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Kathmandu l 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 l # 60 l Price Rs. 25 Backing out? Maoists’ conspiracy theory

ä Yubaraj Ghimire Prachanda’s withdrawal from the election campaign becomes all the more mysterious In what appears like a prelude to withdrawal as he along with his deputy, Baburam from the election yet another time, the Commu- Bhattarai, have been stating that any defeat nist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M) has in the poll will not be acceptable for the party, decided not to send its chief Prachanda to and in that case, the CPN-M’s next move campaign anywhere in the country as the crucial would be to capture the ‘power’ at any cost. poll to the constituent assembly is less than two Prachanda has claimed time and again that weeks away. there is a wave of support for the Maoists across the country, and there is a conspiracy Prachanda cancelled his scheduled visit to by the external forces, mainly the United Chitwan and Butwal on States, to defeat the March 29, and all other Maoists. The party also future campaign Despite Maoists’ claims that its top leaders programmes. The party assertion that may be the target of sources cited lack of ‘assassination attempt by Niraj Sapkota security as the sole they would not the external and internal Two girls with UML election symbol (rising sun) painted on their faces in an election rally reason for this. “Security back out of the forces.’ in Kathmandu on March 29. situation is not good and we do not want him to poll at any cost, “Arms are being risk his life,” a Maoist withdrawal of imported on the eve of leader from Chitwan said. elections. The Congress The abrupt withdrawal their ‘first future and the UML are being from the election President’ and the backed by the international campaign for the forces. We are fully alert remaining period followed star campaigner is about the emerging the claims by top Maoist not without sig- scenario,” said Baidya, leaders that there were adding, “We have grave threats on their lives. nificance. doubts if meaningful elections can take place Despite Maoists’ assertion that they would under these circumstances.” not back out of the poll at any cost, with- drawal of their ‘first future President’ and the The Maoists apparently are moving star campaigner is not without significance. cautiously this time, as an abrupt withdrawal “All that we can say at the moment is we have from the electoral race at this stage will mean serious doubts about meaningful election ‘admission of defeat,’ and their failing the taking place,” Mohan Baidya, a senior international community as well. However, member of the party’s central committee told launching the movement to capture power newsfront. He refused to say categorically after ‘defeat’ or finding an excuse to back out that Maoists will contest the poll. “That is now are the issues that Maoist senior leaders something we want to do, but everything will will have to settle within less than a week’s depend on how the situation emerges,” time. ä he said.

Beth Paige questions, Are you the woman you want your daughter to be? Interview on page 7

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Two killed in mosque explosion News Brief In an act of sacrilege, unidentified independent verification. incident, but they were investigating assembly poll from the district. criminals threw a powerful bomb The administration imposed into it based on first hand account Denial inside a mosque that instantly killed curfew immediately after the of the victims and some witnesses. The government has denied people and wounded about a dozen explosion, but was lifted after nine According to the information the media reports that Chinese Large others on March 29 at Sauruchiya in hours in the morning of March 30. gathered by the police, at least two security authorities are active Biratnagar. The attack, apparently PM GP Koirala who headed back to criminals had come on a motor- inside the Nepal border in view of hearted aimed at sabotaging the April 10 the capital appealed to the general cycle, and one of them threw the unrest in Tibet. The denial of election, took place when Prime people, especially the Muslims, to bombs targeting the mosque from the Foreign Ministry has come as UNICEF Minister GP Koirala was at his home exercise maximum restraint and outside its compound in the evening the Indian and western media In a rare or rather exceptional town to instruct security chiefs of the make the poll a success. when more than four dozen people have carried news to the effect region to ensure that elections took However, there were worrying were offering ‘Namaj’ inside. gesture, the United Nations office that the Peoples Liberation Army place at any cost. signs among the security agencies Apparently, only one bomb went off. in Kathmandu, dropped ten (PLA) have crossed over to Nepal At least two people, Feroze Khan as it happened soon after Koirala Ian Martin, Chief of the Untied Tibetan protestors to their homes side of the border and is keeping and Parwez Iraqi Ansari, both local instructed eastern region security Nations Mission to Nepal (UNMIN) in the UN vehicles, normally residents, died on the way to the chiefs belonging to the Army, condemned the incident which he a watch on the activities. “The restricted for use by the UN hospital while the wounded have Armed Police Force, Nepal Police said was a deliberate targeting of a news are completely false, employees. been admitted to the hospital for and the Intelligence Department to place of religion. “Forces tempted to baseless and aimed at maligning The protestors had trespassed treatment. The Nepal Defense ensure that no untoward incident try to disrupt the election should Nepal’s image,” the ministry said. into the UN office premises in Army (NDA) has owned responsi- should take place. The Prime recognise the backlash this would The Chinese authorities had Pulchowk on March 27 to protest bility for the incident. RP Mainali, a Minister categorically told them that provoke, and should respect the approached the government against what they called ‘repres- self styled supreme commander of he would not want to hear any overwhelming desire of the people of earlier suggesting that no ‘Free sion’ of the Tibetans by the the NDA issued a statement soon negative thing on the poll prepara- Nepal, supported by the international Tibet’ and anti-Chinese activities Chinese authorities. The UN after the explosion claiming tion, silencing the officials. community, to see the election as the should be allowed from Nepali office asked the Nepali police not responsibility for the mosque attack. Police said no arrest has been democratic basis for determining the territory. Shital Niwas sources said to detain those who trespassed, However, there has been no made within the first 20 hours of the future of the nation,” he said. ä that it is Nepal policy not to let ‘our and chose to drop them home territory’ used against any of our and give them a free meal. neighbours and that, “China is convinced of our intentions.” Talks with Terai groups a non-starter Appointed It all failed as they wanted a party ruling alliance stood dissolved. accorded to the Maoists while holding Giving Kush treatment at par with the Communist Deputy Prime Minister, Ram negotiation with them. All the Maoist Kumar Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M). The Chandra Poudel who headed the cadres had been released without back arms Joshi has group of four armed outfits of Terai government negotiation team said withdrawing the cases. been wanted all their cadres under detention that while the government was still The four Terai outfits had accepted Maoists have returned three ap- released before the talks began on open for dialogue, it would enforce a written invitation from the govern- weapons to the Police in Rukum pointed schedule on March 29 in Janakpur. the law and order hinting that the four ment to begin the dialogue, but they a week after they snatched it Presi- But as the government refused to groups might come under govern- set March 28 as deadline for en masse from the security personnel. dent of concede to that pre-condition, the ment attack if they tried to foil the poll. release of their arrested activists. The Maoist district-in-charge Purna the negotiation was called off. A joint He said the government was ready deadline was extended by a day later, Gharti handed over three set of Federa- statement issued by Terai Cobra, for the release of the cadres of the but the government insisted that they revolvers and 38 rounds of tion of Nepal Chamber of Madhes Mukti Tigers, Janatantrik Terai four groups, and had asked for details must furnish details of their activists’ bullets to the district police Commerce and Industries Mukti Morcha and United Janatantrik of their whereabouts. “Naturally, it whereabouts. The Deputy Prime office-in-charge of media and (FNCCI). In an election held for Terai Mukti Morcha said as the takes some time for the government Minister had already air dashed to human rights representatives. a- two-year tenure on March 27, government failed to fulfill their pre- to complete legal and other formalities Janakpur along with the entire All these weapons had been Joshi secured 1468 votes, 120 condition, they were calling off the for their release,” Poudel said. negotiation team of the government. snatched from the security more than his rival Chandra peace initiative. They also announced In fact, the Terai outfits which are Poudel later rushed to Biratnagar to personnel provided by the Prasad Dhakal. that the joint team they had formed to not among the most prominent ones brief the Prime Minister about the government to a UML candidate Dhakal had led the FNCCI for negotiate with the official team apparently wanted the same failure of the dialogue for which he contesting the constituent consisting of members from the seven treatment the government had blamed the Terai groups entirely. ä two terms. Facing the people “…Your party supremo was enjoying a ride on the back of a poor person even while crossing the small river in Rolpa. Comrade, is this the way Maoists want to abolish the feudal system?”

