#489 12 - 18 February 2010 16 pages Rs 30 HOT AIR

he High Level Political Mechanism may as well T be floating high above the Nepali nation for all it has achieved in the last month. After much-publicised early wrangling about who should be in it and who should not, and whether such a mechanism is even necessary (or legitimate), it is at a standstill. At ground level, the major political parties have not resolved their differences. Constitution-writing is continuing apace, even though the drafts from the Constituent Assembly’s thematic committees are marked as much by the PLAIN SPEAKING notes of dissent they contain as by the fact Federal realities p2 that they have actually been completed. Some call for the May 28 deadline to be NATION extended, but there is a feeling that the Self-destruct p4 deadline will actually be met through typically Nepali eleventh-hour negotiations. What kind of fractious This weekend, take your constitution will make its way to the pick - Maha Shiva Ratri or Nepali people by the end of this is as Valentine’s Day? If the worrying as the doomsday predictions for latter, read Uncommon missing the deadline. Love (p7) for inspiration Let’s hope the High Level Political and check our Valentine’s Mechanism comes down to earth before the special (p8) for ideas. hot air runs out.

BILASH RAI 2| 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489

maternal mortality rate and sections can be done in only 20 of ’s HEALTHIER NATION rising female literacy 75 districts. Mid-level health workers, A But awareness by itself nurses and midwives need training and This is still a land where people die of simple, doesn’t bring about behaviour motivation, like that being provided at the preventable causes. A lung or stomach infection, easily change. Awareness alone Solukhumbu Technical School in Phaplu treated by modern medicine, can be fatal wouldn’t mean people could (see p11). in rural Nepal. access clean drinking water if Diseases like TB, malaria, encephalitis, Infectious diseases are spread by germs ingested taps hadn’t been installed in typhoid, diarrhoea and pneumonia can be with food or water, inhaled into the lungs, or transmitted villages. Knowledge about HIV treated with drugs. But they are not just through unprotected sex. The first line of defence doesn’t translate into condom medical problems. The root causes of against infection is awareness. You need use if prophylactics are not sickness in Nepal are societal communications to fight communicable diseases. If available, too expensive, people discrimination, economic disparity and treatment is necessary then prevention has failed, and are too squeamish to buy them, political neglect. This can’t be treated with prevention should be the core thrust of our national or if those buying sexual medicine. health strategy. services refuse to use them. Most diseases that kill our children, Information about water-borne diseases and what We know what to do to strike mothers at childbirth and keep cause them has made the public and health officials improve public health in Nepal. Nepal’s life expectancy low have the same more sensitive about prevention. The dramatic progress Apart from more work on DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA root causes. Just knowing that, and in child survival in Nepal in the past decade is due awareness, the country needs spreading the message, should mean that mainly to awareness spread through media and schools more hospitals and affordable drugs. More than we have won half the battle. about the dangers of drinking contaminated water, or half the doctors in Nepal practice inside the capital’s Ring about nun-chini-pani treatment. Similarly, we see a Road, so more needs to be done to retain doctors in district sharp inverse correlation between Nepal’s falling hospitals by giving them incentives to do so. Caesarian Federal realities sense of ownership. It will connect the government. Will the latter usurp the role for riots. This view too has some merit but PLAIN SPEAKING country in ways like never before. In fact, of the grassroots bodies, making the state tends to present a highly distorted and the possibility of a conflict and a even more distant for those in rural areas? alarmist picture. The present model is not Prashant Jha weakening of the state is much higher if The Indian experience shows the entirely ethnicity based. And as Mahendra Nepal does not federalise. In any case, reluctance of state governments to share Lawoti argues, whichever way you carve out federalism has already been decided upon, money and powers with Panchayats and the provinces, some groups will have a hat do the following have in and the decision will not be reversed. municipalities. More thinking is clearly majority. common: the grand old man of Other critics, including technocrats, required to delineate the local-provincial For those worried ethnic provinces will W Nepali politics Girija Prasad believe the state does not possess the authority interface. favour those they are named after, the logic Koirala; neo-liberals Ram Sharan Mahat institutional capacity to sustain such a Planners also point out that east-west of electoral politics should be reassuring. and Binod Chaudhary; orthodox Marxists model. This view has some merit. Fourteen federalism, instead of the north-south Take the present Madhes map from like Chitra Bahadur KC; ethnic states will mean fourteen separate zones, will mean inadequate utilisation of Jhapa to Birganj. Six demographic blocks entrepreneurs like Laxman Tharu and legislative, resources. This may be will control the politics – Yadavs, Tharus, Kumar Lingden; Panchayat veterans like bureaucratic, police, technically true but Muslims, Dalits, OBCs and guess what, Surya Bahadur Thapa and Pashupati Rana; and judicial Federalism may politically, north- pahadis. If any Madhesi party adopts a perennial revolutionaries like Matrika machineries. Do we south is not feasible chauvinistic, hate-mongering approach, Yadav; anti-Maoist crusaders like KP Oli; have the required not be as bad given the Madhesi they will lose the pahadi vote entirely, and progressive young Turks like Gagan Thapa; financial and human sentiment. Also, there will be defeated. The same argument Madhesi messiahs like Upendra Yadav and resources for such a as it’s carved will inevitably be applies everywhere, and means new multi- Mahant Thakur; respected lefty scholars gigantic enterprise? If inter-state co- ethnic alliances will emerge in all like Pitamber Sharma and Chaitanya states lack capacity, up to be operation. It is flawed provinces. Mishra; VDC level government servants; federalism may to say that the Madhes This is not to defend the present map and most of ’s media owners become merely ornamental. Some Maoist cannot use the water resources of the hills, or underplay the dangers of ethnic and journalists? leaders privately agree, and have been or hills cannot use the agrarian and chauvinism, but to highlight that there is None of them agree with the 14-state toying with the idea of six provinces. industrial strengths of the Madhes. In space for compromise. Incorporating model proposed by the CA’s state Bureaucrats argue the present debate on federal set-ups, states can build on each ethnicity is a political compulsion, but we restructuring and power sharing federalism risks reversing the achievements other’s comparative advantages through need to avoid making ethnicity the sole committee. made by local government. In the proposed joint mechanisms. determinant of political choice. One group fears the disintegration of delineation of powers, local bodies have The third, and most vocal, school of The good news is that the map can only the country. This is a flimsy argument. not been granted powers much beyond the skeptics includes ‘national’ (mostly get better from now on. The bad news is National maps can’t be altered so easily. Local Self-Government Act. The additional Bahun-Chhetri) politicians who believe whichever way it turns out eventually, Federalism will only make the state complication is that there is a great overlap that the map is too ethnic-centric, ignores there will be plenty of people ready to burn stronger by giving marginalised citizens a of functions with the provincial Nepal’s mixed settlements and is a recipe the constitution.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com On the blogs LISTEN UP! make the number very visible. business friendly environment. Why East West with Kunda Dixit: Is Some suggestions for TIA (‘Snailport’, 8 Ban smoking everywhere inside and don’t they learn from West Bengal? turning Nepal into Singapore #488). around TIA. Suresh even desirable? 1 Have all TIA staff wear professional Singapore looking uniforms HIGHER GROUND 2 Keep all the bathrooms super-clean GREAT LEAP BACKWARD Thanks for writing something so inspiring 3 Provide free wi-fi. Install power ports Yes, frequent attacks by Maoists and other (‘Café with a conscience’, #488). Most of for people to use laptops, etc. parties on companies operating in Nepal my friends and I dream of owning a Weekly Internet Poll # 489 4 Turn off the damn TV in the final and unnecessary demands make any coffee shop. We can’t help but fantasise Q.Do you agree with the One Madhes waiting hall. Nobody wants to watch investor nervous about Nepal (‘Great leap about our dream coffee shop. But Higher One Pradesh demand? sappy Bollywood movies while waiting backward,’ #488). No doubt the Maoists Ground is more than a coffee shop. Total votes: 3,714 for their plane. have done the most damage. During Being a big fan of its coffee and desserts 5 Have an visible information booth. wartime they destroyed all the plus its ambience, I can’t help but ask 6 Recruit and retain a diverse set of infrastructure we had in the rural areas myself if I could do something so competent staff to represent TIA as a because they wanted to create a vacuum. In meaningful yet cool, a place where mini-Nepal. my town we were without electricity for two people would love to work and go hang 7 Have a well-functioning Corruption years because they destroyed the publicly out as well. Its great to know that this Weekly Internet Poll # 490. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Hot Line so people can file complaints if owned power station, and all bridges. Even social enterprise has helped so many. Q. Does the Jamim Shah murder typify they receive requests for a bribe and today, clearly aren’t trying to create a Rekz the security situation in Nepal?

