#467 4 - 10 September 2009 16 pages Rs 30

BILASH RAI

Weekly Internet Poll # 467 Q. The vice president retaking his oath in Nepali is a: Come together Total votes: 2,962

here is no other way to write the new constitution, protect the peace T process and reduce foreign interference than for the political leadership to work together. Yet they can’t bring themselves to do it. Weekly Internet Poll # 468. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Individually, they all give speeches saying there is no alternative to Q. Will the PLA-Army row be settled within six months as the newly reconstituted consensus politics. But their actions say just the opposite. Even when Special Committee has promised? antagonistic parties get together, like the NC and the Maoists, it is for selfish and partisan reasons. Threatening “to capture state power through KRAZE

EDITORIAL Deadly deadlock p2 Who says you PLAIN SPEAKING Prashant Jha Reading the Maoist mind p2 can’t sing?

BOOK REVIEWS Two new books on security p10-11 p8-9 a people’s rebellion” and a bloodbath will not take the process forward. Openly moving around with guns, refusing to rehabilitate those rejected in the cantonments, continuing to obstruct parliament, will not help. The election of respected jurist Nilambar Acharya to the constitutional committee shows how negotiations and compromise can lead to a favourable outcome. The parties have proven that they can act responsibly and do the right thing. Acharya’s election will hopefully give momentum to the constitution-writing process, which has been pushed back five times. z 2 EDITORIAL 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467

Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd, Editor: Kunda Dixit Desk Editor: Rabi Thapa CEO: Ashutosh Tiwari Design: Kiran Maharjan DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain [email protected] Marketing Manager: Subhash Kumar Asst. Manager: Arjun Karki

Hatiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur Fax: 5251013 [email protected] GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu 5250333/845 www.nepalitimes.com The Maoist mind Printed at Jagadamba Press 5250017-19 A three-pronged strategy from the DEADLY DEADLOCK comrades in the run-up to Dasain The Maoists are not allowing the CA to function because they say hat are the Maoists involved in larger political strong centre and leaving space they want to ensure ‘civilian supremacy’. The UML-led coalition is planning? This negotiations, the Maoists have for hegemonic rule, and going in determined to resist what it considers a Maoist gameplan to W question has been at focused on internal party work for elections when victory is establish totalitarian rule. The NC seems to be driven by only one the heart of Nepali politics for for the last few months. All assured. agenda: ensuring that the daughter of the party boss gets to head the the past decade. It remains so leaders are involved in training As this week’s events show, next government. even today. This week, the former programs across the country. the Maoists appear to have Part of the reason for all this posturing is that all three parties rebels gave us a glimpse of their They have divided up adopted a three-pronged strategy. are trying to manage their internal rifts and contradictions. They strategy, or more accurately, responsibilities about where The first is to mount a have no one to blame but themselves, as they have boxed strategies. to address mass meetings in calibrated movement that doesn’t themselves in by radicalising their own cadre. coming weeks. draw international condemnation The tragedy, of course, is that as a result governance has come The Maoists recognise that all and a backlash. This is uncannily to a complete halt, the budget hasn’t been passed, the legislature is PLAIN SPEAKING stalled, and the peace process and constitution-making are in limbo. Prashant Jha their opponents would like to similar to the strategy they had No matter how hard they try to hide their intentions, it’s the exacerbate the divide between the adopted after withdrawing from politics of brinkmanship where the aim is to wipe out rivals. pragmatists and dogmatists, the interim government in Moderation has no place in this game where those who shout the On Sunday, they set up a leadership and cadre, politicians September 2007, leading to the loudest are the only ones heard. Any compromise formula runs the jumbo ‘shadow government’, and PLA, and the party and its postponement of the November risk of being labelled a surrender. This is a no-win situation. with multiple departments, ethnic fronts. But they also see elections. The idea is to generate But the triumvirate of the three big parties know this, which is accommodating leaders from all other parties are in pressure, show they are relevant, why all is not lost. and Madhav Kumar factions, reminding many of the self-destruction mode because of encourage ethnic movements, but both detest Girija Prasad Koirala, but they distrust each other even war-time parallel structures. factional feuds. The Maoist not cripple Kathmandu yet: to more. However, all three know that their political legacies, their On Monday, they decided to calculation is if they can stay prevent the internationals, reputation and all they have worked for is at stake. They have the boycott programs involving the together, even as others fragment, middle class and media from necessary two-thirds majority in the legislature to complete the constitution-drafting process, and there is no other option but to prime minister, signalling that they will inevitably get back going on an offensive. work together. they would continue to challenge to power. Simultaneously they will keep Madhav Nepal on tenterhooks. This IN THE DARK: CA involves stoking GPK’s members Radheshyam Adhikari and and Jhalanath Khanal’s Nilambar Acharya wait out a power cut in ambitions and ensuring the House on Tuesday. Acharya was that the government’s elected to head the CA’s powerful credibility remains in the constitution committee last week. dumps. They were delighted at the government’s discomfort on the VP issue. They are encouraging local actors and groups to oppose the security policy. And the Maoists’ own achievements (essentially Baburam Bhattarai’s) are highlighted to show up this government’s non- performance. The third element is to reach out to India and assuage concerns on , multi-party democracy, and security. The other more gullible internationals are being told: look, we have been deprived of leadership of the executive, legislature, and now the key CA committee, but we continue to be responsible. If you want progress on the peace process, this government has to go. Whether this strategy will succeed is difficult MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA to tell. The Maoists have The Maoists may be the largest party in the CA, but its majority the legitimacy of the government. The leaders may not like each to reconcile two conflicting has little meaning if Dahal can’t win back the NC’s trust. The trouble On Tuesday, they broke the other, but for this larger objective, strands: of going in for a is he has double-crossed everyone so often he is finding it difficult to get people to take him seriously. Nepal is the head of government, logjam on the composition of the pride is being swallowed and movement to enhance their but his party lacks the numbers to claim respect and leadership. special committee, accepted the difficult compromises hatched. bargaining power, yet projecting a That leaves Koirala, who seems to have lost the will to take the PM’s leadership, sent two And the cadre is being responsible image to show their initiative and pull the country out of its present morass. He is now nominees and allowed it to indoctrinated with slogans of democratic commitment. so obsessed with perpetuating his dynasty he is compromising the meet. The move was geared to change and ‘civilian supremacy’. Skeptics will see it as a long-term interest of his own party and the nation. show their commitment to the They are being told it is time for continuation of Maoist duplicity. Just as the new constitution can’t be written without the Maoists larger peace process. another struggle, and that success The intra-party divisions in being a part of a new government, it also needs the NC back in Through the week, the party is near. the NC and UML complicate the government. Working out the mechanism and the numbers is the leadership met with striking Success would mean leading larger politics. Hostile generals critical aspect. regularity to review current the government again, or at the lurk in the background. The Since the country has already started winding down for Dasain, politics. They also found the least, toppling this government, media will not be kind. India is our leaders must use the holidays to thrash out a formula for an all-party government with a clear strategy to rescue the country time to reorganise their state settling the PLA question at a not in a generous mood, and from this potentially deadly deadlock. committees. convenient time in a way will judge the Maoists not on The formation of a UML-led government was necessary to fill the Connect the dots and Maoist politically and financially what they say, but specific vacuum when Dahal decided to resign on point of principle. That priorities start becoming clearer. advantageous to the party, actions. point has now been made. It’s time for his party to join the national The core aim is to keep the party writing a constitution which Enjoy the Dasain and government as its decisive stockholder. intact, consolidate, and energise would appease their diverse interlude, for the winter ahead the cadre. Even as they have been ethnic base while creating a will be politically turbulent. z OP-ED 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 3 The fallacy of supremacy

he exact constitutional grounds for open defiance. The most judges are angels. This status of Parmanand Jha judges of the Supreme Court often leads to judicial T is unclear. The CA need to reflect whether their supremacy. Under communist elected him as Nepal’s first vice ruling about the legality of or military rule, judges as well president. At an elaborate Jha’s oath was based on rule of as parliamentarians are swearing-in ceremony in July law or rule by law. Legal expected to be subservient to 2008, President Ram Baran opinion is divided along either the politburo or the Yadav administered the oath of ethno-political lines. junta. Sovereignty is then office in Nepali. Jha chose to The political fallout of interpreted to mean the right of Jha’s decision remains to be the rulers to do as they please. STATE OF THE STATE seen. If Sadbhavana, TMDP and The 1990 constitution C K Lal MJF (Democratic) were to stick ended up establishing judicial to their election manifestos, supremacy when one of its Prime Minister Madhav Kumar framers agreed to become the translate the text and repeat it Nepal would have to quit. But chief justice. The executive in Hindi. A year later, the if Madhesi parties in the anti- became impotent, the Supreme Court has decided that Maoist coalition were to sign legislature was made Jha has to swear in again in CARTOON BY BATSAYAN IN KANTIPUR on the dotted line, Mahanth dysfunctional. Whims of the Nepali or face the consequences. Thakur and Bijaya Gachhedar court reigned supreme. Finally, No pragmatic politician Where does the buck stop, may as well begin preparing to the constitution collapsed complies willingly with the set up a new ‘nationalist’ party. under the weight of its own directives of courts, committees at the Supreme Court or One of the unintended contradictions, the Maoists just or commissions unless they are the Constituent Assembly? consequences of the face-off accelerated the process. in a tight spot and are looking between an elected vice The CA needs to assert itself for legal respite. In a democracy, superiority. But electoral law’. A pliant person could president and a few nominated and tell the courts to leave an elected official is not calculations prevent them from then have been elected in judges of the Supreme Court is politics to politicos. The best answerable to anybody save his publicly speaking out against his place. that the Constituent Assembly place to debate which language own constituency. Jha is on the language rights of non- The rule of law is meant to can now discuss bases of the vice president should take solid ground here. Almost all Nepali speakers. Hence, a be a deterrent against the popular sovereignty, of which his oath in is the CA. It’s good Madhes-based parties have purely political issue is being abuse of power. The concept is the democratic form is to have experts on tap, but a applauded his refusal to re-take given a constitutional colour: turned on its head when the parliamentary supremacy. priesthood of judges at the top the oath of office in Nepali. the argument being that even if law becomes merely a tool to The principle of of the constitutional hierarchy Pahadi-dominated parties the judgment of the court was give continuity to the status constitutional supremacy flows is a fundamentally flawed idea are furious. Jha has publicly flawed, Jha should have quo. It then becomes legal from the belief that all in a democratic republic of challenged their linguistic resigned to uphold the ‘rule of arbitrariness, which creates politicians are fallible while multiple minorities.

