs Indian cuisine at Bawarchi, Bluebird Mall Food Court. 9741000735 ™ Woodfired pizzas at the Roadhouse Café, Thamel 4262768, Bhatbhateni 4426587 and Pulchok 5521755 ™ Pizza from the woodfired oven at Java, Thamel. 4422519 ™ Jazzabell café enjoy great food, exotic cocktails and music, Chakupat, Patan. 2114075

GETAWAYS ™ Weekend package at Le Meridien Kathmandu Gokarna Forest Golf Resort and Spa, two nights three days at Rs 8,888 and one night two days at Rs 4,444. 4451212 ™ Wet and wild package at Godavari Village Resort, every Saturday and Sunday, unlimited swimming, buffet lunch with a bottle of beer or a softdrink, Rs 690 net. 5560675

For inclusion in the listing send information to [email protected] HAPPENINGS 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 15

KIRAN PANDAY ARE YOU EVEN LISTENING?: Girija Prasad Koirala makes a point to Ram Chandra Poudel and Bal Bahadur Rai (right) at the Nepali Congress' conclave of district presidents on Friday.

KIRAN PANDAY RED JUSTICE: This large stash of red sandalwood was delivered by members of the Young Communist League to the District Forest Office in Hattiban on Thursday afternoon. The YCL seized the contraband in a raid on an Imadole house on Wednesday.

MIN BAJRACHARYA

NOT THE BEST POLICY: Deeya Maskey and Sabine Lehmann busy projecting in Studio 7's production of The Honest Thief on Sunday. The play is on for two more long weekends at the Naga Theatre, Hotel Vajra.

KIRAN KRISHNA SHRESTHA CAN'T LOOK: Chandra Sekhar Karki's picture of a woman grieving over the body of her husband at Naumule five years ago was too much for this high school student. More than 100,000 people all over the country watched the photo exhibition tour of photographs form the book, A People War. 16 BACKSIDE 11 - 17 MAY 2007 #348 Let us bray

ven as tabloids this week exposed the details meeting that he should be allowed to do it because of how Paras sircar had to scrounge around to that was what the NC and UML did when they E raise the Rs 1.6 million compensation (Daddy controlled the ministry. Makes perfect sense: they apparently didn’t chip in) for the widow of musician ate donkey manure why can’t I?

Pravin Gurung after he allegedly ran over him near On World Press Freedom Day the minister also www.nepalitimes.com the Yak & Yeti seven years ago, came news that the shot himself in the foot by delivering a convoluted crownless prince has got bored hanging around at justification for past assassination of journalists by Gokarna and is back to his old ways roughing up his party. All this was duly reported in excruciating people at watering holes in the capital. detail by His Master's Voice on NTV's evening news. FG Let us pray. The Ass was glad to see that not getting an FG American transit visa didn’t deter Suresh Ale Magar Speaking of the eight parties, none except the foreign from flying off on a junket to Peru recently. The trip minister bothered to show up for the official EU Day was paid for by the Americans, ironically enough, function at the Hyatt on Wednesday. Don’t they know although Suresh Dai says the Swiss took care of the Europeans have just doubled aid and are his part of the ticket and per diem. Be that as it may, basically bankrolling the elections? Not that any of the delegation met Peruvian civil society, peace you is asking the Ass, but if you did I’d say we’re monitors, and human rights organisations involved getting a tad too dependent on donors. The NC’s in truth and reconciliation. The Nepalis even flew off district president meeting this week was paid for by to the Andean altiplano to the town of Ayacucho and the Indians. Now that the kangresi netas are used to the university where Abimael Guzman taught. Ale flying Yeti, you can be sure they ain’t gonna take was so moved to be in the cradle of the Shining night buses to party conventions no more. Even the Path that he started singing praises of Prachanda UML had no qualms about having their recent Path, about the common struggle of the Peruvian conclave sponsored by Scandies. Who’s paying for and Nepali people for the cause of World Revolution the new helipad at Baluwatar, eh? and how violence is justified in a political struggle. Needless to say, there weren’t many takers among FG his Peruano hosts for Guruji’s end-justifies-the- So, like the Ass, all of you thought Sita Ram Yechury means line of reasoning. had come to check up on the progress of the peace process? Ha! Fooled ya’ll. It’s no coincidence that FG soon after the visit, we heard that GMR had won the The Nepali media survived the sycophantic bids to explore both Upper Karnali and Arun III. Panchayat era toeing the royal line, lived through Congrats, Chandrababu. the post-1990 period when every new elected One recent proof that absolute government used state media shamelessly as a power corrupts absolutely is that propaganda tool and even after 2002 when KingG Naryanhiti hasn’t paid its power bills turned Radio Nepal, NTV, and Gorkhapatra into his for the past few years. And those mouth organs. power-hungry chappies didn’t even Now that we have a Minister of Incommunicado have to suffer loadshedding! No belonging to the Maoist persuasion, one expected wonder Comrade Sita Ram wants a him to revolutionise things. Nope. Maharababu has republic. inducted (if that’s the right word) four comrades into Radio Nepal and actually argued at a cabinet [email protected] ISSN 1814-2613