Publisher: Kunda Dixit | Editor: Rabi Thapa Design: Kiran Maharjan | DGM Sales and Marketing: Sambhu Guragain | Marketing: Subhash Kumar, Arjun Karki [email protected] | Circulation: Santosh Aryal [email protected] Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | www.himalmedia.com | Printed at Jagadamba Press 01-5250017-19 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 OP-ED|3 Dalit doubts

GUEST COLUMN Mitra Pariyar

n his Kantipur column of 20 December Hari Roka, a pro-Maoist commentator and lawmaker, argued that part of the reason why I opposed the Maoists promoting a federal state was that it feared “the establishment of a new social system based on the redistribution of property and freedom from untouchability would have consequences on its states close to Nepal”. The statement is, inter alia, representative of how the Maoists continue to use Dalits in their propaganda. They have always claimed that theirs is a movement of the oppressed masses, and indeed many Dalits have sacrificed their lives for the cause. However, Roka’s claim about untouchability rings hollow because there is little evidence to show that the ex-rebels actually care about the deeply entrenched problems of low castes. On the contrary, Dalits increasingly feel they have had the rug pulled out from under them, not least because of the Maoists’ unilateral declaration of autonomous ethnic states. Firstly, Dalits are not going to have their own autonomous state; they will be a tiny minority in all states. More importantly, Dalits suffer indignities and injustices not only at the hands of Bahuns and Chhetris, but also from Rais, Limbus, Madhesis, Gurungs, Magars, Newars, and others. A 2006 report in Nepali Times stated: “In the hotbed of Tarai ethnic politics, mainstream Madhesi rights activists, anti-hills-people vigilantes, Maoist splinter groups and Tharu groups are demanding everything from greater autonomy to secession. But Madhesi Dalits are nowhere in the equation” (‘Sideswiped’, #320). The parties’ attitude to Dalits in the Tarai and the hills remains the same, despite the pressure of massive political changes.

DAMBAR KRISHNA SHRESTHA Ethnic federalism will further marginalise Dalits Hugo Gorringe, a British anthropologist who studied Indian Dalits, observes: “untouchability, it is clear, is irreconcilable with nationhood, and undermines the democratic project”. The Nepali Congress and UML, despite their democratic credentials, have always refrained from taking Dalit issues seriously; their own workers and supporters regularly practice untouchability. The former rebels’ initial enthusiasm about doing away with caste-based subordination has also been ephemeral. For instance, the Maoist government didn’t, despite the popular expectation, start anything concrete to help Dalits; neither did it attempt to include them in important positions. Although they have been insisting on federal states named after particular groups, they have not yet articulated their policies on how untouchability can be effectively tackled. Whilst Dalits are still struggling to become bona fide citizens of Nepal, they will have to fight separately to become the citizens of autonomous states as well. Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar’s prescription for the Dalit movement was: “educate, agitate, organise”. The implementation of autonomous ethnic states is likely to hinder these strategies, not least because the Dalit movement will then be dispersed and consequently further weakened. Some believe that untouchability cannot be tackled until caste is annihilated; others think it can be challenged by emphasising the socioeconomic relationship between castes on the basis of modern national laws over customary ones. We should attempt to integrate low castes with other castes or ethnic groups to pave the way for a more egalitarian society. Ethnic federalism will only institutionalise and solidify caste or ethnic boundaries, instead of undermining them. The Maoists are likely to lose the support of many Dalits and others by pushing for their retrograde demand for ethnic federalism, even if it helps them in the short term. Like most Nepali citizens, Dalits want to live in peace with more dignity and better economic opportunities. This simple dream cannot be fulfilled if the powers that be don’t give up their stance on ethnic federalism under the facade of revolutionary change. 4| NATION 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489