LLL ETTERS

HINDI TREK RESPONSIBLY and restored forests and found better whether an insect has wider vision than I fail to understand why Prashant In response to ‘Climbing to keep the ways to operate brick factories, Nepal our leaders. Jha (‘Swearing in Hindi” #466), Himalaya alive’ (#466), it’s too much to would literally be one of the greenest Anupam, email among others, insists that Nepali is expect that there would be a moratorium on nations in the world. only a Pahadi language. Why can’t trekking or climbing to protect the Himalaya Sushil Bogati, USA WHAT A PITY we say that Nepali is the national from human activity. Alternately, any In ‘Rinchin reaches Ulan Bator’ (#465) language of Nepal which also responsible mountaineer/trekker should be WOMEN IN RED your reporter says that the word “skoda” happens to be spoken by many adopting eco-friendly measures to protect Enjoyed Mallika’s Aryal’s ‘Reinventing in Czech means “sorry”. Not exactly. It’s Pahadis? Divisive columnists will the fragile Himalayan environment. For Tij’ (#465). The idea of women standing in more “what a pity”. But that’s just a divide the country. Taking an oath in example, resources should be utilised front of Singha Darbar in red to force technicality, congratulations to Nepali in no way impinges on one’s sparingly and efforts made to leave as little political and social change is a good one. Rinchen. cultural identity. In fact one who aims of an eco-footprint as possible. Serious We must take advantage of this Luba Svrcina, Prague high in life, and even otherwise in efforts are needed to harness renewable opportunity to transform the patriarchy in this globalised world, needs to have energy sources like solar and wind and be Nepal that motivates festivals like Tij, several identities. Why can’t one be less dependent upon biomass fuels. The where women have to fast for their CORRECTIONS a Madhesi and a Nepali at the same efforts of Dawa Steven Sherpa in husbands but not the other way around. Due to an editorial error, the front time? preserving the Himalayan environment are Mona, UK page picture (#463) was wrongly Rajendra, email laudable. identified. It is actually an aerial shot DBN Murthy, Lalitpur of Bhakunde Besi. I am saddened to read this article Photo credits for front page (‘Swearing in Hindi” #466) because GHOOS pictures (#466) were missing. The it only serves to stoke ethnic hatred. Complaints about the Maoists’ top photo of Mt Taboche was taken I think the writer, along with our vice unofficial fund raising are by Alton Byers of The Mountain president, is yet to see the big probably valid but I have found Institute and the bottom image of picture. The crux of the issue is that personally that for the two years Male was by Kunda Dixit. the vice president, who is a jurist that they ran the government, I In ‘A climate for change’ (#466) the himself, defied the law from the very was rarely asked for a bribe at ‘cash for trash’ program is run by outset. Plus, he was taking the oath some of the ministries. Now that Eco Everest Expedition and the as the vice , as a the UML is back, so are the ‘Beat the GLOF Action Event’ was representative of the entire Nepali bribes. organised by the Sherpa student populace, not just some section of it. Name withheld, email group Sherwi Yondhen Tshokpa and So he is required to take the oath in supported by iDEAS, a non-profit the official language of Nepal, which A CLIMATE FOR CHANGE organisation run by Dawa Steven still is Nepali according to the I appreciate Nirvana Chaudhary’s Sherpa. This event took place on 18- constitution. comment (‘A climate for change’, 19 June 2009. Name withheld, email #466) about the impact of global warming in Nepal. But, as grim as Throughout this whole Hindi oath things may be, Nepal is in a LETTERS episode, we've missed one thing: unique position to serve as a great Nepali Times welcomes feedback. Letters Parmanand Jha's mother tongue is example of a nation that should be brief and may be edited for space. Maithili, not Hindi, yet no one has celebrates sustainability. In fact While pseudonyms are accepted, writers spoken out about him taking the oath we’ve already come a long way. who provide their real names and contact in Maithili. As a Nepali, I am proud to We’ve learned to use cow dung to make INSECTS details will be given preference. Email letters say Maithili is the second most gas, to use hydroelectricity and solar power If I remember correctly Ratna Sansar should be in text format without attachments widely spoken language after panels in place of coal-powered electric Shrestha has been writing on the theme of with ‘letter to the editor’ in the subject line. Nepali. When will your renowned plants, and we have a fairly well developed rational hydropower planning for quite public transportation system for a some time (‘Sharing water Email: letters(at)nepalitimes.com columnists recognise this fact? Or Fax: 977-1-5521013 are they in league with Upendra developing country. resources’,#464), yet our leaders don’t Mail: Letters, Nepali Times, Yadav? If only we stopped burning tyres, seem to listen. Such disregard for GPO Box 7251, Kathmandu, Nepal. Name withheld, email government vehicles and adulterating fuel, important issues makes me wonder 4 ORGANIC AGRICULTURE 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 You are what you eat Beware of tomatoes too red or veggies too green

KATY WILLIAMS

hen government scientist Ram W Pameru goes to the market he steers clear of the stacks of perfect produce and hunts for vegetables that are “infested with insects”. That, he says, is the only way to guarantee that the produce hasn’t been treated with as much as 25 times the recommended dose of pesticides. Children and mothers are particularly vulnerable to pesticides, which are known to impair intellectual development and damage the immune system. Desperate to increase yields, commercial vegetable farmers in

places such as the Kathmandu PICS: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Valley, Chitwan and Kabhre are drenching their produce with Researchers have discovered About 319 types of and regulations. But into the effects of Nepali-style chemicals. They believe the that potatoes have been sprayed pesticides have been registered implementation is the cooking on chemicals. recommended doses simply with toxic organochlorine for use under the Pesticides problem.” Jagadish Bhakta Shrestha, don’t deal with pests insecticide endosulfan at the Act (1991) and Pesticides And it’s not just the health pesticide registrar at the effectively, and they can get a point of purchase to give them a Rules (1993). Lindane, of farm workers and consumers Pesticide Registration and higher price for more polished look while button phosphamidon, organomercury that is at stake. Pests are slowly Management Division, says a aesthetically pleasing mushrooms are sprayed, then fungicides, BHC and the dirty building up resistance, and lack of training and technology vegetables. packaged to keep them looking dozen – the Persistent Organic indiscriminately used means Nepal is “a little bit Farmers also use banned or pristine. The vegetables most Pollutants (POPS) which the pesticides accelerate this behind” in terms of introducing out-of-date chemicals brought likely to be over-treated are 2004 Stockholm Convention problem. bio and botanical pesticides, over the open border with India tomatoes, brinjal, cucumbers and listed for global elimination – This is all good news for integrated pest management by unscrupulous traders. Often bitter gourd. are all banned. But some still traders who can then sell more (IPM) systems and organic farmers dip green vegetables, Official government figures seep over the porous border, products. “They are thriving,” farming, but is beginning to especially broad leaf mustard, show the legal import of particularly DDT, which says Pameru. “They are highly collaborate with Indian tomatoes and brinjal pesticides had fallen from a high continues to be available in influential in the farming organisations. (aubergine) in malathion or of 744,485kg in 2002 to India for a ‘grace period’ to communities and lure farmers He admits that little can be mancozeb solution just before 338,365kg in 2006. But imports tackle malaria. into using more pesticides. done to bring those farmers that taking them to market to rose steeply in 2007/2008 to The Nepal Agricultural The government should close are knowingly breaking the law enhance their shiny appearance. spike at 762,000kg. Research Council’s numerous them down.” to task. Pesticide inspectors departments are housed in what Nepal has traditional ways work through the district was once an impressively of growing vegetables, but development offices in elegant set of buildings near farmers find it difficult to go 75 districts but all they can do is Satdobato. Now they are simply back to the old ways. The try to convince farmers to change rotting away. The highly Council has new technology to their ways. Nevertheless he educated and concerned start residual analysis checks at claims it is a high priority scientists working there wait for vegetable collection centres, because it concerns public funding but are powerless. which won’t be costly. Those health. “This needs to be a top found using too much Says Shrestha: "We lack government priority,” says chief pesticide will be banned from the resources to do full entomologist Shree Baba taking their produce to market. inspections and monitoring, Pradhan. “We have strong rules The Council also wants to look which is vital.” Ten ways to limit the effects of pesticides