ä Chhatra Karki Chapagaun, Lalitpur asked factor for federalism, caste interact on different agenda of CA Ananta, “Comrade, you should not have a role to play. polls and the new constitution building Last week, Dilip Simkhada, a grade seemed revolutionary in The programme named process. “It offers a chance to the eight student from Budhha Jyoti your speech but your party Common question was people at the grassroots level, who Academy, Dallu, was present in the supremo was enjoying a conducted by BBC World have never spoken in front of a mike. conference hall of Nepal Tourism ride on the back of a poor Service Trust, and it had over We have tried our best to encourage Board. “No political parties followed person even while crossing 100 participants. Their major participation of the rural people, the spirit of constitution of 1990, how the small river in Rolpa. concern and questions students, workers and marginalised can you assure that the new constitu- Comrade, is this the way revolved round the peace people in the programme,” Keith ent will dramatically solve the issues of Maoists want to abolish the process, CA polls and visions Beech, Editor of the programme told Madhesh, Janajati, Dalit, women, feudal system?” Ananta as of the party leaders. Acharya, newsfront. Karnali and the marginalised groups?” a result, looked uncomfort- Pant and Pun respectively That seems to have worked, if the Dilip asked CPN (UML) leader, able and was left speech- Niraj Sapkota represented Nepali Con- popularity of the programme in such a ceremonial monarchy? Any decision on Raghujee Panta. Panta answered, less. gress, UML and the Maoists. Sushil short span of time is any indicator.” We monarchy without referendum is “Political parties have realised their Nepali Congress leader Narahari Sharma of the BBC Nepali Service have got very good response from the undemocratic.” mistakes and will respect the mandate Acharya tried to clarify, “There is a and Narayan Shrestha of the BBC listeners. The programme will be The three major parties, UML, given by the people.” lack of internal democracy in political Trust conducted the programme. recorded in remote areas of far west Maoists and Nepali Congress put Indra Tamang, a representative of parties and the party leaders have The trust conducts the Common and east, and will try and get hold of forward a rosy future for Nepal and the landless community asked, “How an overdose of feudal attitude. question and radio drama “ katha real problems,” said John Penn the enormous responsibility before the would the political parties address the Unless such attitude is overcome, mitho sarangiko” by covering the voices Country Director of the BBC Trust. constituent assembly, but they failed to problems of 10 lakhs, 37 thousands democracy cannot work for the of voiceless people .The programme The programme which the BBC justify their past when they were being landless families?” Barsaman Pun grassroots people.” has become a platform where people Nepali Service broadcasts is relayed grilled by the people. The people said Ananta of the Communist Party of Sweta Sharma from Balaju said, “All who are normally not heard get a through 70 FM stations in the country a federal Nepal, with autonomy Nepal-Maoist (CPN-M) replied, “Only the parties have decided to go republic. chance to confront the leaders. The and is also shown on the Kantipur granted to the regions on the basis of the Maoist government can solve It only shows how immature the leaders at times failed to satisfy the Television every Wednesday. It has language, culture and geography will these problems and destruct the political parties are. How can you curiosity of the ordinary people and already covered remote areas like give a larger sense of ownership to the existing feudal system.” ensure that national unity and people’s often failed to understand them. Solukhumbu, Jumla, Taplejung and regions. They also felt while economy Bimala KC, a housewife from sovereignty remains without a The aim of the programme is to Achham. ä should be taken into account as a News 31 March- 6 April, 2008 3 CA Election Countdown Army may be called in

ä nf correspondent leaders, and said, “that might warrant mouthing of the security personnel by any deployment of the Nepal army.” party will not be acceptable. With little over a week left for the Speaking at an impressive election rally In the rally that had all the 15 candidates constituent assembly polls, the Communist organised by the party in Ratna Park on from the valley on the dais along with Party of Nepal-United Marxist Leninist March 29, Nepal said Maoists were both senior leaders, most speakers criticised the (CPN-UML), aspiring to emerge as the ‘anarchic and tyrants’ the way they have Maoists for their activities of violence, largest party, has spoken in favour of been going around attacking their political mainly directed against the UML. “They Nepal army being mobilised for the opponents. “They must stop it if they are in are suffering from defeat syndrome, and election. favour of a free and fair poll. If they are angry with the UML because we did CPN-UML General Secretary, Madhav continue with their violent activities, the not give them what they demanded. Their Kumar Nepal and another senior leader, army must be called in,” Nepal said. demands were KP Oli said that given the praiseworthy and It was perhaps for the first time that unreasonable,” said Ishwar Pokhrel, one effective record of Nepal Army (NA) in Nepal also praised NA by saying, “like the of the candidates and party’s central previous elections, and in view of the ordinary people, the army is also keeping committee member. worsening law and order situation in the quiet despite Maoists’ excesses and KP Sharma Oli, who was a victim of the country, “the army may have to be used.” provocations. If the Maoists’ unrestrained Maoist attack in Jhapa recently said that Nepal was specially critical of the behavior continues, the whole nation will Maoists were the biggest obstacle in favour Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists (CPN- turn against them.” He also praised the of the left unity as they were still, “authori- M) for what he called deliberate attacks on efforts of the NA and Nepal Police in the tarian anti-democratic in nature and

the rival politicians, mainly the UML previous elections and said that bad- character.” Niraj Sapkota

Brief earlier complained that all her election materials like party flags, posters and placards put up at different places are often Uncomfortable removed from the scene. support Candidate ab- Support does not always help one’s ducted political prospects. The An independent candidate from Rajbiraj former Deputy Prime has been kidnapped by an armed group Minister and Jana belonging to the Akhil Terai Mukti Morcha. Morcha leader, Amik The candidate, Rajkishor Mandal was Serchan must have kidnapped during the day when he arrived realised it by now. at Pakari village development area of Serchan, a candidate Saptari on March 30. He is the candidate from Chitwan-5 is from Dalit Janajati party. Abinash, who newsfront being supported by the Communist Party of claimed to be the commander of Morcha’s Nepal-Maoists (CPN-M) in the area. area number two, has owned the responsi- But that is exactly what has created bility for the abduction. problems for Serchan since the constitu- ency also includes Madi area where 39 PLA exodus villagers lost their lives following an attack by the Maoists on a public bus two years ago. Dumping The mass exodus of Maoist combatants The same fear was echoed by the UML The survivors of the tragedy besides the from Shaktikhor cantonment in Chitwan also and its General Secretary Madhav Nepal family members of the victims are feeling Harivansh district on March 27 has come not only as a praised Nepal Army for maintaining utmost ignored and humiliated as the Maoist It is only on rare occasions that satirist violation of the election code of conduct by restraint even on the face of provocation. As leaders failed to pay the promised duo Madan Krishna and Harivansh Acharya the Maoists, but has become an embarrass- per the agreement reached by the govern- compensation to them. Madi residents have are not seen together on social and political ing event for the United Nations Mission to ment and the Maoists with UNMIN, Maoist clearly told Serchan (whom they had occasions. But March 29 was one such day, Nepal (UNMIN), the sole monitor of the combatants and Nepal Army would remain in backed in the last election) that they would and it perhaps came with an ominous combatants activities and their movement. the designated barracks or cantonments. vote for somebody else this time. The message. Newa Jagaran Manch, an A day after Prime Minister GP Koirala and An EC source told ENS that Martin reason is simple - Serchan is an ally of the organisation founded by some representa- his Deputy Ram Chandra Poudel who is also expressed his helplessness as UNMIN had Maoists. tives of the Newar community from in charge of the Peace and Reconstruction neither the machinery nor the mandate to get Kathmandu for declaring the valley a Newa Ministry took up the issue with UNMIN, the back forcefully, those who deserted the state, had Madan Krishna on the dais, but Election Commission (EC) took an unprec- camps. The success of the mission depended Target Sujata Harivansh was nowhere to be seen. edented step of calling the mission Chief Ian on the cooperation from the government and Madan Krishna was invited to light the Sujata Koirala has Martin in its office to express grave concern the Maoists besides strict adherence to the candle to mark the formal launch of the Manch been going through over mass desertion of the camps by the understandings from two sides, the source along with other luminaries from the commu- endless woes. On Maoist combatants. quoted Martin. nity, but Harivansh, a Brahman, was left out. March 30, Abdullah About 200 combatants in their combat In addition to the Shaktikhor incident, Maoist Among those who adorned the dais Ansari, a tailor who dress had left their cantonment without combatants have deserted the camps included eminent historian, Satya Mohan used to stitch informing UNMIN and attended the election temporarily to lodge their protest against one Joshi; poet Durga Lal Shrestha; human right Congress party flags, meeting addressed by Maoist Chief or the other issues in many areas on different leader Padma Ratna Tuladhar, besides was shot and Prachanda at Rautahat, some 100-km from cantonments. others. Madan Krishna’s discomfiture was wounded at his there. “The combatants cannot leave the This is however, not the only way that the however, visible as he said that other residence in Narsingh camps in a group under any pretext,” Martin Maoists have bypassed UNMIN. Only recently, communities should not be targeted while that falls under Sunsari constituency from told the EC, promising that he would take up the money meant for distribution among the the Newar community launched its struggle where Sujata is contesting the poll. the matter with Maoist Chief Prachanda Maoist combatants in various cantonments as for its rights. Ansari was rushed to BP Koirala Institute seriously. ‘monthly stipends’ was paid without UNMIN The Communist Party of Nepal-Maoists of Health and Medical sciences in Dharan. The UNMIN was entrusted with the task of presence which is an essential condition as (CPN-M) has suggested creation of 11 And he is still in a serious condition. monitoring arms and armies of the agreed by the government, Maoists and the states, nine of them on ethnic lines, under a A couple of days before the attack on government and the Maoists following an UNMIN. federal Nepal under which Kathmandu will Ansari, unidentified criminals snatched a agreement between the three sides. “Such Earlier, Usha Nepal, a member of the be a Newar state. Malla K Sundar, a motorcycle from an employee of Sushma lapses on the part of the Maoist combatants election commission, had taken strong member of the interim parliament from Koirala memorial trust in Inaruwa area. might have disastrous effects as the Nepal exception to desertion of the cantonment by Maoist party said all the big parties were Kishore, the trusted employee, immediately army is confined in the barracks in deference the Maoist guerrillas in Surkhet, but neither almost similarly biased against ethnic groups lodged the case with the police, but there is to the agreement with the UNMIN,” said UNMIN nor the government took the matter and it was visible at the time of selection of no clue yet about the robbery. Sujata had Deputy Prime Minister Poudel. seriously. candidates for the constituent assembly poll. 4 1 March- 6 April, 2008 Editorial