THIS WEEK

Take two INDU NEPAL women said they had felt suicidal,” Vice President Parmananda says Bandana Rana, president of Jha took the oath of office for Saathi, who also led the research. the second time on Sunday - “Only a few say they actually this time in Maithili and t seemed like an ordinary attempted suicide. But the majority Nepali, probably just to make sure no one tries to dispose evening. It was a week after of them said they wanted to die of him again. The Supreme (malai marna mann lagyo).” I Dasain, and Arati Sharma was Court had nullified his oath of at her parents’ home in Dhobichaur, There is no specific data linking office taken in Hindi. last Kathmandu. Her mother had made domestic violence with suicide. But August. Jha’s title was dinner for the family earlier in the experts say trauma, depression and evening. Arati was getting ready for other mental illnesses are among bed when suddenly her mother the common psychological after- started foaming at the mouth. effects of domestic violence. Realising she had consumed a “Mental violence at home is poison of some kind, Arati rushed virtually impossible to prove. But her mother to Bir Hospital and it can be speculated that this could admitted her to the emergency lead to feelings of helplessness and room. desperate measures,” says Michiyo Bimala Gautam died 12 days Yamada, Gender Program Officer at later of organophosphate poisoning, UNFPA Nepal. commonly known as poisoning by Victims of domestic violence pesticide. She was 38 years old. have little legal recourse. The Suicide is the leading cause government has not developed any of death among women of comprehensive legal programs to reproductive age, a report published BILASH RAI prevent violence against women, by the Family Health Division has nor has it met international found. Almost 16 per cent of deaths obligations to protect women from among women between the ages of violence or punish perpetrators. 15 to 49 are suicides. This figure Prime Minister Madhav Kumar has shot up dramatically since Nepal famously announced that 1998, when only 10 per cent of the Self-destruct he would open a hotline to his MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA deaths were attributed to suicide. office to assist women in critical restored after the parliament The suicide tally has gone up Why are so many Nepali conditions. After months of amended the interim across the board. Police figures from complaints, the phone now rings constitution to allow office 2008 showed that there had been a women killing themselves? at the other end of the line. Women holders to take oath in their 40 per cent increase in suicide in are prompted to leave a message but native languages. the preceding four years. In fact, no one responds to them. death by suicide was higher than Kathmandu, she took odd jobs to Population Fund (UNFPA) and The upward trend in suicide Murder in broad daylight The murder of media baron the death toll inflicted by the support her husband and young Saathi, a women’s NGO based in can be avoided, says Kiran Bhatia, Jamim Shah in front of the conflict in some years. daughters. In a report filed with the Kathmandu, analysed gender-based gender advisor at UNFPA. “Every French Embassy on Sunday But the number of suicides police, her daughter wrote, “We violence in Surkhet and Dang suicide is a cry for help; an unmet gripped the capital last week. among women is higher than don’t really know why she took her districts. Over 80 per cent of need for urgent intervention for a A man connected to India’s that among men. Kathmandu life. But since no sons were born in respondents reported experiencing woman who is trapped in a mafia don Metropolitan Police registers 10-15 the family, the pressure might have domestic violence from their situation where she has reached called a television station to suicide cases each week, the told on her.” husbands and other family the limit of her capacity to claim responsibility. Police majority of which are women. There have been no specific members, and 74 per cent were cope with violence, abuse and confirmed the killing was Why are women killing studies on the causes of suicide in forced to participate in non- discrimination. These women linked to the mafia themselves at this alarming rate? Nepal. What is known, however, is consensual sex, also known as desperately need support.” underworld. They found the Bimala Gautam was the sole that women face unique social and marital rape. motorbike used by the gunmen to flee the scene, and earner in her family; her husband psychological conditions that force “What was disturbing is that surmised that they had was inebriated most of the time. them to take desperate measures. during focus group and individual (Names of the victim and her family already left the country. Living in a rented apartment in In 2008, United Nations interviews, the majority of those members have been changed) Shah founded the first television cable network in Nepal, Space Time Network, and used to run two newspapers before they folded – Space Time and Space Time Today. He was also the president of Channel Nepal, the first private television company.

Sent them packing The last of the disqualified combatants were released on Monday with the discharge of 283 combatants from the fifth division of the People’s Liberation Army in Rolpa. Peace Minister Rakam Chemjong said more than 2000 combatants took part in the formal discharge process that took place on 7 January, while more than 1600 of them left voluntarily earlier. Later in the week, Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal accused the Maoists of exaggerating the number of PLA combatants in the camp in order to obtain the allowances they are entitled to. “Forty per cent of the combatants have already deserted the cantonments just the way the disqualified combatants did,” Nepal said in Nepalganj on Wednesday.

Visit our blog The Brief for daily news updates. 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 OP-ED|5 The storytellers journalism: “Don’t just tell the Plenty of print about what, not devalues the profession. FOURTH ESTATE story; tell the audience what it The consumer base in Nepal means.” isn’t large enough to generate C K Lal much about what it means False leads and high failure enough advertising revenue for rates make both interpretive and the daily newspapers, television investigative journalism an channels and FM stations he dramatic murder of expensive affair. Barring few entering the market in hordes. media entrepreneur Jamim exceptions, media outlets in But the interests of some of these T Shah in broad daylight Nepal aren’t financially robust media entrepreneurs extend dominated the news for much of enough to support such high- beyond the commercial. Some this week. It’s not yet clear risk, exploratory pursuits. Most have political ambitions. Others whether this incident can be of what appear as investigative may just be investing in the characterised as a ‘propaganda of reports in the Nepali media are media for glamour, influence or the deed’ (wherein a symbolic act either exposés by competitors or stature. At least a few of them of violence against a structural planted stories. seem to be bent upon using the target means to evoke a broader The Anglo-American press media to promote and protect meaning) or a revenge killing. long worked according to the their business interests, Whatever the case, the thesis that every word cut legitimate or not. Such a clash of incident sent out a chilling helped publishers save money. interests has created the message even Prime Minister Latin American journalists MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA conditions for a small-scale Madhav Kumar Nepal had to agree propounded a new genre of Nepali version of the Pulitzer- with: public security in the reporting, where stories could be by what came to be called ‘New recedes into the background. Hearst skirmishes of the late capital city is in shambles. But extended if it helped make Journalism’. This adopted Somehow, getting on with life nineteenth century. few journalists focused their events comprehensible. The fictional forms to present facts, has emerged as the dominant The Nepali media has made it attention on the security lapses in basic assumption of so-called and description, narrative and trend of journalism in Nepal. look as if Jamim Shah, with his one of the most security sensitive imaginative journalism is that character development often took With life and livelihood supposed and zones of the country. facts are often ugly but the truth up more space than cold realities. threatened from all sides, ISI links, deserved his fate. The Media coverage of Shah’s is invariably beautiful. So if a This later evolved into influential mediapersons have government is thereby absolved murder revealed that journalists story can be made more inspirational journalism, where learnt to survive by preaching of its dereliction of duty in in Nepal continue to put a attractive by emphasising lost the grimmest of events were pompously to the Maoists, ensuring the security of its premium on the oldest function opportunities and future analysed for a glimmer of hope military, mafia and mercantilists citizens. Do you hear anybody of the profession, which is to possibilities, then what could and lessons for the future. without clamouring for asking for the resignation of provide accurate and detailed have happened or is likely to The power elite loves accountability. Even though a globe-trotting Home Minister information about what really unfold is as much ‘news’ as inspirational journalism. When compromise, preaching through Bhim Rawal on moral grounds? happened. Few Nepali what has already happened. stories appear as fated – what has the press doesn’t demean When the country is in a whirl, mediapersons have imbibed the In the 1960s, the staid happened has already happened – journalism. Prompting on behalf it’s not easy for the storytellers to dictum of interpretive Anglo-American press was hit the question of accountability of vested interests, however, take a position and stand by it. 6|BUSINESS 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489