1. Wash your vegetables several times in water that make sure it’s Nepali as Indian imports or soak them for several hours. This will may be worse. As much as 70% of the Where to go organic in reduce the levels of some pesticides but cultivated area of the country employs will not eliminate them. organic farming methods because farming is the 2. Look for the imperfect fruit or vegetable. If on such a small scale. it’s been nibbled at or still contains some 7. Peeling also reduces exposure but valuable Organic Village outlets in Baluwatar (4414343) insects it’s clearly not full of pesticides. nutrients are often lost in the process. and Bakhundole (5528468). 3. Buy organic fruit and vegetables where 8. Fruit and vegetables with tough skins, like Email [email protected] or check possible (see box opposite). carrots, should be scrubbed with a brush to www.theorganicvillage.com 4. Try growing your own. It’s remarkable how remove any pesticide residue. The Organic Cafe and Salad Bar in Thamel (4215726, 9841286055) much you can grow in a small kitchen 9. Produce like apples and cucumbers should Email [email protected] or check www.loveorganic.com.np garden or even pots. be peeled because the wax-laden skins tend 5. Only eat produce that is in season: growers to hold more pesticides than other produce. Organic Food Market every Wednesday and Sunday, attempt to lengthen the season of vegetables 10. Leafy vegetables like lettuce and spinach 10AM-12.30PM by treating with chemicals. should be stripped of their outer leaves, The Summit Hotel in Sanepa (5521810) 6. Buy local. Ideally from small growers who which tend to collect most of the pesticide Email [email protected] or check www.summit-nepal.com are unlikely to be able to afford to treat residue, and the rest should be washed vegetables with a lot of chemicals. Failing carefully. BUSINESS 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 5

Economy calls

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ WorldLink Communications launched its ‘India Call Card’ last week. Customers can Hiring hows now call anywhere in India for just Rs 2 per minute. Calling cards worth Rs 250, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 are available in the market. Don’t expect to get what you

Hornet want if you’re not really looking

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ On 28 August, Syakar Company launched very company needs to hire can best fulfill that role. This low-level clerical work that ‘Honda Hornet’ in Nepal. The Hornet CB600F good people. A manager way, the role gets filled explicitly involves stuffing printed matter was first introduced to the Honda range in E gets better at hiring the for results, and the ad focuses on into envelopes, most jobs require 1998 and is still touted as the most stylish and right people through practice: by the results that are to be a mix of experience and advanced bike around. making mistakes and learning delivered. A generic ad is only intangibles. Too many years of from them. Even then, it’s safe to helpful to the headhunters who experience in one specific

Money management say that many hires do not work can cursorily sort and list domain can be a hindrance to ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○

○○○○○○○○○○○○ out for various reasons. applicants without having to performance for most candidates. Standard Chartered Bank Nepal signed a memorandum of Sometimes, the chemistry is not think about how non-traditional In these fast-changing times, understanding with Beed Invest on 2 September to introduce there to allow smooth candidates could add value to stuck in their old ways of doing portfolio management services to its customers. collaboration. At other times, the their client’s organisations. things, staff may fail to respond job is too vague for the person. to new ways of conceptualising

Sumptuous Still, as so often happens in Broad interviews. At most their roles, their company and ○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○ Nepali companies, it’s the head their industry. Barek Bawarchi introduced the authentic taste of human resources or senior Print journalists with years of of Dhaka Biryani in Hyatt Regency’s ‘Dhaka STRICTLY BUSINESS managers who conduct the experience, for example, may Biryani Promotion’ last week. The buffet’s Ashutosh Tiwari sumptuous menu catered to the taste of both interviews. They do so because forever reminisce about the good vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. they are the decision-makers. old days while failing to adapt to Nepal these days, even when What they often miss is that once the challenges posed by digital there’s a severe shortage of good the person is hired, she will media. Similarly, retail bankers

Win-Win people, the person you end up work primarily with colleagues at may be stuck on chasing the same ○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Hajmola is organising ‘Hajmola khau, Harke lai hiring turns out to have wanted her level, who may or may not old high net-worth Nepalis while hasau’ once again. A panel of judges will choose the long-term job for a short-term like her, and not necessarily with being clueless about how the most humorous joke every 15 days. duration while he privately waits senior managers. If the chemistry unassuming small business for a student visa abroad. is not there, most new hires end owners and rural landowners New branch How then does a manager go up not performing well, and may could be an untapped source of

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ about hiring correctly? There’s no leave the company. Such an revenue. As for intangibles, social Kamana Bikash Bank opened exact answer, but there are ways to action costs the company time, traits such as curiosity, drive, an a new branch in Srijana Chok, reduce hiring errors. money and morale. eagerness to learn quickly what last week. The bank will open another branch in Chitwan One way to preempt this is to one doesn’t know and an ability in the near future. Results matter. Most managers involve prospective colleagues in to share what one knows with first put together a generic the first-round interviews so others ultimately beat, at the

Easy pay vacancy ad, then wait for they can assess the candidate for workplace, symbols of respected ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ ○○○○○○○○○○○○ candidates to show up. This is an interpersonal fit. With this but lonely achievements such as Kumari Bank and Education Consultancy Association of Nepal the traditional way of finding freedom, the manager needs to superior academic achievement. (ECAN) signed a memorandum to help students register for standardised tests. Students can now pay online for these tests. people. What is likely to work ensure the hiring process does Good employees take a better is to first visualise what the not degenerate into like-minded company to greater heights. job demands in terms of specific staff hiring clones, thereby Finding them is a process of

Conservation actions and results, think about reducing staff diversity. trial and error. The best that a

○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ In an attempt to preserve the country’s cultural heritage, Kumari what personal traits and strengths manager can do is to minimise Bank signed a four-year agreement with local organisation Sinha are needed to produce those Experiences and intangibles. the usual hiring errors so the Swan Khala and handed over Rs 50,000 along with 300 t-shirts. results, and then draw up the Except for high-level precision chances of finding the right characteristics of the person who work such as brain surgery or people go up. 6 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 Mao, Inc.

Madhav Basnet in Nepal, central committee meeting. A Rs 45 million in the party 31 August-6 September committee was formed under the headquarters in Koteshwor. The leadership of Mohan Baidya for party has also invested Multi-purpose cooperatives, the express purpose of Rs 40 million in its flagship poultry-farming, pig-rearing and investigating the matter. The Martyrs Memorial Cooperative media outlets are among the 15-point code of conduct that was Organisation in Sindhupalchok ventures Maoist cadres have made public thereafter states it district. When Baburam Bhattarai invested in to successfully thus: “If central committee was Finance Minister, over generate income and become members are found guilty of Rs 10 million was made available self-reliant. The Maoist party is corruption or are using the party’s to this cooperative by the the first in Nepal to have invested name to secretly raise funds it government. The deposit of in business through affiliated will be treated as a serious crime Rs 32 million for Balaju’s groups such as the YCL and and dealt with severely.” Janamaitri hospital was drawn student groups. It is not difficult to conclude from government payments Maoist leaders themselves that such a blunt statement can intended for PLA temporary have invested in a range of only be the result of actual camps, according to a source. ventures. But it is difficult to misdemeanours on the part of Total investment in this hospital obtain particulars of such leaders or cadres. What is more, now stands at Rs 330 million. investments. The reason for this when the investigative committee The debate on the

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA is the party’s long-standing allowed a grace period of 15 days involvement of leaders in such rejection of the notion of private for party members to declare their ventures continues. Maoist property. Accordingly, the assets assets, more than 250 cases were politburo member and YCL in of all party members belong to the lodged with the committee by charge Kul Bahadur KC says he Playing truant party itself, and no leader or cadre party members at all levels, too has heard the rumours of is allowed to invest for personal Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal financial dealings by party leaders Khagendra Panta in Naya Patrika, 1 September profit. However, it is rumoured included. This shows that secret and admits this is why the that despite the sanction, many investments are rife within investigative committee was set The interim constitution clearly states that if any CA member is party members have invested the party. up. Echoing the 15-point code of absent from 10 consecutive meetings without giving notice to the secretly in business. The According to sources, the conduct, he warns, “If anyone is assembly, he or she will be expelled. To date, a total of 57 CA possibility has stirred up debate Maoists have invested over found to have invested for meetings have taken place. Despite constant reminders from the within the party. Rs 10 million in Mirmire FM personal profit then it will be CA Chairman Subash Nembang, most senior politicians are guilty The question of investment by alone, almost Rs 50 million on a taken as a serious crime and will of having neglected the parliamentary duties for which they were party leaders was raised at the last fleet of over 300 cars, and about be severely punished.” elected. Attendance is negligible on the part of most:

CA member Number of days present

Girija Prasad Koirala (NC) 0 (Though he attended three meetings, Koirala did not sign the attendance book) Peace expenditure Pushpa Kamal Dahal (CPN-Maoist) 4 Rameshwor Bohora in Himal Khabarpatrika, CA election: Rs 3.05 billion Madhav Kumar Nepal (UML) 3 1-16 September Logistics for PLA soldiers: Rs 2.27 billion CA session (1 year): Rs 742 million Jhala Nath Khanal (UML) 13 The government and the Maoists signed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in November 2006, Considerable sums have also been spent on Sher Bahadur Deuba (NC) 2 marking the formal beginning of the peace process. constitution writing and inclusion: The process has not brought much hope to the Bijay Kumar Gachhadar (MJF-Democratic) 12 people, although over United Rs 58 billion has already been spent in the last Nations Mahant Thakur (TMLP) 15 three years. Peace is expensive. Development Upendra Yadav (MJF) 12 A huge portion of the peace Programme fund comes from donors. The (UNDP): Rajendra Mahato (Sadbhawana) 10 peace ministry alone has spent Rs 1.8 billion about United States Agency for Baburam Bhattarai (CPN-Maoist) 9 Rs 18.97 billion if we include International Development (USAID): this year’s budget. Other Rs 2.14 billion Ram Bahadur Thapa (CPN-Maoist) 7 expenditure is as follows: Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC): Rs 2.73 billion Reconstruction of demolished infrastructure: European Union (EU): Rs 510 million Apart from these leaders, a dozen more CA members risk being Rs 20.5 billion Canadian International Development Agency expelled from the assembly. Constitutionally speaking, they United Nations Mission in Nepal: Rs 13.19 (CIDA): Rs 470 million already have been. billion Germany: Rs 190 million Jha’s justice

Letter to the Editor in his oath taking in Hindi Nagarik, 2 September breached the constitutional provision. But he does not seem Vice President Parmanand Jha to admit that he is mistaken. If made a mockery of the rule of he truly believes in the rule of law by defying the SC order. law, he should have obeyed the He continues to object to the court order and retaken the oath SC order and argues his in Nepali. This would have position is legitimate. He secured his position as well as claims to be Nepal’s vice supported the justice of president, but takes his oath of the state. office in Hindi, the Indian The court decision is not national language. What does biased at all. The interim this say about his moral constitution has declared character? Nepali to be the national Jha himself is a law language and the language of the delivery of justice. His act is student. The court has communication. By defying the tantamount to contempt of “Civilian supremacy” clarified with sufficient court order, Jha has challenged court. He should resign. reasons and precedents why the judiciary and questioned Kamal Koirala, New Baneswor Yubak in Nagarik 9 September CONSTITUTION 2010 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 7 “Humanitarian, not Maoist” Shramaner Anand, Maoist CA member, Kathmandu

How did you spend the last year in the CA? In the 13 months that the CA has been running, good and bad things have happened. We declared the country a republic during the first CA session, and then got ordinary people’s suggestions for the constitution and on this basis began work on preliminary drafts within our thematic committees. Five committees have finished their drafts already. But there’s growing mistrust between the parties, which has put the constitution work on hold. I’m beginning to think that the constitution won’t be written on time.

You’re a monk and a Maoist. Isn’t that a contradiction? Religion is about equality, happiness, humanity and is revolutionary in its own way, so what Buddha preached 2500 years ago isn’t too different from what the Maoists are saying now.

But Buddha wasn’t violent like the Maoists, right? I don’t believe in violence, it’s PICS: MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA inhuman.

If you don’t believe in violence, how did you ever fall in with the Maoists? After training to be a monk in for 20 years, I returned to Nepal in 2001. After witnessing the violence here, like other monks, I wanted to convince people to turn against violence, which required that I stay close to Maoist fighters, which is why KIRAN PANDAY I’m officially a Maoist CA member. But I’m a humanitarian, not a Maoist.

Are you for a unicameral or bicameral system? Let’s see if a unicameral system works first, since we’re in an Jumping the gun experimental phase right now. Will the constitution be written on time? The parties must first cooperate, focus on the people’s demands, and there shouldn’t be any more protests. If all this Federalism is fraught with potential failure happens, the constitution will be written on time.

he elected Constituent the country down the money slated for development Assembly is supposed to Yugoslavia path. Take the work actually reaches the people. T write the constitution. proposed Newa province in Provincial federalism could But we jumped the gun. The Kathmandu Valley. Since only exacerbate this tendency. “Almost done” commission tasked to write the 45 per cent of the valley is Instead, we should devolve interim constitution declared Newari, the majority will power to the grassroots level and Shakuntala Lepcha, UML CA member, Ilam the country a federal republic perpetually be led by a minority. skirt the provinces. This way, before CA members had a chance If the valley’s 11 adjoining there will be less corruption and How have you spent the last 13 months in the CA? to debate its merits. districts were included in the greater representation. We’re currently writing preliminary drafts on the basis of the We need to step back and province, then 25 per cent Federalism has its merits, of suggestions we received from ordinary people. Five committees have take a fresh look at the problems would rule the rest. This will course, but it’s dangerous at the finished their drafts already. Although the schedule’s already been involved, not least because the also require the government to doses we’re recommending. The revised a couple of times, there’s no need to panic. CA members should commission doesn’t have the split up territory that many right medicine, at the right time, work deliberately, not hastily. right to preempt the popularly groups claim, which could set at the right level will work. No Has your committee finished its off race riots. elected CA. more, no less. draft? Third, federalism will be We need to discuss I am in the Protection of Minority COMMENT very costly since it will create federalism in more detail and Rights and Marginalised Ratna Sansar many more high offices of state rejecting it doesn’t mean less Communities committee. We’ve Shrestha to be filled with pompous representation. Take the demand already submitted the draft and have personalities. We already have a for a Newa province as an begun discussions on it. For one, the proposed ethnic president who likes stopping example. If one is to look federalist model impinges on a traffic when he’s on the road, around, many of the major The house is frequently disrupted. At citizen’s right to equal access to and a trouble-making vice cultural celebrations of Nepal are this rate, will the constitution be national resources since it grants president who puts even the ex- based on Newa culture. written on time? communities special rights to crown prince to shame. Similarly, what is famed as If the parties stop bickering, the government is more sensitive and provincial forests, mines, rivers. Federalism will elevate more Nepali architecture is actually CA members work really hard then This pits communities directly people like this to the posts of Newa architecture. Therefore it the constitution can be written on against one another since it governors and ministers at the is in the Newa interest to ensure time. encourages them to undercut provincial level. The question is: that our motherland, Nepal, one another’s rights. do taxpayers really want to doesn’t disintegrate due to Do you support a unicameral or bicameral system? The recent cold-blooded shoulder this extra problems with its proposed A bicameral system, with a lower and upper house, would be best murder of seven yarsagumba administrative burden? federal structure. for Nepal. harvesters from Gorkha by a Finally, federalism in itself Newa identity is like a fish local community in Manang won’t accomplish what it sets that will not survive outside What should be the official state language? prefigures the devastating out to do: empower ethnic and water, in this case, our First of all, we’re all Nepalis, almost everyone understands Nepali, so consequences a federal marginalised communities. The motherland. The same could be the government should conduct its work in Nepali. But the government must help to develop the other languages that Nepalis speak. arrangement could have. It could unitary structure at the said of all of Nepal’s ethnicities, also set off a wave of internal provincial level will continue to scattered as they are across the How does it feel to represent the less than 4000-strong Lepcha migration and displacement, as leave some groups out of power. country. It is just not community? we’ve already seen in the Tarai. It will add one more layer of worthwhile to split this country This is the first time in 240 years that a Lepcha got this far up in Second, the proposal to politicos to the bureaucracy who along ethnic lines. government. There are two of us in the CA right now, the other being entitle particular ethnic groups will leach off money that’s Tikaram Lepcha. We were both elected from the same place. We are to the exclusive leadership of supposed to help people. Ratna Sansar Shrestha is a water both extremely proud of the fact. The 2001 census recorded 3,600 particular provinces could take Already, less than half of the resource analyst. Lepchas in Nepal. 8 MUSIC So w ca

Karaoke is the new- fangled tonic for everything from boredom to stress

Tonight, in karaoke bars around the world, something more profound than you might realise will be happening 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 9 what if you an’t sing?