Editor & Publisher : Yubaraj Ghimire Executive Editor : Sushma Amatya News Coordinator : Manoj Dahal Design: Sunil Khadgi, Kishor Raj Panta & Ramkrishna Rana Address : PO Box: 8830, Lazimpat, Kathmandu, Nepal Tel : 4443888, Fax : 4421147 (Edt.), 4411912 (Mkt.) Email: [email protected], [email protected] (Mkt.) Printed by: Express Color Press, Buddhanagar, Tel.: 4781810, Distribution: Kasthamandap, Tel.: 2010821 Point to Ponder Political promises are much like marriage vows. They are made at the beginning of the relationship between candidate and voter, but are quickly forgotten. - Dick Gregory Endorsing impunity Not a day has passed without violent clashes among the political rivals taking place in the country as the historic poll to the constituent assembly draws nearer. Already, one candidate has lost his life, attacked by criminals. At least two candidates of the Letters Nepali Congress and one from the UML had to be rushed to the hospital for treatment for the injuries they sustained in the Maoist Save Dolma stable and vibrant democracy. attack. On the other hand, at least eight Maoist cadres have lost It has been a long time ä Sanjay Tuladhar their lives, six of them in poll related violence. since we read the news of Kathmandu Nearly 100, mainly belonging to the three parties - Nepali Dolma who faces a death Congress, UML and the Maoists, have been wounded. Maoist sentence for the alleged killing Love self and others combatants have deserted the camps and participated in the of her Pilipino colleague in election meeting of the Maoists in brazen violation of its agreement first Kuwait. The news that Nepal with the United Nations Mission to Nepal (UNMIN). And worse, I read Mrs. Adhikari’s letter government is taking initiatives Maoist Chief Prachanda heaped praises on Young Communist in newsfront about ‘women`s to save Dolma’s life was League cadres who made an attempt on the life of Bal Bahadur KC, day matters’ with great highlighted by the media; a Congress candidate from Solu. Further, he has declared that his interest. It is a popular topic which meaning raising funds party would not accept the poll outcome if that goes against the poll. all over the world. I hope all for the expenses of legal The election commission as well as the international observers women in this world, no matter proceedings and to compen- who are here in large numbers do not seem to have taken these in which country they are sate the victim’s family. incidents with the seriousness it deserved. living, in any social system, I am from London and They have not even bothered to discuss the situation with educated or not, can one day would very much like to people like senior politician and former Deputy Prime Minister KP develop some kind of strength contribute whatever I can to Oli who is also a UML candidate from Jhapa to ask for details, if he to respect and love them- save her life. But we don’t has any, about his claim that Maoists are out to assassinate top selves. know the details as to where politicians including Oli himself before the poll. Similar fears are The affirmation of one’s own we can deposit the money and being expressed by the Maoist leaders. life, happiness, freedom is to make sure that the funds The EC, armed with sweeping powers, has a responsibility to act rooted in one‘s capacity to love will reach the right place. I independently and fearlessly. It cannot work as an election unit of the and care, to have mutual would assume there are other government which is controlled by the three parties. But unfortunately, respect, for responsibility and Nepalis living abroad who feel the EC and the observer community, through their silence or knowledge. If we can respect the same way. If you could find ineffective response, are only endorsing the culture of impunity being ourselves and each other, we out the details and publish how and enjoyed by violators of election laws and the code of conduct. can also love one another without where we could deposit the money then It is not just any kind of election that the country is looking for. Bhutan’s new Avatar generalising and imposing our will on it will speed up the process very quickly Nor is it a mere formality for the national and international It was good to read that Bhutan has others. Indeed, is it not a lifelong and save her life. observers to endorse and approve any kind of election conducted made a transition from despotism to process? ä Anuj Khanal by the election commission in the given situation. A process, where democracy. Let us not ignore the reality ä Elsbeth Wetzel London people’s rights to vote in a free and fearless atmosphere violates behind the facade wherein over Zurich the very basis and rationale of the poll, cannot and should not be 100,000 Hindus of Nepali origin are endorsed as an acceptable model of poll. International observers Appreciation denied their rights as citizens of Bhutan. Readers, your reac- will be failing in their duty if they refuse to understand this. Thank you for the excellent editorial in For a democracy to be true to its Not too long ago, this country under the royal regime, tried to the last issue of Newsfront highlighting meaning, it has to be inclusive, not tions, criticisms, com- enforce a farcical poll for the municipal elections under Keshav the injustice delivered by the Supreme discriminating its own citizen in the name ments, suggestions Rajbhandari, a retired civil servant. He simply tried to toe the line Court to the NRB Governor. of ethnicity and religion. As long as are most welcome. of his political masters of the day. His successor, Bhojraj Pokhrel, ä Prativa Pandey, M.D. Bhutan refuses to acknowledge the has a limited choice - to step in his footstep or be different. People Medical Director rights of over 100,000 Bhutanis Please address it to: will not treat him differently if he apes his immediate predecessor. CIWEC Clinic Travel Medicine Center languished in the refugee camps in [email protected] Kathmandu Nepal, Bhutan will not flourish as a Spiritual Corner Sea of illusion About this time, Francis composed of Sufi Ghazals becomes an ‘it was’. Francis Brabazon was born in London and Brabazon met the Indian spiritual written in English. grew up in a countryside in Australia. As master Meher Baba, who had Distance ever grows longer; it never Francis grew into adolescence, he grew to become the leader of the Sufi Brabazon’s poem: Ocean becomes shorter. love the natural world that surrounded him, Movement that Brabazon of truth The mirage stretches on and on but it never and he began to write his first poetry. belonged to. Brabazon made Our drop souls are of the ocean becomes water. Francis was still a teenager when the several trips to India to be with of truth; their bubbles are bright famous droughts and rabbit plagues that Meher Baba, eventually staying snares The distance between any two pebbles affected large portions of Australia wiped out with him for ten years. which keep us in the sea of equals the circumference of Space. the family farm, and the entire family moved to Meher Baba was a great illusion playing ‘musical chairs.’ No matter how great our love, union is Melbourne. In the city, he was exposed to lover of the ecstatic Sufi poets, conditioned by time and place. many of the great artists of the time, and he like Hafiz and others, and he Dear soul, says one bubble to soon saw his life as a quest to discover and encouraged Francis Brabazon to write poetry another, you are all I adore. Come dearest droplet, let us together seek express beauty through art. along similar lines. Brabazon came to be Curl me up in your arms and I’ll ask of the beloved’s door; In the 1940’s, he became interested in known as “Meher Baba’s poet.” heaven nothing more. Let us leave this wave which will separate eastern spirituality and soon became a student Perhaps his best-known work is Stay with us, and come up on the shore. of a Sufi Shaikh. With the death of his Sufi God, a book-length poem of devotion to Good luck, brother! But it won’t take you to teacher in the early 1950’s, Brabazon became Meher Baba and the spiritual path. In Dust I where you’re going — because I hear his beautiful voice calling deep in my soul: the head of the Sufi movement in Australia. Sing, another much-loved collection is the fly in that ointment is, every ‘It is’ ‘The lover is nothing; the beloved is all in all.’ Debating Development 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 5 Hidden shocks for Nepal from inflation