India offers help ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ In search of the Rupee The Indian Railway Board invited Nepali businessmen to attend a discussion about how railway infrastructure could be improved along the Indo-Nepal border. Ashok Kumar Baidya, vice-president This Beed often wonders how declaring a holiday on the day of the Parsa Chamber of Commerce, requested the addition of an ECONOMIC SENSE people can be so bold as to boast one leaves the country, then overhead bridge in Raxaul, extra coaches and railway lines, and a Artha Beed of building houses worth ten they’ve hit the jackpot, never high-speed rail service from metro cities to Birganj. Baidya also times their legitimate lifetime mind the millions of rupees requested India to build an east-west railway from Kakarbhitta to earnings. Perhaps it’s because down the drain. Nautanwa and develop railway infrastructure at Gorakhpur. people are so ready to congratulate The same mentality can be t Bhadrapur airport them for discovering a short cut seen in the Very Ignorant People Food aid recently, when I told a cop ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ to success. (another set of VIPs) that like to The Government of Japan has agreed to grant Nepal over Rs 556 A I had just returned from Why is it that the stop traffic when a wedding janti million to help cut food deficits in several districts. Under the India, he started flipping through troublemakers in an organisation or procession is going on. With agreement, Nepal Food Corporation will use the grant to distribute my passport in search of Indian are those who get their jobs weddings taking place in the rice through its national distribution network. As of 2009, Japan currency bills. through relatives? Those who are thousands each family competes has given 8.9 billion yen in food aid to Nepal. Mizuno said he It reminded me of Kesang where they are because of source- with other to ensure it can block hoped the assistance would the address the needs of local people Tseten’s wonderful documentary force do not understand the value the traffic the longest and create and thereby help move the peace process along. In Search of the Riyal. Yes, of merit. Will we ever build a the most problems for security personnel at airports will meritocratic society? The fact that commuters. All those who were Computers for students frisk you for things to keep, and people will use family trying to drive around this ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ why not? Training does not exist connections to land a job working Sunday must have experienced Rotary Club of Patan handed over 80 computers and printers to nine public schools in Lalitpur district. Vocational education will in the Nepali the same. also be provided. Approximately 4000 students and the local bureaucratic dictionary, Nepalis are too used How do we end this community are expected to benefit. The funding of $25,000 was so they think they have mayhem and bring about a provided by a Rotary Matching Grant project with Rotary Club of the right to open up to corruption to even change in culture? Is it a Grapevine, USA. Rotary Club Patan has handed over 326 people’s purses and strip recognise it sense of civic courtesy that computers worth $100,000, making it the largest computer donor in them like their US compels people to think the country. counterparts do. You will notice with people they don’t even about other’s rights too? Can this every time you travel through know shows how indifferent they someone volunteer at wedding Hyundai Toxic International Airport (TIA). are to the perceptions of jantis to keep the traffic in order? ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Laxmi Intercontinental inaugurated its new Hyundai showroom in Foreign travellers are asked for a corruption. Can a cop be made to understand Thapathali on 10 February. The opening was inaugurated by Gi souvenir or their last rupees, since This Beed keeps on harping that his job is to conduct security Baek Lee, GM of Pacific region, and Yoo Sung Gul, Deputy cops think the non-convertible on the ‘two laddoo syndrome’: checks and not to fleece Chief of Mission, Embassy of Korea. Nepali rupee is useless outside why would people who bribe passengers? Can 2011 be simply Nepal. As Nepalis, our heads hang gods leave mere mortals alone? devoted to ridding TIA of its Call me!

in shame as we watch them carry It’s in our genes! However, more toxicity and making the airport ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ out their indiscretions right disturbing is how we use memorable for all the right Yasuda Mobile launched its latest C88 CDMA phone, which has a under their superiors’ noses. Do obstruction to flaunt power. Is reasons? And Kesang, how about colour display and FM radio, and will be available at UTL customer they think it is their right to make this not a form of corruption too? a documentary entitled In Search care at Hattisar. You can also get a free UTL U-SIM on purchase of the phone. hay while the sun shines because Look at the way VIPs like the of the Rupee that exposes all they have gotten their jobs roads to be cleared for their of this!

through bhansun or nepotism? movement. And if this means www.arthabeed.com Energy drink ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Clickz, an energy drink from ’s Osotspa Company, is being launched in Nepal. Osotspa will be partnering with Maata Durga Marketing Solution in Nepal.

Look beautiful ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ After the successful launch of its permanent hair removal and skin rejuvenation laser treatment facilities, Touchbeauty laser clinic is offering new services - skin resurfacing for acne scars, burn and surgery scars, sun damage recovery, melasma, stretch mark reduction, tattoo and birthmark removal and much more.

Free remittance ○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○○ Everest Bank entered into an agreement with Habib American Bank to allow Nepalis in the US to send inward remittances to beneficiary accounts in Everest Bank of upto $2000 free of cost. LIFE TIMES 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 7

“I was 14, and he was 26, when we got Across the seas married. I haven’t heard from him in a very long time and he doesn’t send any money. If a Nepali migrant worker made a list of It’s tough because I have three very young things he missed about home, at the top children to take care of,” she says. would likely be the name of a spouse. Yet many couples manage separation Separation places heavy strains on a quite well. Thirty-year-old Dambar K marriage. Migrant workers must face the Shrestha married Sarita Shrestha (pictured) disappointments and bewilderment of their after an eight-year courtship. She left to work new settings alone, and may not always be in Hong Kong just five months into their able to communicate readily with their loved marriage, but the two visit one another at least ones. At home, their spouses often have it once a year and communicate daily through harder, having to put up with in-laws and Skype. While they won’t see each other for manage households singlehandledly. Valentine’s Day this time around, Shrestha Separation can also breed suspicion. has made plans. Inevitably, there is heartbreak. One “Last year, I sent her an album made of woman who now works at Higher Ground Nepali paper full of our pictures. This time, Bakery in Jawalakhel (‘Café with a I’m thinking of sending something similar, conscience,’ #488), hasn’t heard from her maybe even a rose. I know she’ll like it,” husband in Malaysia for five years. he blushes.

Love bytes Uncommon love Love transcends all boundaries, but sometimes you need a little technology to get the message across. For Gopal Dahal and Nika Moktan (pictured), Beyond boundaries cyberspace was just that medium. Both knew of each other, and Gopal was smitten by the lovely Nita. But When Anusha Bhujel left home to be with her girlfriend Suman Tamang he had a problem. “I could not gather the courage to approach her face-to- three years ago, she had never met another lesbian couple. “I had read face.” But with the help of online chatting, his sentiments eventually reached about them in newspapers and knew they existed. But I always wondered her. It was in cyberspace that their romance bloomed. where.” After dating for eight months, online and offline, Gopal and Nita got Valentine’s Anusha was forced to flee from her home in Jhapa when her parents married. Despite being from found out about her relationship with Suman. They had met at a cultural different castes, the bond Day is more exchange program. When Anusha told her parents about her girlfriend, that they had formed in they tried to marry her off with a man. cyberspace was strong than just a Anusha and Suman got married, enough to overcome but struggled to set up house. potential complications. dinner date Anusha was 20 years old and had Four years hence, their love just finished intermediate level has borne fruit in the form of for Nepalis education. “We were headed their two-year-old son and towards Kathmandu but I fell ill and baby girl. who’ve we had to stop in Biratnagar. I didn’t Such online romances have my certificates with me and are not very common in overcome couldn’t get a job. Suman had hers Nepal. Sanam Shrestha, managing director of online dating and matrimonial but she couldn’t find a job either.” portal nepalmatrimonial.com, cites several reasons for this. “Online dating geography, Then they found out about Blue Diamond Society, an LGBT advocacy is not popular, probably due to the Internet’s unavailability or high price,” organisation, where they made new friends and even found jobs. says Shrestha. “Nepali culture is also not that open to online dating yet, society and Anusha’s relationship with her parents is still strained. “They keep unlike India.” asking me what I am going to do when I am old. And who I am going to rely However, Shrestha predicts that the online scene could be a hit with plain on for support,” she says. younger generations. The increasingly frenetic lifestyles of today might “But I am happy that I can live with the person I love,” she affirms. For also compel Nepalis to consider online dating a viable solution. shyness for her, Valentine’s Day isn’t just about Anusha and Suman, but also about As long as the internet is up and running, Gopal and Nita’s love their gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender friends who are free to celebrate connection will continue to be an inspiration for future cyberspace lovers. love their love. “We get together, cook a feast and wish each other happiness.” 8|LIFE TIMES