SABHYATA TIMSINA

f you’re such a bad singer that you croak like a toad, don’t worry. You’re more than welcome at any of the new karaoke bars in Kathmandu, where after a few drinks you will have the distinct I impression you can sing like Frank Sinatra. Karaoke is a new fixture in the Valley’s popular culture, and karaoke bars have caught on as a favoured hangout for people weary after slogging all day at work. We’ve taken a cue from the , where half the population has a karaoke box at home. Filipinos even host their own singing and dancing competitions! Karaoke is a form of daily recreation and an absolute must at all get-togethers and festivals in the Philippines. Little wonder then that it was Roselle Prisno from the Philippines who set up Kathmandu’s first karaoke bar in her restaurant Baryo Fiesta in Naxal. It was an instant hit. Nepalis showed up from day one howling like wounded dogs into the microphone. "People come here and have the most enjoyable time and it’s nice for us to be sharing this love for singing with Nepalis,” Prisno says. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Thirty-year-old Shweta Pradhan visits Baryo Fiesta regularly to unwind after work. “It’s the most effective stress buster for me. When I sing everything that’s bothering me comes out, and though it’s late when I get home I end up feeling really refreshed after an evening of Korea-ke bar karaoke,” she says. Karaoke is apparently also a great way to work out since it increases oxygen levels in the blood without leaving you hot and sweaty. It also hat do you get when put paid to our mood. A thousand around for two years and is produces ‘feel-good’ endorphins (eating chocolate does too, but singing you mix music, rupees just for the room, in attended to by 11 waitresses, is less fattening). Doctors in and are now prescribing W diplomatic intrigue and addition to exorbitant prices all unmarried, who sing and karaoke instead of Prozac to cure stress. a supreme leader who fancies for everything from water to dance at specific times listed in American girls? A North Korean ice cream. the brochure. All the other If you don’t like going out but are eager to try karaoke, you can do so karaoke bar, and there’s one right I returned a few days later, still branches of the restaurant are from your couch at home. All you need is a computer microphone and here in Kathmandu. The word on miffed, but determined to in China. The restaurant is software that’s available online. Croon to the moon! the street is the Korea-Pyongyang investigate the bar’s Pyongyang frequented by our own Okryu-Gwan Restaurant funds connections. The management comrades when they have to Top Ten Karaoke Hits Kim Jong Il’s international was tight-lipped, never mind that meet their diplomatic My Heart will go on–Celine Dion diplomatic forays. its business is to get people to connections. They seem to find Everything I do–Bryan Adams The restaurant near Yak and open up. A dour looking lady the privacy they want in the Always–Bon Jovi Yeti in Darbar Marg is a modern behind the counter was clearly in cubicles, but I doubt they ever Every breath you take–The Police looking affair with bright neon charge but she totally ignored me. turn on the karaoke machine for Summer of ‘69–Bryan Adams tube lights. It’s hosted by smiling Instead, one of the attendants a session of Sino-Nepali duets. All summer long–Kid Rock Korean girls in baby pink and blue came over and handed me a Finally, I broached the big Born to be wild–Steppenwolf suits who look like stewardesses brochure that purportedly question. “Who owns the Hotel California–The Eagles with Air Koryo, the hermit contained all the information I restaurant?” The waitress I love rock n’ roll–Joan Jett and the Blackhearts kingdom’s flag carrier. We were needed. I tried to extract more pointed to the lady behind the I will survive–Gloria Gaynor escorted into one of seven cosy ‘information’ out of her, but it desk. “Can I get her name?” private karaoke rooms, where we seemed she spoke neither Nepali The answer was an Karaoke Bars in Kathmandu found an impressive list of songs nor English. Perhaps she had unsurprising "no". North and Baryo Fiesta, Naxal in English, Korean, Hindi and been warned not to divulge any are different, she Everest Korean Restaurant, Sorakhutte Nepali. We jumped right in and a more than was absolutely seemed to imply, and, unlike Station, Lazimpat raucous evening of off-key necessary? the former, the latter do not like Café de Patan, Patan Darbar Square screeching followed. But I did pick up some to feature in bar reviews. Korea-Pyongyang Okryu-Gwan Restaurant, Darbar Marg A couple of hours later the bill snippets. The restaurant has been Surabhi Pudasaini ‘This one goes out...’

bout the karaoke machine, that most prophetic of postmodern Thin Lizzy’s ‘Jailbreak’, and I’ve never been able to look at him the ghost-music, tinkling with its own deadness, and that unsung Aleisure devices, almost any number of intelligent-sounding things same way again. At the instant he sang “See the boys and me mean melody is spectrally beckoning, beckoning. The heart of the karaoke can be said: like the cellphone and the iPod, it seems to have business…”, he became legendary to me. performer swells: into this vacancy he must project his beautiful invented us more than we invented it. Karaoke, a book by Zhou Xun and Francesca Tarocco, tracks the essence, his soul. He or she may be emboldened or confused by You can say, for example, that ours is a Karaoke Age, in which westward spread of the phenomenon, from its birth in Japan in 1971 alcohol, wild with a private grief, or, worst of all, suffering from a the arts of mimicry and simulation are more esteemed than originality with the low-rent keyboardist and vibraphone player Daisuke Inoue to genuine desire to excel before his peers. Regardless, in the or sincerity. You can say that in the trash democracy of global pop the installation of a karaoke machine in an English church, 30 years performance that ensues, something will be brought to light. culture, where the anonymous soul has been replaced by the later. (“I’m afraid singing unaccompanied just wasn’t the same,” Tonight the bars will fill and the microphones will be gripped. So undiscovered star and the celebrity-in-waiting, it is karaoke that has explained the vicar.) I dedicate this column to the karaoke-lovers, who will make tonight ritualised the emergence of this inner performer. Something of the mystery of karaoke is contained in its etymology. their own. None of this, however, will get you near the true nature of The word is a compound abbreviation of two Japanese words meaning James Parker karaoke. Deeply awful at times, even sordid, it is never less than ‘empty’ and ‘orchestra’. Karaoke is above all a space, an absence interesting – and it can be revelatory. I once saw a friend of mine do haunted by the missing vocal line. The instrumental accompaniment is The Boston Globe 10 NATION 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 One hundred days with Nepal Security beyond SUVAYU DEV PANT he government of Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal T turned 100 days on Wednesday. These have not been the easiest 100 days for Nepal, neither the PM nor the country. epal is the very picture control until the reestablishment Nepal was elected unopposed by the CA a year after of insecurity: its army of democracy in 2006. embarrassing defeats in elections in two constituencies, resists civilian Security expert Sridhar Khatri Kathmandu and Rautahat. Critics said this would discredit the CA N authority, the police and the of the South Asia Centre for elections. “We selected the person who was rejected by the APF are perceived by some as Policy Studies agrees. “The people as the leader of the country, what do you expect?” a private political militias, defense ministry was a post-box disenchanted young activist asked. political thugs terrorise the for the army so it didn’t have any Nepal has become the butt of many jokes. So desperate is he public, and ordinary people real powers at all.” As a result, he to fulfill his life-long dream to be Nepal’s PM that he will sign anything, they say. The Maoists obstructed house proceedings, starve and endure epidemics of says, security policy became hurled insults and finally stepped down to start street agitations wholly preventable diseases as increasingly unresponsive to and boycott the PM’s functions. development grinds to a halt. ordinary people’s needs. Most urban moderates, who secretly believed that Nepal was Changing Security Dynamics not at all qualified for the position, decided to keep mum, so in Nepal, co-edited by Rosy Cave relieved were they that the and foreign policy adviser to the A wide- Maoists had been ousted. Prime Minister Rajan Bhattarai, INTERESTING TIMES Others just didn’t care as is a collection of essays written Mallika Aryal they knew that no matter by security experts such as ranging who is in power things Dhruba Kumar (see book review won’t really change. below) and Kul Chandra Gautam, collection When MKN became PM there was no euphoria or celebration, and the editors themselves. It just a lot of cynicism. Those who voted against veteran leaders investigates Nepal’s security like Nepal were angry and unhappy that the achievements made establishment with emphasis on still misses since the end of the ‘people’s war’ were all going to go to waste. its history and ongoing With such low expectations, the Nepal government didn’t have problems. The book’s the point much to prove. overarching argument is that the Yet the UML-led government has been surprisingly resilient. It establishment has historically The NSC floundered partly appears more confident after the PM’s Delhi visit, and the obsessed over the threat of a because it wasn’t held Maoists are scratching their heads about how to wiggle back into foreign invasion and as a result accountable to parliament, government. But the government got by with doing absolutely has ignored more pressing, local which the government nothing on the development front for the first 100 days. It can’t concerns of ‘human security’ relentlessly undermined. afford to now. If there is one thing that will give Nepal legitimacy such as lawlessness and Contributor Dhruba Kumar and moral authority, it is a perception that he means business. The challenges are daunting: the peace process must be kept malnutrition. The government’s explains that parliamentary on track, the constitution must be written, the security situation loose hold over the military committees were warned against must be improved, inflation controlled, food supply ensured and has distorted security policies grilling security personnel about the two armies have to be integrated. to reflect these outdated fears their misdeeds. and has contributed to our But the book exaggerates the security woes. threat the army poses since the Time to make difficult Contributor Geja Sharma Nepali military is less Wagle notes that in 2001 the troublesome than its regional decisions and prove to government established the counterparts, most notably those KIRAN PANDAY National Security Council with in Bangladesh and Pakistan. tends to look for outside the people that this the prime minister, defense Since 1990 the army has leadership, says Khatri. minister and army chief as accepted a more democratic role The bigger security problem is government really exists members. But nothing changed, although there have been the lawlessness that has swept largely because it became a hiccups along the way. The army across the country these past It would not be fair to say that the government has done sounding chamber for the army. panicked when the Maoists came three years, which reflects a nothing right. The appointment of the chair to the constitutional Little else was done to bring the to power as it felt threatened by growing legitimacy crisis. The committee, the formation of a special committee on army army more firmly under civilian the PLA. Still, the Nepal Army state appears illegitimate partly integration, the appointment of secretaries in various ministries and the start of a special security plan to deal with the deteriorating security condition were all done by the book. All this, despite having to firefight over crises like the VP’s oath row, the flak over the cholera epidemic, the decisions over priests in Pashupatinath. Nilambar Acharya, the new chair of the constitutional committee, said this week that it is still possible to write the constitution in the next nine months if everyone works hard and stays focused on the goals. All the parties had better The army must listen to him. The leaders of this government must also remember that while the overall goals of the country are broad, there are certain areas in Nepal that need special attention. The families in the far west whose sole bread-winners died of cholera don’t really care about the new constitution. The people in the mid-west want food, clean drinking water, medications and relief that proves to them that they are not alone and the state actually does care about its people. Nepalis grew tired of the political bickering a long time ago. We may write the constitution on time, but if we can’t even deliver basic services and show the presence of the state in the countryside, the people are going to get even more disillusioned. And this will benefit only the extremists. There has always been the fear that the constitution may not be written on time and this government has done nothing to allay those fears. In fact with its inability to act or make difficult decisions, it has proven its critics right—that it is unreasonable to expect anything from this government. But it is still not too late. Nepal’s team faces rough days ahead, and those days may be numbered if the Maoists decide to pull the rug from under it after Dasain. But the government must stay true to the commitments of an inclusive new Nepal, show with their work that they are serious about the people. Nepalis want action, not more speeches. It’s not enough for Nepal to stay on in government by the skin of his teeth.