No rich or ä Shivanth Pande are grudgingly beginning to accept power to raise commodity prices We should expect to face difficulty the face that the low inflation enjoyed worldwide. Wheat, corn, pork, oil, in other commodities such as sugar, poor can We notice daily the price levels and the world over could be due to the gas, gold, steel and onion prices have wheat, corn, rice, vegetables, which read about inflation. No rich or poor fact that for the past 20 years, the risen globally on the back of double all matter as we are a net importer escape its can escape its effects. However, in world has been shopping at dirt digit growth in China, 9% growth in of such goods. The drain on our implications this past decade inflation had become cheap prices for goods ‘Made in India and a healthy U.S economy. We exchequer and reserves will mute. Like a disease that we learnt to China’. Virtual slave labor in an are now in a new epoch where battle increase further from the $930 treat, it was promptly forgotten. Even economy where labor is the cheapest for resources is being waged with million we change into INR to pay off in the lair of financial professionals in the world has enabled the world to places like Africa the new battlefield. various imports. The remittance of inflation was not a problem; Central do many things. Looking around in Gold prices have risen three fold two billion we get from abroad will Banks the world over (the latest the streets of Kathmandu, this within the past five years. be worth less and less as inflation major one being the FED) switched process has enabled the locals to rises and the dollar drops. Also the to a system of inflation targeting as afford clothing and apparel equivalent China and India alone have fueled incidence of inflation in other their primary monetary policy to western countries, to use cellular a massive demand for gold. Tradi- countries means that interest rates instrument and declared to the world phones, televisions you name it. tionally gold is seen as the ultimate will rise to combat the effects. This that inflation was their primary store of value. As inflation eats into implication for our neighbors is scary. concern and was firmly under control. However things are changing. The paper wealth (cash, stocks and If India increases costs, this further past 20 years have brought tremen- bonds) people lose confidence and increases capital flight from Nepal, Why the importance towards dous upheaval to China, and it now park their wealth in precious metals wreaking havoc on our banking inflation? Remember the 1970’s has a colossally massive middle class. like gold, silver and platinum. Judging system and economy. when inflation acted as a wealth Wages there are on the rise and so from the graph above, there is a destroyer. 10 years of economic are standards of living. Globally we global crisis in terms of confidence as Perhaps the most poignant point to growth at 5% can be negated by five should now expect the opposite of the the demand for gold skyrockets. One understand about inflation in our years thereafter of 10% inflation. Or benefits we once enjoyed. Super way of understanding the graph is to context is the relationship between Japan’s lost decade struggling with stellar Chinese demand has the realise that one is about two times inflation and the growth rate of the the opposite of inflation and 0% poorer if not holding a substantial economy. As economists, we think in growth. portfolio of gold. real terms. It basically means we adjust figures to take inflation into Inflation is thought of as a symptom So what hidden surprises does account, as it is a destroyer of value. of rising wealth levels and economic inflation have in store for Nepal? If Nepal is growing at the officially growth. Basically put, too much China and India Nepal has been crippled in the past given rate of 4%, and inflation as money is competing for limited year by the effects of global energy compiled by the central bank is at 5.4- resources. The push can come from alone have fueled inflation. Crude oil prices have tripled 6%, then in real terms we are not the supply or demand side and the a massive de- and gas at the pumps here is still at actually growing as an economy but various forms are called demand pull heavily subsidised rates. As a result in global terms declining by about 1.5- and cost push. Wages or the cost of mand for gold. the NOC and the government are 2% per year as an economy. This is factors of production can affect Traditionally gold bleeding money and have not been based on the formal data. If informal demand and supply and therefore able to pay the suppliers, resulting in data is taken into account the inflation prices. Sounds simple but there is a is seen as the shortages and insane queues for fuel. rate is probably around 8% and the slight problem. ultimate store of Any attempt to address this problem growth rate about 2-2.5%, so were with an increase in prices promptly are actually growing at an annual rate Take China’s role. Today people value. leads to riots. of -6% a year. Does this make sense? 6 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 Debating development The meaning of Pave the right way this election for the elections The new constitution needs to have the universal ä Amit Pyakurel issue was finally resolved through negotiation. check and balance provision by ensuring the inde- The political sphere in the country seems to have taken a great leap If the yet agitating factions in Madhes pendence of judiciary, legislative and executive. forward, following the recent agree- are all intended for equal rights and fair ment between the government and the representation in the CA polls, they ä Binod P. Bista constitution for a new Nepal secular state or retain Hinduism two chief Madhesi groups. It is a hard- should come to the negotiating table acceptable to all (at least in as state religion? Is there a need earned triumph, in view of some drastic and sort out the discrepancies The constituent theory). to transform Nepal into a federal demands by the Madhesi groups, which peacefully. The government should give assembly election system similar to Switzerland had shown almost no way-out to equal attention to the negotiation. In for the people of The state of political, economic simply because Nepal’s terrain reconciliation. Through ostensible the event of total non-compliance by Nepal is getting and social development has resembles that affluent European intercession by our southern neighbor, the agitators (which would illustrate that into high gear with lagged behind so badly that Nepal nation? If yes, will the country be there was finally a mutual accord, with they are more for disintegration and the election manifestos made could remain the only nation in divided into eleven provinces the promise to fulfill some core, regression, rather than for their rights), public. Though manifesto is South Asia as least developed, based on ethnicity and geogra- politically righteous demands of only then could the government resort defined as a policy or proposal or poor and unmanageable. In the phy? What about the economic Madhesis, with to security measures to restrain any program, it is nevertheless a present time the external viability of the newly created some flexibility from both the govern- untoward activity causing harm to the declaration of principles issued by interventions and influences have states (or provinces)? ment and the Madhesi parties on the CA polls and security of the general a political party. It does contain been so strong that the ruling elite demand of “one Madhes, one Pradesh,” people. Likewise, it’s worth considering the possible infliction of violence aimed at disrupting the polls, from those not UML rally in Kathmandu on Saturday wanting the institution of monarchy to People’s grievances could be the budding be uprooted. ground of instability for the nation in the People’s apprehension over security long run. in the polls is, however, not going to be boiled down just by the mere rhetoric to provide ‘enough security’ from the government. People are bound to have qualms over safety in the coming elections, due to the fact that they have witnessed a considerable level of impunity from the state to many brutal crimes and murders, during and even after the official end of the Maoists’ ‘people’s war’ and after the joint oath by the major parties (including the former rebels) to give the country sustainable peace and progress by the mean of the CA polls.

We seem have developed a sad tendency of forgetting the past brutalities inflicted by different ‘political’ outfits towards innocent civilians. Given its past record of forgetting the pain