VALENTINE'S SPECIALS

Aphrodisiac menu for loving 2pm, Love Healing Meditation, 4pm, Babar Mahal, Five-course Valentine’s couples on Valentine’s 9841896000 Dinner for Rs5000 per Day, including Tantric couple at Rox Restaurant, kiss cocktail, shrimps One Love – A 12 Hour Marathon Epic Love Story, from Hyatt Regency, overnight for in a glass, Caribbean PlayMySound on the Outdoor Terrace and Indoor Lounge at Rs6200 including breakfast, chicken, spicy The Factory, Thamel, 5006201 access to the spa, and late chocolate cake, checkout, 4491234/4489362 Rs2500 per couple, Closeup Valentine’s Dance at four locations: 1905 in Délices de France, Kathmandu, Club Paradiso in Pokhara, Hotel Namaskar in Purchase a Samsung mobile over Thamel, 4260326 Biratnagar, Hotel Aroma in Rs9000 from IMS Tele Trade, get a free Nepalganj, 2pm-6pm (all venues), lunch or dinner for a couple at Tipsy Bar Romance by the fireplace with a rose, unlimited free French www.partynepal.com for details & Lounge, Darbar Marg, until 15 Feb. Sparking Wine with superb continental cuisine, Kilroy’s, Thamel, 4250449/41 That 70’s Valentine, Soul Train Aqua Java Zing, Valentine's special plays disco,t Moksh, Jhamsikhel. heart ravioli, strawberry & cappuccino- All-day Valentine’s Day package at the Mind-Body Library, Rs500 entry with a glass of wine, kissed cake and more, sizzler festival, Screening of Ghost 10am, Lunch 12pm, Lecture on love and www.partynepal.com 4254809 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489|9

EVENTS MUSIC DINING

An evening of Shiv Stuti and bhajans by renowned Indian singer Bhuvnesh Komkali at Hans Sobha Mandap, Pashupathinath, 11 February, 6pm

Live workshop and concert from Australian band Tigramuna, 11am & 2.30pm, February 14, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, free entrance, 5013554, www.katjazz.com.np

JSC Jazz Quartet, every Saturday 8pm on at Upstairs Jazz Bar, Lazimpat, 9803160719

Jazz evening at Delices de France restaurant every Wednesday, 11am- Australian Wine Dinner, savour 12 different varieties of 2pm, 4260326 Australian wine, 17 Feb, 6pm onwards, Rs2500 (excluding taxes), 4491234 HyJazz at the Rox Bar every Friday Help Haiti! Fundraising concert with live music from evening and Sunday Jazz Brunch at Experience the Gyakok (hotpot with T-momos, meats and Kutumba and special guests, Rs1450 including buffet, all The Terrace with live music from more) for lunch and dinner at the Shambala Garden Café, proceeds to the Red Cross, 7pm onwards, Feb 13, at 1905, Inner Groove, Hyatt Regency, Hotel Shangri-La, 4412999 or at Royal Saino Restaurant & Kantipath, 9808074476, 9808063398 Boudha, 4489362, 4491234 Bar, Darbar Marg, 4230890, 4239077

Toronto Nepali Film Festival, program of 10 Nepali fiction, Saturday African Nite, with African Famous stews of the world, enjoy famous stews of the documentary and animation films, Innis Town Hall, food and music from 8pm at world at the Rox Restaurant, Tuesday, Wednesday and University of Toronto, 12pm to 10pm, February 13, Jazzabell Café, Jhamsikhel, 2114075 Thursday, from 6.00PM onwards, Hyatt Regency, 4491234/ www.tnff.ca, contact [email protected] or 4168781526 4489362 Live band every Friday and rooftop Electro-Cardiogram: Internal Stories, paintings by Birendra bbq everyday at Kausi Kitchen, Strawberry High Tea, 4.30-6.30pm,The Lounge, Hyatt Pratap Singh, until 16 February, Kathmandu Contemporary Darbar Marg, 4227288 Regency, 4491234/4489362 Arts Centre, Jhamsikhel, 5521120 Othello: The Sen of Nepal, performance by Nepal Shakes Some like it hot, every Friday BBQ and Vegetarian Buffet, every Monday, Oriental Nights, flavours from 5-14 Feb, Kamal Mani Theatre, Patan Dhoka. Tickets live music by Dinesh Rai and the and specialities of Asia every Wednesday, Arabian Nights available at Dhokaima Café (Patan), Chez Carolyn, (Babar Sound Minds, Rs 899 at Fusion, Dwarika’s Hotel, for Middle Eastern specialities every Friday, 6.30pm at The Mahal) and Nanglo Bakery (Darbar Marg) 7pm, 4479488 Café, Hyatt Regency, 4491234/4489362

Literally Figurative - An International Art Exhibition, Happy cocktail hour, ladies night on Wednesday with live Live continental BBQ Fiesta, exclusive BBQ Dinner at drawings by Kapil Mani Dixit and students of North Lake unplugged music at Jatra Café & Bar, Thamel, 5-7pm Splash Bar & Grill, Radisson Hotel, from 6.30-10.30pm College on nudity, 17-26 February, Imago Dei Gallery, everyday Nagpokhari, 4442464 Rudra Night live fusion music by Shyam Nepali every Friday, 7pm at Gokarna Forest Resort, 4451212 The Corner Bar, 5-7pm, 3-11pm, Radisson Hotel The Glory of the Himalayas, French-Nepali dance show by Kathmandu, 4411818 renowned French dancer Manjushree Pradhan, 5.30 pm, 12 Irish Pub, solo singer-guitarist J. Ryan every Wed & Fri, February at Russian Cultural Centre, Kamalpokhari, 7.30pm, Lazimpat. A cafe’s café, Dhokaima Café, Patan Dhoka, 5522113 10|HAPPENINGS 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 Space Cowboy