KIRAN PANDAY NATION 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 11 the security sector

that sparked the current lawlessness and ignores the fact that our gravest threats are corrupt parties and rampant politicisation, not a stubborn army. Unless we reform our parties so that they better represent people’s interests, civilian oversight of the army isn’t going to reorient the security establishment’s objectives, and the politically disenchanted will continue to turn to violence. Yet the book fails to ask the million dollar question: how do you reform parties when you need the consent of their leaders, who stand to lose the most from reform? A practical answer to this question could pull us out of the mess we’re in.

The book is available for free online at: http://www.isn.ethz.ch/ isn/Current-Affairs/Policy-Briefs/ Detail/?lng=en&id=103628

because it’s timid, factionalised The state is also absent in large The legitimacy crisis has been coherent security strategy, Changing Security Dynamics in and often out of sight. The parts of the country, leaving aggravated by growing unrest professionalising the police and Nepal: A Collection of Essays government fears that tough goons and militants in charge. caused by a widening income army, and educating policymakers Edited by Rajan Bhattarai and Rosy Cave action against political thugs will Urban planner Pitambar Sharma inequality. about Nepal’s new internal Nepal Institute of Policy Studies spark reprisals that will unseat it warns that “the absence of the Bhattarai and Cave suggest security threats. (Kathmandu) and Saferworld and parties factionalise state state at the local level is a big shoring up the National Security But the book’s biggest failing (London), 2009 institutions like the police and blow to its legitimacy and could Council so that it makes rather is that it makes only a fleeting ISBN 978-9937-2-1305-9 judiciary to score political points. ruin us if we don’t fix it soon.” than receives policy, developing a mention of the legitimacy crisis Pages 226 be handled with care DHRUBA SIMKHADA from financial and economic insecurity mean that the armed forces should obey to fear of violence at the hands of the civilian orders imprudently”, writes state, common criminals or other groups Kumar. It means the development of a espite the restoration of democratic due to sexual, religious or ethnic code of conduct for the security forces, rule and the end of the civil war, differences. particularly with regard to their D Nepal’s security situation can Kumar, who lectures at Tribhuvan relationship with Nepali society. Such hardly be said to have improved. University, pays special attention to the a code of conduct could be bolstered by Insecurity at the hands of state and non- question of army-PLA integration. He parliamentary oversight committees. state forces continues to thwart the considers it a particularly knotty Problems of human security reach aspirations of Nepalis, and is examined problem because nobody is obviously in far beyond security sector reform, as the more closely in Dhruba Kumar’s Nepali the right. The row over Rookmangad scope of this book indicates. Political State, Society and Human Security: An Katawal’s sacking and subsequent hooliganism and the ongoing army-PLA Infinite Discourse. reinstatement has only worsened row are only the most obvious Kumar’s broad-based definition of matters. Nonetheless, there are deep- symptoms of a more general malaise human security sets the stage. Drawing rooted problems with the Nepal Army that is manifest not only in rising from the Human Development Report that need to be addressed, according to crime and the burgeoning numbers of 1994, he declares that human security is Kumar. Basically, the institution is armed groups in the Tarai and the east “a child who did not die, a disease that unaccustomed to civilian rule. But the but also in the human insecurity Nepali State, Society and Human did not spread, a job that was not cut, an Security: An Infinite Discourse bungled Maoist move to subjugate them underlined by the epidemic in the ethnic tension that did not explode in Dhruba Kumar should make one thing clear: the army west. These are all interrelated, Kumar violence, a dissident who was not Mohiuddin Ahmed, The University should be eased into civilian rule, not seems to say, so the need of the hour is silenced.” Correspondingly, human Press Ltd., Dhaka (2009) manhandled. a security policy that can deal with insecurity “arises from worries about daily ISBN 978-9840-5-1794-7 “Maintaining civilian supremacy and them simultaneously and life”, thereby encompassing everything Pages 365 stable civil-military relations does not comprehensively. 12 INTERNATIONAL 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 Malaysia’s ten-point agenda

his week we celebrate the 52nd adopted home-grown remedies to lift the streets. This may have some human rights It wasn’t a anniversary of Malaysiaís country out of the 1997 Asian financial crisis. implications by western standards but has independence. What in 1957 was an Our approach is being adopted by even circumvented the continuous cycle of ‘miracle’ that Tunderdeveloped country with a poverty rate developed nations to tackle the current political and religious violence that bedevils of 78 per cent and an annual per capita global recession. many democratic societies. Trade unions do brought income of $270 has now emerged as a not resort to bandas and demonstrations to progressive and prosperous country of 3. Enduring inter-ethnic harmony. Instead of press their demands in Malaysia. prosperity to 27 million people with a per capita income creating a melting pot, Malaysia of $7,000. By Malaysiaís National Vision painstakingly weaved a rich cultural mosaic. 8. Professionalism and competency of the year of 2020, the country aspires to join the The plurality of lifestyles this engenders has Malaysian civil service in planning and Malaysia, it was ranks of the developed nations. given rise to an extraordinarily multi-faceted implementing development programs. The I have often been asked what made society that stands as an example of how a government has invested massively in hard work Malaysia tick. There are ten points that fragmented multi-ethnic, multi-religious and developing human resource capital and made our progress possible: multi-cultural polity can be welded together upgrading its public delivery capacity. in a common nation. 1. Political stability. The National Front, 9. Malaysia as a Muslim country is an consisting of 13 political parties 4. Eradication of poverty. Malaysia invested exemplar of a moderate, multi-cultural and representing all the ethnic groups in in free primary and secondary education and tolerant society. Secularism and Islam Malaysia, has been governing the nation free health care, and has used its expanding co-exist peacefully despite the rise of since independence. The alliance, economy to preserve social peace. We political Islam due to the governmentís painstakingly forged by the forefathers in adopted pragmatic, globalised economic balancing of Islamic measures with the policies long before globalisation. A strong broad secular, capitalistic, democratic and GUEST COLUMN economy has acted as a glue to bind our globalised features of Malaysiaís multi- people, first, by forging inter-ethnic ethnic and multi-religious society. Ilankovan economic partnerships and second, by Kolandavelu giving to every community a share in an 10. Womenís rights. In the work place, in expanding economic cake. schools and in universities, women easily 1954, was built on an overwhelming spirit of outnumber men. About 65 per cent of students accommodation and moderation. It serves 6. Peaceful and cooperative social in colleges and universities are women. as a unique example of long-term power engineering. Malaysia embarked on a sharing among multi-ethnic and pragmatic expansion of opportunities for all. The World Bank used to categorise the majority-minority communities and between This reduced tensions that flared in 1969 due achievement of Malaysia as an ëAsian West Malaysia and the regions of Sabah to the economic gap between the Miracleí. Itís a compliment, but Malaysiaís and Sarawak. majority-minority communities. prosperity was not the result of some divine intervention, it was brought about by our 2. Peace, security and social harmony. The 7. A culture that avoids open confrontation. own hard work and sacrifice. country is blessed with visionary leaders. Behind-the-scenes negotiations and The people havenít felt the need to change a compromises on a whole range of issues are Ilankovan Kolandavelu is ambassador of winning combination. Our leaders think out preferred to open confrontation. Malaysia Malaysia to Nepal. This is an excerpt of a of the box, like the time we rejected the IMF imposes severe controls on mass protests, speech he made on his countryís national policy prescriptions and successfully thereby keeping social conflict off the day on 31 August in Kathmandu. REVIEWS 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #46713