Niraj Sapkota inflicted on the civilians and the ones having one or the other political policies and objectives pursued by has lost its standing and Nepal is Does Nepal need to follow yet without enough elucidation on the affiliation, the government really needs a party with a view to assisting the in the verge of losing its identity as positive discrimination to bring actual deal made. to do a lot now. It should beef up the people in the understanding of an independent and sovereign about inclusiveness of the left out security condition and punish the that party. nation. classes? What effect would it have It is now imperative that the words criminals. It is vital that the government in the overall development? Does meet proper execution. It is also worth root out criminal outfits, which could Many have argued that the The upcoming elections Nepal need to compartmentalise taking seriously the displeasure shown wreak havoc to foil the election. The parties have come out with the assume greater importance since its affairs by creating separate over the accord, by some Madhesi polls would also be a historic test for respective manifestos as if they the members to the constituent bureaucratic set ups for provinces groups who have vowed to continue the professed democratic parties to were doing so for general assembly have manifold tasks and allowing the provincial their agitation, or even worse, to foil the make it a success, and the world is elections. After failing to take up and responsibilities. While they language as the official one? polls. The groups, still embracing watching. this task in the 1950s, being the need to check the rapid erosion What happens to the freedom of violence for their political haggle, like first leap to democracy, Nepal is of nation’s sovereignty immedi- movement and employment within that of Jwala Singh and others, have The government’s apathetic way of trying again to accomplish this ately after the elections, they Nepal for Nepali citizens? cited that the Madhesis were ‘betrayed’ reacting to the public’s grievances, task. After eliminating the last have to also see to it that the by the understanding reached under even those regarding the deaths of democratic constitution (1990) new constitution has the Since there are takers on both the Indian canopy, and would continue their loved-ones is not only tragic from approved by the people of Nepal, universal check and balance sides to these questions, it is of their ‘struggle’ unless the demands a humanitarian perspective, but is also the present coalition partners provision by ensuring the utmost necessity to give undivided outlined by them were met before the a way to earn distrust and hostility from have drafted an interim constitu- independence of judiciary, attention to all issues even if there CA polls. the citizens. People’s grievances could tion and amended it twice within a legislative and executive. It does is one small group contesting be the budding ground of instability for short span of less than 18 not matter whether the system majority views. That alone can Here, the situation demands that the the nation in the long run, although it months. they choose as people’s safeguard the new constitution government correctly identifies criminal doesn’t appear substantial in front of representatives is based on a and democracy. or political outfits, and reciprocates the big political aspects which are The forthcoming elections to presidential system or a prime accordingly. It was true that the considered to be the ‘only’ major the constituent assembly can be ministerial system but under a Most importantly, Nepal government earlier had tried to hurdles. considered from two stand- fully democratic set up so long as emerging from a serious internal concede to the demands of the points: critical assessment of the the system is workable and conflict that claimed more than Madhesi groups inefficiently, but was The general mood have definitely interim constitution, as capable of producing desired 13,000 lives and destroyed finally forced to listen to the Madhesis turned optimistic with the prospect of the amended, for finding the right results. precious state infrastructure, must who are concerned about the unequal election closer to reality than ever path as truly desired by the find a development path under an share of state privileges and rights. before. However, there should be a Nepali people; prepare a new The key issues which have agreeable system for accelerating Though their demands sounded guarantee for the election to be fair and document (constitution) been stated and restated during economic growth and develop- aggressive and intrinsically anti- peaceful for it to be successful. Only a altogether and take the interim all of the past two years and ment in a stable environment. election, it was more of a pressure- genuine election could guarantee the constitution as one of the earlier, belong to distinct catego- Anything less would be betraying tactic rather than an ultimate desire to country’s peaceful and prosperous several reference materials. The ries. Will Nepal become a republic the trust of all Nepali people. The wreck the election and lead the nation future. objective of either of these or still choose to retain monarchy members of the constituent towards regression, given that the ([email protected]) approaches is to come up with a is some form? Will it become a assembly must not fail this time. ä Interview 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 7

Beth Paige, USAID Mission Director, struck a chord with most women with the speech she gave in a gathering on the International Women’s Day. Are you the woman “I adopted a deep sense of gratitude for the women who struggled and fought — and who continue to struggle you want your and fight — so that women like me could have the opportunities they didn’t have. …. Pauline (my friend) advised me to always ask myself – “Are you the daughter to be? woman you want your daughter to be?” “....The question had a profound effect on me – it taught me that if I “…Rights and opportunities are not something that we leave to the next want my daughter to be respected, then I had to be respected, if I want generation – they are something we give to the next generation.” my daughter to have courage, then I need to be courageous. If we want our daughters to be strong, then we focusing on those segments of the and democratic nation based on U.S. that “the third time is a charm.” This is the third time I’ve lived in have to be strong. If we want our population that are at highest risk of principles of inclusion, where all Let us hope this third try at CA Nepal. I lived here in the late 1960 daughters to live lives that are greater illness or mortality, and/or doesn’t citizens have equal access to elections in Nepal is a charm. and early 1970s and attended Lincoln and go beyond the barriers that have adequate access to quality essential services and opportunities, American School. Nepal was a very society has erected, then we have to medical services. For example, and where the rights of all citizens are Is USAID planning to increase different country and Kathmandu was knock those barriers down….It taught USAID is supporting the Ministry of respected. Currently we have its aid volume or will it just focus a very different city then. In me that rights and opportunities are Health to improve maternal survival programs in health and family on prioritizing the basic necessi- Kathmandu in the late 60s, there not something that we leave to the and community-based treatment of planning, peace building, education, ties? were very few cars, the ring road did next generation – they are something pneumonia and other childhood economic growth, agriculture, rule of I think USAID’s future program for not exist, and people were very, very we give to the next generation.” diseases. law, democracy and good gover- Nepal will depend largely on a free poor. We can all read the develop- Beth for sure passed on the torch Success in these areas is a main nance, human rights, and disaster and fair election and the successful ment indicators and know that there of inspiration to other women on that factor behind the astonishing 30% response and preparedness. All of formation and functioning of the has been considerable progress in a day. She replied to Sushma drop in child mortality in the past five these programs are in place to Constituent Assembly. I would like to wide range of areas, but most telling Amatya’s questions for newsfront, years. USAID-supported semi-annual support the Nepali people as they see Nepal take advantage of the to me is the visual difference between recently: Vitamin A distribution alone has build a new Nepal. entire range of the US Government’s the Nepal I remember and the one I prevented about 15,000 child deaths foreign assistance options – not just see today. People are healthier, small USAID has been in Nepal for business is thriving, there are more more than 50 years now. How do products on the market, there are you view its involvement and more modern houses, there are achievement? more schools and health clinics, and I think USAID has had a very there are more trees!! strong and rich history in Nepal. USAID’s programs have always What do you hope to achieve in focused on assistance that responds the future? to needs that the people of Nepal In terms of USAID/Nepal, I would themselves consider the most like to see our program intensify its important - health, education and efforts to help economic and social economic opportunity. Nepal has progress to reach those citizens who seen impressive progress in these have so far not benefited from the areas. That’s not to say that there growth and development that Nepal isn’t room for more progress – there has experienced in the last 50 years. I certainly is. I think it’s important, would especially like to see our though, to acknowledge the extraordi- program intensify its efforts to support nary successes that the Nepali women to have a greater voice in the people, with USAID’s support, have future of their country, and in their had in the last 50 years. own lives. In 1961 the average life expectancy Finally, I would like to see stronger of a Nepali citizen was 33. Today it is ties between the people of the United 64. There has been an 81% reduction States and the people of Nepal. in infant mortality. In 1961 there were Nepal and the United States have a total of 160 skilled doctors, nurses, enjoyed a strong history of friendship and health workers in the entire and I hope that the USAID Mission country. Today there are over 20,000. and I can contribute to making that In the last fifty years the literacy rate per year. In the 1990’s USAID took an As a donor agency how the USAID program. For example, friendship stronger. went from 5.3% to 67.9%. Fifty years early lead in HIV/AIDS assistance for satisfied is USAID in its post- hundreds of millions of dollars of ago there was a total of 376 kms of Nepal, which continues today. conflict reconstruction efforts? foreign assistance is available through Other excerpts from the speech road in the country. Today there are USAID’s HIV/AIDS assistance is This is a difficult question to the US government’s Millennium Beth gave on March 8 which says a over 17,000 kms of road. In 1951 aimed at helping to maintain – and answer. While a Peace Agreement Challenge Corporation (MCC), for lot more about her: there were only 300 Nepali students eventually reduce – its low rate of has been signed between the main countries that qualify. “…I was raised by parents that enrolled in college – today there are HIV/AIDS prevalence. parties to the 1996-2006 conflict, until Qualification is based on a variety instilled in each of us children the over 132,000 Nepali students it is honored by all groups, it is difficult of indicators that measure movement belief that there wasn’t anything that attending college. USAID’s contribution to Nepal to say that the country is truly in a toward effective, transparent we couldn’t do. My family placed a The development progress that in the area of Peace Building? post-conflict stage. Bandhs and democratic governance, as well as very high value on education and not Nepal has made in the last 50 years USAID has several activities in threats of kidnapping and extortion increased prosperity and improved being educated was never an option. has been phenomenal. While USAID support of Peace Building in Nepal. and attempts at corruption result in education and health status. After the Outside the structure of my family, I – along with the international USAID supports programs that the delay or cancellation of assistance elections, we hope to work with the would sometimes hear subtle and, community - has provided important increase citizens’ access to informa- projects, which ultimately hurts the Government to seek new opportuni- sometimes not so subtle, messages support, these achievements would tion, and that encourage diverse and Nepali people. ties for collaboration in support of that contradicted what my parents simply not have been possible without open public debate on issues critical USAID supports reconstruction Nepal’s development. taught us at home about what girls the hard work and dedication of the to Nepal’s democratic transition. efforts through activities supporting could or couldn’t do.” Nepali people. USAID has funded over 140 small the development of small rural The British and European “…It’s not that I didn’t encounter grant activities that support Nepali – economic infrastructure, and we have counterparts emphasize security gender discrimination or bias and it How would you describe based peace initiatives and solutions. plans to increase this support. sector reform. Does USAID plan to wasn’t that it didn’t sometimes USAID’s contribution to Nepal in USAID supports the efforts of the However, for the impact of these get involved in it? dampen my spirit – my parents the area of health? Ministry of Peace and Reconstruction efforts to be maximized, there must The US Foreign Assistance Act instilled in me such strong belief that I USAID’s program has always and the Election Commission. For be an environment that permits these restricts USAID’s involvement in the just never let it get in my way….I will supported improved health care in example, USAID has supported voter efforts to succeed. security sector. As such, we maintain admit, that for a long time I took for Nepal, and health continues to be our education campaigns and training of our focus on the sectors identified granted the freedom and opportuni- single largest portfolio. There has election officials and volunteers. What would USAID’s reaction above. There are other USG ties that I had as a young woman. It been considerable progress in the be if the elections do not take agencies – particularly the U.S. State wasn’t until I started working for health status of the people of Nepal; What are USAID’s large-scale place? Department – that provide support in USAID that I started to understand however, research has shown that priorities? It is difficult to predict. The U.S. has the area of security sector reform. the difficulties and injustices that not all the Nepali people have USAID’s number one priority is invested a lot in the CA election and women in the generations before benefited equally from this progress. assisting the Nepali people in the wants them to happen, peacefully, on What is your background in mine faced — and that many women USAID’s health program is now development of peaceful, prosperous April 10. There is a folk saying in the relation to Nepal? still face all over the world today.” ä 8 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 Opinion