critics are united in their appreciation of The Hurt Locker on the virtue that it puts politics aside, unlike other movies about the war. Indeed, in experts who disarm explosive devices for enormous civilian casualties, we have a category of the military practically beyond reproach. But should we care whether the US MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA soldiers portrayed are decent and sensitive (or compelling and UNiTED WE STAND: Nepal Chhetri Samaj heads through Pulchowk to sympathetic) when we adjudicate Tundikhel for a rally against ethnic federalism, Thursday. whether the American adventures in West Asia are just? The frequent complaint of ‘aestheticised violence’ that gets lobbed at crass entertainment is often excepted by critics in the appreciation of an ‘authentic’ representation of violence. But the critic’s conviction that we are approaching something like a real experience expresses a wish to be taken in. James’ reckless behaviour, bordering on the suicidal (not to Spc. Owen Eldridge (Bryan mention his disregard for the Geraghty) on edge. As James safety of his comrades), would CRITICAL CINEMA attempts to disarm ever more make him a very poor candidate A Angelo D’Silva imaginative and deadlier devices for the kind of work he is doing. of mayhem, Sanborn tries to keep The supposed experiential KIRAN PANDAY them all alive. perspective of the soldier CELEBRITY SADHUS: Photographers jostle to click one of thousands of Jerky hand-held camera work (informed by a script by embedded holy men converging on Pashupatinath for Maha Shivaratri, Thursday. he buzz around the Oscars has practically become an journalist Mark Boal) forgoes the this year is all about the industry standard, but Bigelow and perspective of the native. Absent T tussle between two of the her team deliver an immersive and Arabs sets bombs, and in one ten Best Film nominees, the thrilling experience. Her masterful scene reminiscent of a spaghetti commercially successful Avatar grasp of suspense makes for an western, right down to the (with a reputed $2 billion in box electric atmosphere even through whistling score, snipe at our office earnings) versus the long portions of inaction. The heroes. None of this would be very critically acclaimed The Hurt important if The Hurt Locker were Locker. Of course, that Avatar’s not presented, in every frame, as a director James Cameron was Immersive or simulacrum of reality. once married to The Hurt Locker’s embedded? In the final analysis, The Hurt Kathryn Bigelow makes for good Locker might actually share copy. But Bigelow may have made Kathryn something with its competitor at 2009’s most gripping film. The the Oscars, Avatar, a work of Hurt Locker is a taut thriller that’s Bigelow’s fantasy on the moral American in a certainly superior to Avatar in excellent The violent landscape. Doesn’t our most respects, and elicits protagonist traverse the mean KIRAN PANDAY troubling questions about the Hurt Locker is a streets of Baghdad in rubber perception of American military moral minefield armour reminiscent of a spacesuit, MAGHE JHARI: Tuesday's seasonal downpour had pedestrians in action. his comrades calling him a Basantapur flaunting their monsoon umbrellas. The Hurt Locker is set in 2004, in itself cowboy? The American Wild West one of the most violent years of finds a home in the hot deserts of the continuing Iraq occupation. evolving dynamic between the Iraq. Can we be forgiven, then, if Action is centred on a three- characters and Bigelow’s ability to our thoughts begin to consider person team of the US army’s explore their psyches raises her what wars may have been fought Explosion Ordinance Disposal film to another level. The Hurt over the whims and fantasies of unit. The ‘Bravo Company’ has Locker may well deserve the one Texan cowboy? recently lost its team leader with label of the best film on the war in 38 days left on its rotation. Staff Iraq to date. The Hurt Locker Sgt. William James (Jeremy Of course, there have been Starring: Jeremy Renner, Anthony Renner) takes over, but his very few successful feature films Mackie, Bryan Geraghty reckless methods have Sgt. J.T. exploring the war in Iraq. There is Director: Kathryn Bigelow Sanborn (Anthony Mackie) and a creeping sense, too, that many 131 min, R.

WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL KIRAN PANDAY ROSES ARE RED: Students vie with each other to compose the most Tuesday’s rain was the first winter precipitation in Kathmandu for several years, and bodes well romantic love letters at a competition organised by the Nepal Student for the general state of the climate. Kathmandu Union, Tri Chandra College, Wednesday. got 25mm, while the western parts of the country, which are usually the driest, got double that amount. It has also cleared up the skies. This weekend will be clear and sunny, leading to rises in daytime temperatures, which will easily touch 20 degrees. Morning temperatures, however, will drop. Prepare for some wide temperature fluctuations this weekend.

KATHMANDU

FRI SAT SUN

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA UP AND ABOUT: Disabled journalist Gajendra Budathoki is presented 16-6 20-6 21-6 with a specially equipped scooter by Everest Insurance Company Ltd, Monday. 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 HEALTH|11 Sounding Solukhumbu

SMRITI MALLAPATY in SOLU institution, only 44 per cent of pregnant women receive antenatal care once and only 29 per cent receive antenatal care at least four times. The government has Ultrasound promised free delivery services across the country, but this remains unfulfilled. machines prove Back in Solukhumbu, however, Gau Maya Rai of Kanku VDC has almost to be sound reached the full term of her maiden pregnancy. As recommended, she arrives at investments for Phaplu Maternity Centre, where Pema a village in Sherpa conducts an ultrasound scan for the size, femur length, and heartbeat of her Solukhumbu unborn child. Here she will also receive free maternal care, including a Rs1500 transportation subsidy from the Ministry of Health and Population. n ultrasound machine like the Construction for the Phaplu Maternity SonoSite 180 Plus can cost Centre was sponsored by the INGO Sherpa- A upwards of $14,000. It is a Med Germany. The centre functions as an portable, battery-and-AC-powered, high extension of Solu Hospital, set up in 1975 image quality device. The ‘drop-tested’ by Sir Edmund Hillary. Since July 2009, SonoSite MicroMAXX, with wireless data over 80 pregnant women from around the transfer facilities, costs over $21,000. These district have accessed the maternity are not devices you’d expect to find in a SMRITI MALLAPATY centre’s services. Nepali village. For now, Gau Maya Rai awaits delivery But Phaplu Maternity Centre in months to provide routine ultrasound risk for difficult deliveries,” says nurse-in- in the luminous and spacious wood- Solukhumbu owns five such devices, all check-ups. charge Pema Sherpa, who has herself panelled ‘Suzanne’s Shelter’, donated by donated by the American company Nurses Pema Lamu Sherpa, Sani Sherpa examined over 500 women in these Planned Parenthood of Western SonoSite. While pregnant women in and Auxilliary Nurse Midwife Bhagawati villages. In a recent case, she referred a Washington. Looking at her, one can’t Kathmandu pay over Rs1500 for three Gurung walk for up to three days as is, pregnant Pashi Sherpa of Tingla VDC to the help but think these portable ultrasound ultrasound visits to a health professional with a SonoSite in tow, to reach their hospital because of the large size of her machines are a perfect fit for the needs of to monitor their baby’s health and growth, patients. The images from the ultrasound baby’s head. Pashi was then sent to the rural communities in Nepal, who often pregnant women in Solukhumbu are tests are stored in a computerised database maternity hospital in Thapathali, can’t access services in district serviced in their own villages, for free. for three years. First timers as well as Kathmandu, where a successful operation headquarters. Phaplu Maternity Centre For almost a year now, local NGO women with twins, fetuses in breech or took place just last week. shows us what can be achieved with Himalayan Health and Environmental transverse positions, or birth Sonograms save lives, a luxury given targeted technology transfer. But such Services Solukhumbu has run a pioneering complications, are referred to the hospital that 281 out of 100,000 live births result in investment will have to take place on a pilot program whereby nurses from the in Phaplu if necessary. complications leading to the mother’s much larger scale if maternity services are district hospital in Phaplu travel to all of “The ultrasound program has really death (DHS, 2006). Nationwide, only 18 per to reach other deserving communities the VDCs below Chaurikharka every three helped in early recognition of women at cent of deliveries take place in an across Nepal. Nursing Nepal back to health