human and his homicidal computer. Reconsidering 2001, one can’t help but wonder at its curious contraction from the science fiction genre. Despite its audacious arc spanning thousands of years, the Back to the future direction that it begins in is in the past, and it extends scant decades into the future. Nor does it, for the most ichael Jackson was not the only moonwalker part, venture outside the solar system. Even as its image of commemorated this year, 2009 marked the 40th the future exceeds the accomplishment of today (we have M anniversary of the Apollo 9 mission that placed no manned missions heading to other planets and no American astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin on Soviet-American space stations outfitted like the lobbies the moon. of 5-star hotels), it remains oddly modest and prosaic. Even as China and India are cautiously attempting Kubrick and Clarke do not imagine a resolution to the space missions of their own now, that first moon landing Cold War, let alone even cosmetic changes to the race and marked in the world the height of a certain optimism in gender politics of their time: American women serve as the notion of progress, a certain faith in the endeavours of flight hostesses and receptionists and nary a person of science and human color besmirches the screen. That aside, in the premium ingenuity, and our placed on ‘realism’, one finds a still entertaining attention CRITICAL CINEMA inherent ability to to mechanics and the everyday tedium of life in zero A Angelo D’Silva overcome challenges gravity space, from magnetic shoes to meals drunk out of a and transcend our straw. The state-of-the-art special effects of the time are limitations, a mindset that seems to have long receded still curiously effective. from our common perspective. What is most admirable and audacious about 2001 is It does not seem unfair to question that optimism where it inspires an ape-like ancestor to kill using a tool, its insistence on remaining agnostic towards its meanings, when 40 years later diarrhea and malaria are still among then thousands of years later at the end of the 20th century conferring on them a meditative aspect, even in moments the leading causes of death, a fact brought home to Nepalis when a group of Americans uncover it on the moon, and of real terror or surrealism. What is the next stage in the by the epidemic in Jajarkot. finally on Jupiter’s moon where the ‘Odysseus’ of the film, evolution of man? Are we fundamentally a violent species Next month Hollywood technicians will release Dave Bowman (Keir Dullea), comes face to face with it and is transcendence beyond us? Does technology allow restored footage from that landing, a cinematic landmark while on a lonesome manned mission. It is a common us to overcome our limitations or will it simply lead to in its own right. So now might be the perfect time to complaint of canonical works, and cinematic ones such as our destruction? 2001 evokes these questions for the revisit Stanley Kubrick’s 2001: A Space Odyssey, which 2001 are no exception, that they are inaccessible and attentive viewer but does not allow for comfortable began earlier in that decade as a collaboration with sci-fi obscure. Stanley Kubrick’s 2001 may be guilty of the charge, answers. The movie is iconic beyond doubt, and has author Arthur C. Clarke and was released a year before the but mostly because of its uncompromising vision. attracted parody and homage in equal measure. But it also manned moon landing. Kubrick’s masterpiece Audiences today might find the central segment set on the provides a template for a more sophisticated, encapsulates the promises of human progress and pioneering spaceship, which details the contest between contemplative and adult science fiction that has rarely highlights man’s conflicted relationship with technology the human passengers and the onboard computer HAL, to been repeated in American cinema. through a vision peppered with the anxieties of the Cold be the most narratively coherent and satisfying. It is in this War and enlivened by curious notions of what the world section, still rich in the kinds of serious questions that 2001: A Space Odyssey might be like at the beginning of the 21st century. mark this film, where the innovative storytelling—its Director: Stanley Kubrick The lynchpin of the sprawling, segmented 2001 is the experimental use of sound and silence, for instance—is Cast: Keir Dullea, William Sylvester, Gary image of a black monolith, a towering slab of black rock. It most effective. Indeed, even in its ambiguity (moral and Lockwood, Daniel Richter is alien, inscrutable and totemic, and stares back blankly at narrative), there has rarely been a piece of cinema as Runtime: 2 hrs 39 mins the humanity it encounters, first in the recesses of the past gripping as the final confrontation between the surviving Release date: 1968

designed furniture merging Kathmandu Valley’s traditional craft with contemporary lines for dining tables, sofas, lamp shades, Under the pipal tree partitions and ceramics. The overall effect is of good taste, minimalist functionality and traditional elegance in a restored space within a former Rana residence. Linkins has a definite vision: “Whether you are designing a building, piece of clothing, cutlery or a business card, design is integrative and holistic: it is all about approaching DESIGNER INTERIOR: Dining design challenges and, by table with ceramics, wall carpets extension, life in general, with an and lampshades combine attitude of clarity and simplicity.” Kathmandu’s traditional craft with But why the name Pipalbot, contemporary design at Pipalbot, we ask Ongmo. She is happy to set up by Diki Ongmo and Tim explain. “The pipal tree gives Linkins (above). shade, it’s where travelers take a rest and stop to chat, and it has a on Friday 4 September there is spiritual dimension.” a raga evening with Gurudev Kunda Dixit Kamath.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA “We really feel that the built Pipalbot environment has a subtle but Upstairs at Baber Mahal Revisited he intimate and tranquil Australian architect Tim Linkins, there is a noisy political sit-in profound impact on a person’s way Open Tuesday – Sunday Pipalbot that has just who works as a design consultant going on there. of thinking, so we wanted to 11AM-7PM T opened at Baber Mahal in Kathmandu. Pipalbot is also a venue for art provide an exemplar of Lunch (bookings required), Revisited should not really be Ongmo explains: “We wanted exhibitions, weekly film nights and contemporary design in the Nepali all-day tea and dessert, dinner by written about because if it to provide a venue where people practical meditation classes, and context,” says Linkins, who has prior arrangement. becomes too popular, crowds with different interests could may spoil the entire effect. overlap, talk, eat, be entertained. Pipalbot is a unique blend of It’s really open-ended how the many things: a bright and airy space can be utilised and this café with a communal table, an keeps the space fresh and ever- event space, and a store for evolving.” contemporary furniture, comfort Indeed, at different times this clothing, rugs and art objects. week at Pipalbot, we spotted Eric The open room exudes optimism, Valli, Gotz Hagemuller, Sapana and has an uplifting, quiet Malla and Dubby Bhagat. People ambience. who have been in Kathmandu “Kathmandu is a small place many years mingled with those with very diverse people who who have just arrived, and the move in their own circles, we common table brought everyone wanted to mix them up,” says Diki together in like-minded intimacy. Ongmo, who opened a store in Within this oasis-like Sydney 15 years ago called Tibet sanctuary, it is hard to imagine Sydney. She moved back to that the south gate of Singha launch Pipalbot with her partner, Darbar is just 200m away and 14 CITY 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467

ABOUT TOWN In GI Joe, the first film made about a fictional troupe of EXHIBITIONS super-soldiers, the team must contend with COBRA which, ‘Concealed splendour’, photography exhibition by Shubhecha after stealing a special broadcast satellite, now threatens Tewari, Shangri-La hotel, Lazimpat, till 6 Sep, 11AM the world with a teleportation device called MASS. The GI Joes find the original designer of the device, who says the only way to counter it is to build a MASS device of EVENTS their own. However to do that, they need three rare and Monsoon Wedding, movie exotic elements to power it. This pits the team against screening at Lazimpat Gallery Café, 5 COBRA in a race to find these elements while humanity’s Sep, 5.30PM, 4428549 Entertainment survival is at stake. ‘Patan Press club’, meets every Thursday at Dhokaima Café, 6PM, Call 4442220 for show timings at Jai Nepal

5522113 Quest www.jainepal.com Himalayan Buddhist Meditation Centre, Meditation Mon-Fri 5-6PM, Yoga Mon-Fri 8.30-9.30AM, Tai Chi Sat 10-11.30AM at Himalayan sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg ] x'Fb}g . kl;gfsf ] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'Fb}g . sfd Vegetarian Garden Café at HBMC, Keshar Mahal Marg, u/]/ vfg nhfpg' klg x'Fb}g . rf]/]/, 9fF6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] g]kfn ;/sf/ Thamel, 4410402 nhfpgk5' { . hf ] hxf F /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;df} /dfpgk5' { uf/a} ;"rgf tyf ;~rf/ dGqfno ugk5'{ { / ;dlkt{ eP/ ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm xf,] elQm xf ] / dlQm' ;"rgf ljefu MUSIC xf ] . sfdsf ] OHht u/f,}+ kl;gfsf ] ;Ddfg u/f }+ . Raga Evening, performance by classical vocalist Guru Dev Kamat at Pipalbot, Baber Mahal Revisited, 4 Sep, 6.30PM, 9721331390 Baja gaja, every Tuesday at Moksh, Pulchok, 7.30 PMonwards, 5526212 Live band every Friday and rooftop bbq everyday at Kausi Kitchen, Darbar Marg, 4227288 Sunday Jazz brunch barbecue and live jazz music at the Terrace, Hyatt Regency, 12-3.30PM, 4491234 Jazz evening at Delices de France Restaurant every Wednesday, 11AM-2PM, 4260326 Some like it hot every Friday BBQ and live music by Dinesh Rai and the Sound Minds, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel, 7PM onwards, 4479488 Happy cocktail hour, ladies night on Wednesday with live unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar, Thamel, 5-7PM Live Sensation, performance by Yankey every Saturday 9PM, Hyatt Regency, Kathmandu, 4491234 Nepali Ghajals and songs at D’Lounge Beijing Duck Restaurant, every Thursday 6.30 PM onwards, 4468589