ä Manish Gyawali It is too much to expect that use regulations to squeeze corpora- businesses will self-regulate out of a tions. Unlike in the United States, in The recent acquisition sense of moral responsibility. A few Nepal, businesses do not have that of failing investment Responsible do, undoubtedly, but the majority of much power. In fact, an argument can services giant, Bear them don’t, and this has been proved be made that they have too little Stearns by rival J.P time and again. External controls are power. True, the sort of corporate- Morgan, for a fraction needed to ensure that businesses government nexus that exists in the of its former price might offer a few banking don’t step across the line. The Bear US, with corporations being at least as lessons to our own ‘banking giants.’ Do Stearns debacle has revealed the powerful, does not exist here. they lend carefully? The reason Bear A country like Nepal cannot afford need for more general regulation, collapsed is precisely because it did not. one that cuts across the entire cross Politicians are generally thought of Overeager to profit as much as it financial anarchy. section of dubious business practices. as being much more powerful; could, it went on a lending spree. In sometimes able to arm-twist business, reputation matters, so Some might argue that ‘excessive’ businesses into doing what they want when it was revealed that this 80 year regulation might harm businesses. them to. But the reverse side of the old institution was in the habit of Sure, it might, but businesses could coin is this: in Nepal businesses are giving bad loans, mania set in and be harmed just as well by their own often patronage rackets. True people withdrew their money. incompetence. Bear Stearns once entrepreneurship has not been able again demonstrates this point. In any to flourish because established Bankers are at least expected to case, if certain businesses are net businesses have used their connec- display considerable common sense liabilities to society, why should we tions to prevent new players from in their day to day operations. Those care whether they are harmed or moving in. Thus, I believe that who want to avoid repeating the Bear not? In fact, it may be better for impartial regulation would certainly be Stearns debacle in Nepal will have to business as a whole if stricter beneficial to newcomers who have come to terms with the phrase, ‘fiscal regulations are enforced. the right ideas. We could start by responsibility.’ A country like Nepal breaking up some of the monopolies. cannot afford financial anarchy. Those firms which are genuinely competent, which do not have to resort Again as Bear Stearns demon- Bank runs are contagious; the Bear it did business with it. If there’s a lesson to be learnt here, it to dubious shenanigans will not be strated, old is not always gold. Stearns episode could lead to the is that, had institutions like Bear Stearns seriously affected by tougher regula- Compare it to a company like Apple, public repudiation of the entire What if there are more companies been prevented from taking such risks, tions. In any case, there is no symmetry and one sees the difference. Apple financial system as deeply flawed and like Bear Stearns out there? Can the risks that would eventually have to be between the information businesses indulges in no shady business practices, not worth investing in. The Fed had a Fed rescue them all? No. If it turned borne by the taxpayers, everybody receive and those consumers receive. does not run afoul of regulations. It is choice in this matter. It could have out that Bear Stearns’ practices were would be better off. Of course, business Corporations always know more about only interested in providing cutting-edge stayed on the sidelines and watched more the rule than the exception, thrives on risk, but there is, or there the consumers than vice-versa. technology with a ‘human’ face. True, as Stearns completely disintegrated. then the Fed’s actions would be should be, a limit as far as speculation is Regulations are an attempt to level the Nepal has seen some decent entrepre- Stearns could then have filed for merely delaying the onset of a concerned. Some free market playing field. neurship in the IT sector, but what it Chapter 11 bankruptcy, but that might disaster. After all, there are limits to apologists argue that business firms needs are dynamic new corporations have had more devastating conse- how many institutions the central should be allowed to do whatever they Thus, regulations should not be willing to penetrate ‘older’ markets. And quences for the financial system. bank can afford to ‘bail out’ if it can want to do while they are in operation, thought of as red tape. Those are two that’s where effective laws and Bankruptcy courts would then have to guarantee paying $30 billion in debts but that if they foul up, they should not quite separate matters. Unfortunately, regulations are needed. study the company at length, and that of one investment bank alone. be helped so that they learn the in our part of the world, people with (The author is a political science might expose other corporations that consequences of their actions. political power have been known to graduate from Miami University, USA). From the region 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 9 Gilani unveils coalition govt agenda DIASPORA All black laws, including the extremism were the major Crackdown on Pemra Ordinance, promulgated challenges that were threatening after November 3, and Frontier the national integrity. protestors Crimes Regulation (FCR) in Fata would be done away with, Lauding the decision of the Nepal is being criticised for declared Prime Minister Syed Chief of Army Staff General Yousuf Raza Gilani here on Ashfaq Parvez Kayani to the way police violently shut Saturday. withdraw Army officers from the down peaceful demonstrations civilian institutions, he hoped that by Tibetan monks and refu- Spelling out the agenda of his it would boost the image of the government, after getting an armed forces. He said, however, gees in capital Kathmandu. unprecedented unanimous vote those Army officers whose of confidence from the National presence in these institutions ä Bhumika Ghimire in USA Assembly, the prime minister was imperative would continue also set a two-week deadline for to work. The volatile situation in Tibet and some of the the Army to call back its officers surrounding provinces has turned out to be a from civil institutions. The prime He said that every institution major headache for the Chinese government. On minister said, "war on terror is would be heard by the judiciary. vision, determination, commit- must work in its prescribed March 27th during Chinese Foreign Ministry’s our own war". He urged He said there would be no ban ment and zeal to serve the parameters and it was the Spokesperson Qin Gang's regular press confer- extremists to surrender and on trade and student unions. He nation with the help of Almighty people who had the right to ence, the focus stayed firmly on disturbances in come to the negotiating table. said concurrent list would be Allah. He said he government govern the country. He called for Tibet and subsequent world reaction. "The elimination of the menace abolished in a year. The prime would do its utmost for the withdrawal of Army officers from of terrorism from the country is minister also raised support price development, progress, the civil departments within two On March 26th Mr. Gang commented on various our utmost priority," he added. of wheat from Rs510 per 40 Kg prosperity of the country, for weeks. French officials’ statement on situation on Tibet to Rs625 per 40 kg. ensuring rule of law and which essentially blamed China. He said that “The Gilani also announced 40 per promoting democracy. Gilani said there was a need Lhasa incident is a separatist act of violence cent reduction in the budget of He also announced formation for coordinated reforms for the carefully planned and deliberately provoked by the the Prime Minister’s House. He of the Truth and Reconciliation He said the government development of tribal areas. He Dalai clique. The Chinese Government took said the cabinet members would Commission to alleviate the stands by the people and it said to overcome terrorist measures according to law and has restored social not use vehicles of more than alienation of various segments of would continue to stand by them activities there the government stability in Lhasa and other areas. Any country 1600 cc and travel in economy society. Gilani promised to in the hour of miseries and would announce a special upholding objectiveness and justice will understand plus class only. He said no restore the deposed judges and hardships. He announced an package for the socio-economic and support the lawful and necessary measures unnecessary lighting would be ensure independence of the ambitious plan for rapid and development of these areas. He taken by China.” arranged on public buildings on judiciary according to the sustainable development of the said the people were facing festivities and no money would Charter of Democracy and the country and the people. challenges of price hike, There is no doubt that Chinese government has be spent on the renovation of Murree Declaration. unemployment and poverty and been trying very hard to make sure that the Tibet government buildings and The prime minister said that the government was determined flap does not get out of hand. Regular press residences. He said the NAB The prime minister said that the nation was facing grave to resolve these issues on priority. briefings and statements on the issue, and now would cease to exist and cases the new government had a challenges but terrorism and (The News International) allowing journalists access to Tibet; all designed to end negative international attention.