DAMBAR K SHRESTHA in SOLU itself, but the second and third batch of 80 students are remote districts where health care is rudimentary. from remote districts across Nepal. With support from various donor agencies, HHE’s “The idea was to make sure rural health workers program used to be free. Because of a lack of resources stayed in the village,” explains HHE’s Dingma Thondup students have to pay for food and lodging now. Says esides making medical treatment Sherpa. “That is why the training centre itself is in a Sarita Sunar from Kalikot: “I never dreamed I’d ever affordable for Nepalis, the biggest remote area. All the students from the first batch are come to eastern Nepal to get free training in health care. B challenge in ensuring universal health care working in remote villages of Solukhumbu now. I am going to repay this by working for my community has been retaining doctors and nurses in district The ANMs are trained at the Solukhumbu Technical back home in Kalikot.” hospitals and village health posts. School and come from Rasuwa, Mahottari, Rukum, The Phaplu centre has two fulltime trainers but Various strategies have been tried: increasing Dolpo, Humla, Jumla, Bajhang, Bajura and Kalikot also uses the service of the doctors, nurses and health allowances, improving facilities, or adding training districts. Most trainees are Dalits, Janjatis and from assistants from the district hospital. “Historically we components for rural medical staff. But out- have seen that ANMs have a great impact on reducing migration of health personnel to the cities and as maternal and child mortality in the villages, and our nurses and caregivers abroad has continued apace. A unique training trainees will be contributing to that effort,” says trainer In the last three years, Himali Health and DB Tamang. Education (HHE) has started a training program in institute in Phaplu is In Solukhumbu itself there has been a surge in Phaplu of Solukhumbu to turn high school transforming health awareness about preventable infections that kill young graduates into Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANM). children after the ANMs have been sent to remote The first batch had 40 students, mostly from Solu care in rural Nepal health posts, Tamang says.

“My village doesn’t even “I will go back to Humla and “My village is two days have a doctor, let alone a work as a nurse because we walk from here, there is nurse. After I finish my have very high maternal little education and course, I am going to take mortality. Doctors and awareness about health, this knowledge back with nurses don’t want to stay in we can’t even get jivan jal me to Dhunche.” Humla, but I will work in my for oral rehydration. My village because saving lives wish is to improve the is more important than health of my village.” earning lots of money.”

Pramila Tamang, 19 Tsering Yangjin Lama, 20 Tirsana Rai, 17 Dhunche, Rasuwa Simkot, Humla Cheskam, Solukhumbu PICS: DAMBAR KSHRESTHA 12| NATION 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 Road to riches Highway will bring Nepal and Tibet ‘in from the cold’

JOANNA JOLLY, BBC in RASUWA

epal-Tibet border. The the most direct land route to mountains here are some India’s capital, Delhi. N of the most remote and “There is an old Chinese inaccessible in the world. But saying, ‘To get rich, build roads deep in the valleys next to the first’,” says the Chinese team’s green, flowing waters of the engineer Zhang Peng. “When this Kyirong River, Chinese road is ready, living standards construction workers are blasting and the economy around here through the jagged landscape to will improve,” he says. “Nepali turn an ancient trading track into people will be able to visit Lhasa, a modern road. in Tibet, and other parts of , This small stretch of road - and Chinese tourists and just 17km long - from the border businessmen will come here.” to the Nepali town of Syabrubesi The road will make a huge is costing the Beijing government difference to communities on almost $20 million. But it’s an both sides of the border. Traders important investment because still walk the old path that runs this mountain pass not only alongside the new road - an connects Tibet to Nepal, it’s also ancient thoroughfare across the Valentine na salentine

or unwillingness to move with the times. to spend the evening with or if you do Even grandmothers have been heard KALAM But it is that time of the year again, like have someone, wondering why the two of complaining about their recalcitrant it or not. Whether you see the new ways as you have cynically arranged to spend grandsons: ‘He doesn’t come to see me Rabi Thapa a perversion of Nepali culture or an the evening apart, out of spite. You just anymore because I told him to get opportunity to enhance (or create) your can’t win. married. Hoina, others go and do love- own love life, Valentine’s Day is here and It would perhaps be easier if, as in the sove. He doesn’t even do that, does he ow times have changed. More ignore it you cannot. Embrace it publicly days of yore, Valentine’s Day was simply a want to be a jogi?’ obviously, it’s about the new (and your special friend) and you’ll be in high school charade. Everyone is now It’s a jungle out there. Perhaps those H generation pushing out from the equally romantic company in bars and expected to be part of this Hallmark of us who can’t bring themselves to drift cracks of the conservative hide of old restaurants across town. Celebrate it Holiday and may be found wanting if he or glaze-eyed through the couples reciting Nepal: how these boys and girls hang privately, and you’re compelled to admit she does not join in. The media has joined couplets along the lines of roses are red out together and do god knows what you’re trying to be more romantic than in wholeheartedly in demanding you violets are blue sugar is sweet and so are together in private and not-so-private usual simply because everyone else is doing declare your love to someone, anyone, and you should pack their bags and head into settings in and around town; how the so. Deride it publicly, and you’ll be making the climax of the wedding season a week in the hills this weekend to celebrate a love very nature of relationships, including a big deal out of something you proclaim is advance has only added fuel to the fire. more divine, that of the twelfth century those sealed with Vedic mantras in just the opposite. Stay at home alone, and Everyone is in on the conspiracy – the Bhakti poet Mahadeviyakka for Shiva: front of the sacrificial fire and banged in you’ll either be wishing you had someone heavens, the economy, and all your friends. by the clamour of a big brass band, has I love the Handsome One shifted in sync with western models he has no death and Nepali realities; and how decay nor form Valentine’s Day has become big business no place or side here in much the same way Dasain, no end or birthmarks. Christmas and the various New Years I love him O mother. Listen. have become. Of course the times keep on a- I love the Beautiful One changing, and to reminisce over the days with no bond nor fear when holding hands in public was no clan no land impossible, or how friendly teasing no landmarks could induce a couple who’d never for his beauty. actually spoken to fall in love is futile, and indicative of one’s own incapacity So my lord, white as jasmine, is my husband.