DINING Indra Jatra Festival, at 1905 postponed to 10 Sept. Dhaka Biryani Festival, by Barek Bawarchi from Bangladesh at The Café, till 12 Sep, 4489362 Wine Festival, till 15 September, Kilroy’s Thamel, 4250440 Chocolate, Coffee and Caramel, every evening at The Lounge, 4.30 PM-6.30 PM, 4491234 A cafe’s café, Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka, 5522113 Jazzabell Café, relaunched at Jhamsikhel, 2114075 The Corner Bar, 5-7PM, 3-11PM, Radisson Hotel Kathmandu, 4411818 WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL Himal Khabarpatrika Al Fresco, for home-made pasta, steak and freshwater trout, 1-16 September 3, 2009 Soaltee Crowne Plaza, 4273999 This late monsoon has sure had a lot of late surprises. But it is finally settled Kakori, for biryanis, curries and kebabs, Soaltee Crowne into the familiar pattern of Bhadaure Jhari that is familiar for this time of year: Plaza, 7-10.45 PM bright, clear mornings, hot afternoons, buildups by evening and night squalls. Cover The sun sets on GPK Chez Caroline for French and Mediterranean cuisine, Baber Expect more of this during the coming week, since the Bay is pumping in a lot Mahal Revisited, 4263070 of moisture up our way. in addition, there is a lot of transpiration from midhill forests who rise up the mountains in the afternoon convection and fall in the Editorial: Mediterranean cuisine every Friday from Greece, Italy and the The dark clouds are parting Middle East at The Café, Hyatt Regency, 4491234 evening as rain. It will be hot and humid during the sunny spells, but the nights will be substanitally cooler over the weekend. We are still looking at a couple Teppanyaki meat items and garlic rice at Le Resturant, of deep troughs spinning out of the Bay, and these will keep the monsoon Report: Gairidhara, 4436318 active to beyond teh expected close of the rainy season in mid-September. The Peace Industry Plat Du Jour at Hotel Shangri-La, Lazimpat, Rs 600, 4412999 How much the donors have given Reality Bites, The Kaiser Café, Garden of Dreams, operated by to whom in the name of peace Dwarika’s Group of Hotels, 9AM-10PM, 4425341 Swine flu Starry night barbecue at Hotel Shangri-La with live performance KATHMANDU The danger spreads by Ciney Gurung, Rs 999, at the Shambala Garden, every Friday 7PM onwards, 4412999 Opinion: Himalayan Rainbow Trout at Hotel Yak and Yeti, Darbar Marg, How to do integration by 4248999 Kul Chandra Gautam Tiger for Breakfast, breakfast everyday at 1905, Kantipath, KATHMANDU VALLEY Constitution Supplement 4215068 Fri Sat Sun Nilambar Acharya in the GETAWAYS Constitutional Committee Dhulikhel Lodge Resort offers an overnight stay for Rs 1600 till Barsha Man Pun’s Six Conditions Limbuwan debate in Phidim 30 September, 4222389 26-16 28-16 28-16 Relax Package at Hyatt Regency Kathmandu for Rs 5555 plus taxes, for a night of double occupancy with breakfast, complimentary use of spa. Offer valid for Nepalis and local RECIPES by GRAHAM SYDNEY residents only, 4489800 Spa package, ayurvedic massage and access to the pool and spa with either breakfast or lunch at The Café or hi-tea at the South African Milk Tart ½ cup sugar Lounge at the Hyatt Regency Kathmandu, 4491234 2 eggs (Serves 4) 1½ tablespoons cornflour 1½ tablespoons flour For inclusion in the listing send information to editors(at)nepalitimes.com This is an easy dessert or tea tart recipe. I usually serve it 2 cups milk with a coffee syrup but one can also use a fruit coulis or a 1 tablespoon butter chocolate sauce. 1 teaspoon vanilla essence cinnamon 1 cup flour Beat the sugar and eggs together before adding the 75 grams butter cornflour and flour. Bring the milk to the boil and add the ¼ cup sugar vanilla and the butter. Reduce the heat to a slow 1 teaspoon baking powder simmer and beat in the egg mixture. Continue 1 egg stirring the mixture over a low heat until it Cream the butter and sugar together. becomes a thick custard. Pour the Beat in the egg. Mix in the flour and mixture into the pie dish, sprinkle baking powder to form a dough and press with cinnamon and allow to cool. into a thin layer in a pie dish or individual pie dishes. Bake at 180C until golden brown. Allow to cool. HAPPENINGS 4 - 10 SEPTEMBER 2009 #467 15

KIRAN PANDAY THANKS A LOT: Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal with Korean ambassador, Hong Sung Mog, after the inauguration of the Government Integrated Data Centre on Wednesday at Singha Darbar.

RAJESH GURUNG/THE HIMALAYAN TIMES DIVINE REVOLUTION: Maoist chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal at a prayer vigil organised by preacher Dinabandhu Pokhrel at Kapan on Tuesday to raise money for a local school.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA STICK 'EM UP: A health worker at Kathmandu airport testing a young passenger for signs of swine flu on Monday. The manual testing and filling of health forms results in huge queues at immigration.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA WHEN I AM 77: Founder of Dwarika's Hotel, Ambika Shrestha, in a ceremonial chariot at her jankhu that marked her reaching 77 years, 7 months, 7 weeks and 7 days on Tuesday. 16 everything Let’s eat T pickings regarded as‘notimportant’ministriesbecauseofthe Children andtheMinistryofScientificTechnology.Theseare Ministry ofEnvironment,andtheMen,Women Quite symbolic,though,thatthelastministriestogowere work otherwisewewillhaveahugeholeinthestateexchequer. cabinet toshoreupthefragilecoalitionandhopefullyitwill effectiveness. TheMadhesimemberswereinductedintothe will expandinindirectproportiontothegovernment’s Parkinson’s SecondLawwhichstatesthatthesizeofcabinet country’s unity,hewasalways willing. that ifthepeoplewantedhimback topreservethe country washeadingtowardsethnicfragmentationand visiting journalist,KingGevenexpressedhisfearthatthe would getbetter,butthecountryisgoingtopot.”Withone “Look, Ivoluntarilysteppeddownfromthethronesothings and ratherpleasedwithhimself.Hismessagetoeveryoneis: minded hacks. visitors inthepastweek,includinganNRNdelegationandl back uptoNagarjun,andhasgrantedaudiencesaslewof Without toomuchfussinthepaparazzipress,King-jihasmoved go minditsownbusiness. feminist comradeslikeJayapuriDidiwhohavetoldthepartyto down andraisefamilies.Thishasn’tgonetoowellwith female comradescurrentlylivinginsinshouldtietheknot,settle Danda female comradestogetmarriedforthwith.Theletterfrom Tremendous hasgothispartysecretariattodashoffadirective Worried bygrowingillicitliaisonsamonghisflock,Chairman during thewar.Guessevenatheistshaveaguiltyconscience. Inspiring’s partythatassassinatedhisfatherinNawalparasi proceedings, andwecan’treallyblamehimsinceitwasAwe- garlands? Thepreachermanlookedstern-facedthroughoutthe Dinabandhu Pokhreltheotherdaybedeckedinkhatasand What elsecouldexplainhispresenceataprayervigilorganisedby suddenly turnedspiritualinhisoldagetoatoneforsins. party toonethatis Has ComradeAwesometakentheBaddiesfrombeinga Constituent Assembly.Waytogo! cops andbefelicitatedbynoneotherthanthevice-chairof Banepa wasallowedtodriveacarthroughtraffic,cheeredonby them. Andwhenthereisnogovernment,afive-year-oldboyin gathered journalistsanddaredtheHomeMinistertocomeget Reporters’ Clubtheotherdaybrandishingpistolsinfrontof Which iswhyamilitantpartystagedpressconferenceatthe government meansnoonehasachancetomakeanymistakes. is simple:sincegovernmentsmakemistakes,nothavinga country havebeenwhentherehasnogovernment.Thelogic complaining about?Whatelseisnew?Thebestperiodsinthis chatterati thatthereisnogovernmentatpresent.Whatarethey There isalotofmoaningandgroaningamongKathmandu’s Wonder whatpotentialitytoforagehesawthere. and grabwhateverhecould:aberthasMinisterWithoutPortfolio. prevent oneSadBhavanastalwarttostrikewhiletheironwashot and weeveneatbribes(“ figures thatweareanationpreoccupiedwith in Hindi.Giventhefoodcrisisthatisloomingthiscountry,it all eatingtheirministries(“ dozen orsoministerstoreacharecord42memberswhoarenow marked theoccasionbysupersizinghisjumbocabinetanother The MakunayGovt’shoneymoonperiodisover,andthePM and onethatprioritiseseatingaboveallelse. ass(at)nepalitimes.com the vicepresidentisabouthimeatinghisoath(“ water, weeatcigarettes(“ actually mean“Howareyou?”Weeatair(“ to13womenCAmembersofmarriageableagestatesthat bho “ he Nepalilanguagehasallkindsofusesfortheverb BACKSIDE khanu available there(“ ?” whentheymeetinthecorridorsofpower,but ” (toeat).Ministersgreeteachotherwith“ Theex-Majestyissupposedtoberelaxed,happy god-fearing ghoos khanu ghoos churot khanu churot khanai paidaina khanai mantralaya khanu mantralaya FG FG FG FG FG ? ChairmanDahalseemstohave ”). Thewholedebateabout ”), eatblame(“ haba khanu haba ”). Still,thatdidn’t ”). Thisproves filling ourbellies sapath khanu sapath gali khanu gali slim ”), weeat godless Khanu Paris ike- ”) ”) CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 04/058/59 4 -10SEPTEMBER2009 #467

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