All the efforts by Beijing, the sharp reaction to Gaddafi US warns N Korea on missile tests China’s response to violence in Tibet is still unfolding. Now even China’s neighbor, Nepal is condemns The US has called North Analysts say such launches US, accusing it of raising being criticised for the way police violently shut Korea's latest missile tests "not are often timed to make a "unjust demands". Under a down peaceful demonstrations by Tibetan monks Arab leaders constructive" and urged political point. North Korea's landmark disarmament-for-aid and refugees in capital Kathmandu. Pyongyang to instead focus on actions came a day after it deal reached last year, North Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan nuclear disarmament. The call expelled South Korean Korea has shut down its main Linda Mancini of the Boston Tibet Network said president, poured contempt on came in response to a North managers from the Kaesong atomic facility at Yongbyon and that Nepali police’ brutal handling of the Tibetan fellow Arab leaders at a summit Korean test-firing of several protestors shocked her. It dismayed to see the that was overshadowed by the short range missiles off its west Nepali government showing no respect for the absence of several key figures. coast. Tibetans’ right to free speech and peaceful demonstration. Karma Tsewang of Tibetan Youth At the annual Arab summit, North Korea also warned Congress of New York and New Jersey also which opened on Saturday, he that US demands over its expressed concern at that way Nepali police criticised Arab countries for nuclear programme could handled the Tibetans protestors. doing nothing while the United delay plans to disable atomic States invaded Iraq in 2003 and facilities agreed in a landmark A more pointed reaction on Nepali police’s overthrew Saddam Hussein, the deal last year. The US suspects action came from Giovanni Vassallo who is with Iraqi president. Pyongyang of hiding nuclear Committee of 100 for Tibet. He said that for a weapons development. country like Nepal, which itself is going through Gaddafi also repeated his White House spokesman profound changes to install meaningful democratic frequently made proposal that Gordon Johndroe said North system, to engage in violent crackdown against the Israeli-Palestinian conflict be Korea should "focus on the peaceful demonstrator is extremely disheartening. settled by creating one demo- denuclearisation of the Korean cratic state where the two peninsula" and "deliver a Mr. Vassallo, who has spent some time in peoples live together, to be complete and correct declara- Swoyambhu Gumba as a student, asked the called Isratine. tion of all its nuclear weapons joint industrial park on the taken steps to disable it. Nepali people to remember teaching of Buddha programmes and nuclear border. The expulsions are and support peace and justice. He also asked the The Libyan leader's undiplo- proliferation activities". being seen as a diplomatic But the US wants North Chinese government to begin negotiation with the matic railing at the disarray of protest against the Seoul Korea to fully declare its Tibetans as early as possible. Arab nations has become almost It should also "complete the government, which said it nuclear weapons stockpile and a tradition at the annual gathering. agreed disablement," he said. would link progress at the park answer US suspicions of We tried to get reaction from Chinese and A South Korean government with progress on the North's nuclear proliferation and Chinese Americans but majority of the respon- Al Jazeera's Middle East official told Yonhap news denuclearisation effort, says possession of a secret uranium dents did not wish to comment. A Chinese analyst, Lamis Andoni said: agency that North Korea the BBC's Kevin Kim in the enrichment programme. university student, who is also president of local "Gaddafi says what many think, launched three or four missiles South Korean capital. Chinese student’s association, said that she cannot but do not say. His words reflect at 1030 (0130 GMT) on Friday. North Korea successfully comment because she is concerned about the a prevailing sentiment in the The official said that the At the same time as the tested a nuclear device in 2006 reaction from her friends. Arab streets that is fed up with missiles were fired into the missile tests, a North Korean and analysts believe it may the failure of Arab leaders to rise Yellow Sea. Yonhap said the foreign ministry spokesman have any a number of atomic Despite the seeming international outpour of up to challenges. missiles were Russian- warned the US not to pursue bombs ranging from one to support for Tibet and criticism of Nepal and China, designed Styx ship-to-ship its suspicions that Pyongyang eight or more. However, it is not everyone is on their side. Even the United Gaddafi asked: "How can we missiles with a range of 46km has hidden some of its nuclear not believed that the country States, which has expressed concerns over accept that a foreign power (29 miles). A South Korean programme. has yet succeeded in building a situation in Tibet and continues to roll the red comes to topple an Arab leader presidential spokesman nuclear weapon that could be carpet to Beijing’s arch enemy the Dalai Lama, has while we stand watching?" downplayed the missile tests as North Korea blames fitted on to a missile. refrained from saying or doing anything substan- (Aljazeera) "ordinary military training". deadlocked nuclear talks on the (BBC) tive. ä 10 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 Perspective MARSHLAND FLOWERS Limitless capacity This kind of insight gained by remembering ones own past lives or the past lives of others is a prominent feature of Buddhist literature.

ä Acharya Mahayogi Sridhar exercises in the various texts to which is past life regression through Rana Rinpoche develop the power of Purvanivas hypnosis and the other is a technique anusmriti, if the yogi is a fit vessel. called Jati smarana gyana. This is the The capacity to see far becomes technique of tracing events back- more as we climb up from the It must be said that some of the wards. One tries to trace back the Tirthikas to the Buddha. The Hindu Abhigyas can be achieved through events of the day and then slowly and Jain yogis may be able to drugs (ausadhi) and mantras too but extend it to two, three hundred days, remember thousands of Kalpas but the strength of such remembrance one year, ten years, 20 years and they have their limits as the mind is and the distance in past time will be back to birth and onwards to next life. not completely free from emotional far below those who have attained it This method can be used without defilements. The Sravakas may be through samadhis and also they will attaining samadhis. able to remember up to 80 thousand be less permanent in the case of Kalpas, Agrasravakas etc. even more drugs. Certain individuals, generally than that and even more for the This is the proof of rebirth within children remember their past lives, Bodhisattvas but there is no limit to Buddhism. The Buddha’s past life as but generally such remembrances the capacity of the Buddhas. given by the Buddha himself is are feeble and sometimes not fully recorded in the Jatakas. The stories accurate and they also tend to fade We must remember that when the of the Jatakas seem to have away. Dr. Ian Stevenson (MD), the Buddha began his long journey to influenced the making of similar genre Head of the Department of Parapsy- become a Buddha (3 – 4 Asankhya of literature in almost all religious chology of Virginia University has four kalpas ago – one asankhya kalpa has systems of the Indian subcontinents huge volumes of records of such 60 zeroes), he was already a and further on. children from all over the world – powerful Rishi called Bhikchhu from Alaska to Lebanon to Turkey to Sumedha who had all the siddhis – This kind of insight gained by India, Sri Lanka etc. etc. And as I said riddhis already. These siddhis – remembering ones own past lives or before these are well researched, riddhis became refined through the the past lives of others is a prominent scientifically shifted materials that kalpas of practice. So how can we feature of Buddhist literature. It is cannot be denied easily, as the expect ordinary yogis to have the illustrated as I said in the Jatakas and research method applied by Dr. Ian same power as the Buddha? Not the life stories of the Buddhist Arhats, Stevenson (MD) is impeccable. (To even the Devas in any realm of Mahasiddhas and lineage masters. be continued) existence can come anywhere near Memory of past life can also be (Sridhar Rinpoche is a Vajrayana the Buddha. Again there are special achieved by other techniques, one of Master) Perspective 31 March- 6 April, 2008 11

It’s time for Nepal’s political parties to take control and remind the Maoists that being in government is a privilege, not a right.

We are embarrassed to acknowledge bad of the negotiating table, not part of the govern- parents when we see them, especially ones ment. Not if their current behavior continues. clearly doing their best, whose flaws come from The NC and the UML need to stand together exhaustion and a lack of imagination, not cruelty. and recognize they have more in common than There is no arguing that the NC and the UML either admits. Take control. Spell out changes did not do the best job in the 1990s, even the Maoists must make, no excuses, including though according to the UN the country did implementing UNMIN’s March 22 recommenda- improve a lot. But they are reasonably decent tions. If the Maoists continue to confuse ballots people, as politicians go. and bullets give them a list of demands, Corrupt, some of them, yes, but not disinter- deadlines, and consequences. Before the ested in the future of the country. Cowards; but charter members of the ‘Munich in the they’re doing the wrong thing from a fear of Himalayas’ club lay into me: I am not advocating worse consequences, not ill-will. But those of us an extreme position; concessions for peace are watching this political delinquency do Nepal no appropriate. If the Maoists say they need three favors by staying silent. The sort of advice we days, not one, to return the PLA to canton- offer–“there there, it’s just a phase he’s going ments, then that’s fine. But if the cadres are still Tough love through”–just encourages the parents to deny roaming the countryside a week later, there they have a problem on their hands. have to be costs. ä Lucille Bolduc politicians and the international community: the And it is not a problem to be underestimated. Being part of government is not a burden a Maoists want peace, and a stronger new Nepal Every day the Maoists are attacking party rallies, party accepts with a sneer, it is an honor and a Who gave Nepal’s political parties the right to is being born. Who do these lies serve? cadres, and candidates; party offices are burned responsibility. If the Maoists refuse to behave, give the country away? Was it some surfeit of I do not believe in conspiracy theories. A policy down, and the public is being threatened. And you throw them out. Make it clear they can only guilt, some sense that the chaos of the last 18 based on lies is unlikely to bring lasting joy or can’t blame the CPN-M; violence is part of their rejoin if they behave. Repeat as necessary. At years is their fault; did that lead them to walk success to its authors; ask George Bush or Tony ideology and every day their ideology is strength- worst we discover the Maoists didn’t want through this so-called peace process, to sleep- Blair. We are not talking about an Indian, Ameri- ened by success: Nepal has shown that the peace, at best firmer foundations are laid for a walk into this so-called election, like goats into a can, or Chinese plot, but a cause much more basic Maoists were right, violence does produce results. genuine settlement. It is time Nepal’s weak, slaughterhouse? and depressing: cowardice. The government is a Breaking this pattern will not be easy. It could divided, outgunned political parties reminded the Deals, agreements, codes of conduct, bad parent that thinks you give a crying infant what push the Maoists out of the peace process; that is country’s armies that, under the democracy the constitutions, laws…flimsy paper veils covering it wants. And worse, they think giving in is a solution not desirable. Despite the fond hopes of people said they wanted two years ago, they two facts I challenge any reader to dispute: the to bad behavior, not the sure-growing seed that will monarchists and goose-stepping BJP cadres the are in control. But the parties can’t look to Maoists are only interested in peace when it grow into a more serious problem. Every day they country can no longer choose between kings and UNMIN, India, or the Election Commission for serves their interests, and Nepal is weakening, nurtured their bullying Maoist baby. Now it has revolutions; there must be negotiations, disarma- leadership. This is their moment, and they can with every passing week. Both assertions are grown into a big angry teenager with every reason ment, peace, and democracy. But that process either take control, or be swept away. In the supported by objective observation. But their to believe he will always get what he wants, by will not start unless the Maoists are put back into next week, we’ll see their choice, and live with reverse is presented as fact by most Nepali crying as loudly as possible. their place. And that place is on the opposite side the consequences. ä 12 31 Mar-6 Apr, 2008 Last words

conditions for the end of capital and individual in their best interests. Yes, even in Nepal. ownership. In most cases it just didn’t happen that The Trojan Horse way. What do the YCL care? They are now busy demanding 10% of hotel workers’ service Universal education and a growth in social gratuities. How does this liberate workers or This is simple consciousness along with states’ accepting, and ensure the wellbeing of their families? This is believing, that if political intervention was to do simple parasitism, extortion by those who are too parasitism, anything at all other than declaring war and darned idle to work when it’s so easy to live off extortion by making politician’s rich, it could just as well deliver another person’s labour. But wait, isn’t that what services like civic drainage and cheap transport, the YCL claim bourgeois capitalists do? those who are care of public spaces, and equitable administra- too darned idle tion of laws. So you see everyone’s concepts of Somewhere, someone has it wrong. Unions social good have come quite a way since 1848, are for workers, and union money is for their to work when except those of the YCL. welfare, not for political parties. Unions can it’s so easy to support any party they like or none at all: it is up How does the YCL live up to the call to liberate to workers to vote on such issues. live off another the peasants and workers and bring about social person’s justice? Interestingly, on first entering Kathmandu, The YCL are not only making it difficult for the YCL comrades were like fleas on the workers to vote and decide for themselves but labour. proverbial cow dung going from factory to also for the rest of the country to vote and decide factory, hotel to hotel forming unions “for the for themselves. It is time their dialectic is brought ä The wanderer their ubiquitous YCL cadres are right. Such an benefit of the workers”. While threat and force to bear upon them in a simple call: “Working adamant rightness could only be found in fascist were not explicit in making the workers sign up, people of Nepal unite. You have nothing to lose In the spring of 2006, when ‘Priam’ Minister states like Stalin’s Russia, Hitler’s Germany, Pol they were implicit. Frankly, many of the workers but your chains”. (misspelling intentional) Koirala formed the coalition Pot’s Cambodia, and the Roman Empire to name would have been better off with their bourgeois for peace affectionately known as SPAM, he led us but a few; and there are many more but I’m sure managers who, for the most part, today realise And please, Priam Minister Koirala, no more all by the nose right down the garden path. The you get the picture. Come, come comrades, this that the wellbeing of workers and their families is Trojan horses! general belief was that a period of peace and is not democracy. If you think it is, then you’ve reconciliation had been ushered in: Nepal had lost the plot: then democracy is not your goal but achieved a historical breakthrough and it was the rather dictatorship. Compare your deceitful tactics end of the People’s War. to the brave ideals you claim to hold.

Think again. Until this point those who could “Working men of all countries unite; you have tell the wheelers and dealers in Kathmandu nothing to lose but your chains,” wrote Karl Marx about the realities of that war were out of sight, on in 1848 when, to refute accusations against a back burner somewhere in our deepest communism, he wrote his famous manifesto. It conscience, whether victims of the People’s should be remembered that Karl Marx had ‘Liberation’ Army (smart quotes intentional) or of Germany in mind for his revolution and he was the state security forces. Hence, Kathmandu, a familiar with European conditions; so communism city as gullible, indolent, and as prone to ever is a European philosophy in that respect. Europe and ever more exaggerated rumours as ancient is where he envisaged his workers’ states. Troy, heaved a sigh of relief. Implicit in the text of the manifesto is the belief In retrospect ‘Priam’ Minister Koirala and his that it is labour not capital that creates wealth and, associates, foreign pals, and sycophants have hence, capitalism is the enemy of freedom. It is a behaved injudiciously. Like late king Priam of remarkable and laudable fact that Marx, for the Trojan War fame they opened up the city to a first time in economic history, gave value to Trojan horse in the guise of the YCL. In their labour. hasty and hyperbolic euphoria at the second People’s Movement, they threw caution to the But he wasn’t the only one that valued labour. winds, pretended the uprising had been Almost, at the same time, a kind of social completely spontaneous on the part of all capitalism was forming, a social capitalism that involved, and left the state open to disintegration, was eventually to extend into the epoch of the ethnic conflict, dacoitry, and fascism. welfare states. Housing, clinics, and schools were built for workers and their families, and they Like the Trojan horse of old, the YCL is brute were given shares in the factories– the force and thuggery cloaked in rhetoric: rhetoric, Rowntrees, Cadburys, and Titus Salt – readily incidentally, that usually comes from Maoist spring to mind, but the Tatas in India follow similar leaders. Nothing is their fault, they smell sweet concepts. with absolute blamelessness, and it is all the fault of other forces. Whether these forces are So bourgeois capitalist owners weren’t all regressive, capitalist, Congressis, UML, wickedly exploitative and although the fact that Madhesis or–the all time favourite whipping boy– the industrial revolution destroyed the hierarchi- royalists makes no difference at all. cal order and industrialists’ concern for fair treatment and a good living for all was, according Everyone else is wrong and the Maoists and to the manifesto, supposed to be creating the