roses are red Take these husbands who die, decay, and feed violets are blue them to your kitchen fires! trash is dumped, (translated from Kannada by and so are you A.K.Ramanujan) © NDR WWW.SUDIONDR.COM 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 NATION|13

roof of the world that connects Nepal to the historic Silk route. Thirty-five-year-old Mingma Dorje Ghale has walked this small, rocky path since he was a child. He and his friend have just trekked back from Tibet, a day’s walk away, carrying bottles of Chinese brandy on their backs. They plan to sell their goods in Nepal’s border towns. “When this road is built, I won’t have to carry this heavy backpack up and down,” he says. His friend’s five-year-old daughter leads their yak. Until now, yaks and mules have been the only way to transport heavy goods across the border and children often take the job of years ago. Chinese wealth is more important leading them. China is worried that opening than politics. “After the Chinese Mingma hopes that the new up the border could enflame an occupied Tibet, some people told road will mean he can drive in already unstable Tibetan plateau. us the Chinese are very rude and and out of China and that his Prime Minister Madhav Kumar very tricky,” he says. “But what I children will be spared the Nepal says he has reassured see when I visit Tibet is that they journey, so they can stay at home Beijing that his government will are building roads everywhere and and attend school. “Life for the not allow Tibetan dissidents to they’re building houses for the next generation will be easier,” he operate in his country. “China has people, so they have an easier life.” says. only one concern, that is the Nepal will need to continue to Squeezed between the growing concern of Tibet,” he says. “That reassure China even after this road economies of China and India, is why our policy towards China due to open in two weeks, is the Nepali government welcomes has been consistent. We believe in completed. It’s hoping to attract this sort of infrastructure project the One China policy, Tibet is an more Chinese investment - and that it hopes will bring wealth to integral part of China and the soil eventually create a trans-Asian an impoverished nation. of Nepal will not be allowed to be highway that will cut through the The government is also keen used against Tibet and China.” Himalaya, linking China to India to maintain a good relationship For those living in this and opening up Nepal further. with its giant neighbour to the remote border region, this policy north. Nepal is home to a sizeable is not a problem. Phurpu Tsering Joanna Jolly is the BBC's Tibetan community, many Tamang, a local turned trekking Kathmandu correspondent. For descended from refugees who’ve guide who is himself part- more BBC coverage of South Asia been fleeing Chinese rule since Tibetan, says for the local go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/ Beijing occupied Tibet 60 community gaining access to south_asia JOANNA JOLLY 14 |FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 Emotional “I guess Dahal I’m like Lenin.” Ganga BC in Kantipur, 6 February

Interview in Naya Patrika, 8 February my feelings. During the war, I used to get The Maoist party standing committee meeting directed Pushpa emotional over the sacrifice of each of our friends. Kamal Dahal to “to weigh and consider his words” before And if I am presenting something, the content of speaking. Naya Patrika: How does Prachanda my presentation sometimes makes me emotional. The meeting concluded that his impromptu addresses have define ‘Prachanda’? If it is a sensitive subject, I break into tears quite caused damage to the party’s and his own image. It asked him to Prachanda: What kind of a question is that? easily (Laughs). consider the consequences of his speeches. It reminded other (Long laugh) I’d never thought of it like that. high profile party leaders of the same. What you say behind closed doors is “A leader should speak only as required,” said one leader, Try thinking now. different from what you say in public. “and the party chairman should be even more cautious.” You could say Prachanda is someone who can That’s not true. However, one is a bit more Dahal’s emotional speeches make good news but the party be as tough, or as flexible, as it takes to attain diplomatic or polite in a room with someone leadership has determined it also makes him look frivolous. The the ambitious goals that he has set himself. whereas in public in front of the people one has to meeting suggested that he speak sensibly about party policy to But these ambitions are not personal. He is be down-to-earth. The message is the same, but bolster the party’s image as well as his own. someone who wants to depart a bit from the some people don’t understand this. Lately, many Dahal might indeed think twice before speaking now, even to traditional ways of doing things for the sake of have started telling me not to talk too much his cadres in closed sessions. His speeches have caused two the people, the country and humanity itself. because what I say is controversial, and not to go major controversies. The Shaktikhor video tape revealed the to too many functions. I admit it is a weakness I Maoist’s double standards in the peace process while the What would you think are the positive have, and that is good advice. Khanna Garment audio tape soured relations with Baburam aspects of your personality? Bhattarai. Openness, simplicity, generosity. You could Who do you compare your personality “The meeting asked leaders to speak sensibly so the party call this flexibility or weakness. with? line is clear,” said party spokesperson Dinanath Sharma. I have said often that my personality is closest to Dahal says he is emotional and frank by nature, “It is not Lenin's. Lenin is my role model: his forcefulness, only mass addresses. Even during the ‘people’s war’ I used to get flexibility, conviction and courage. He could take emotional and speak my mind.” brave policy decisions. I’m not trying to say I’m like Lenin, just that I want to follow him.

Why do you think your remarks are so controversial? If you never go to the heart of an issue, you will never be controversial. When you put things straight and sharp, then it is debated and the issue is evaluated by everyone according to their class background.

Is it because of your personal weakness that your public face has suffered a setback of late? No, I don’t accept that. There is a class of people KIRAN PANDAY who monopolised power for a long time whom you can also call lackeys, feudal or dalals, who are And the negative points? trying to assail Prachanda’s personality. That is It actually came up once in our party. That my because I am a threat to their class interest. There personality was a bit unstable from time to is a domestic and international conspiracy to time. I used to stress out quicker over events target Prachanda. But this has also convinced the than others. public that it is necessary to save Prachanda.

What were you like when young? How do you use your free time? Very shy. They used to call me ‘god’s cow’ I like to travel. I am especially attracted by (deuta ko gai). My Head Sir still wonders how mountains, waterfalls, rivers. I am refreshed by a shy guy like me got into politics. If there nature. That is why I scoot off to Tatopani or other was a fight in school, they used to come to places. In high school I used to play football, and me because they knew I was straight and then after graduation, volleyball. I also like to read wouldn’t lie. and write.

When do you get angry? What are you reading now? It’s like with everyone else: when I don’t get I’m reading the Chinese novel Red Crag for the what I want or when things don’t go the way I second time. want them to. I used to get angry at family members over petty matters, not any more. Lately you’ve been hitting out at India. It’s not like that. When your politics are different You do get emotional a lot. then being diplomatic takes second place. We are It’s true, I’m a very sensitive person. That is now finished with the diplomatic phase with "You don't have your ethnic province yet? Don't worry, we do!" why I get emotional very quickly. Even when India, that is why the subject is now political. Newspaper: Ethnicity-based provinces reading a simple social novel or watching People don’t understand, or don’t want to movies with a social message, I can’t control understand that. Batsyayan in Kantipur, 6 February 12 - 18 FEBRUARY 2010 #489 CONSTITUTION 2010|15

“Dalit liberation within ethnic provinces”

Tilak Pariyar, CA member, economically backward. should seek justice along with other UCPN (Maoist), Banke-1 ethnicities. Don’t Dalits need a province as well? It was right to give provinces to indigenous So Dalits want ethnic federalism, is What is the actual Dalit peoples and Madhesis on the basis of that so? population in Nepal? ethnicity because the solutions to their Yes, federalism should not just be on the According to non-governmental problems can be found from their own basis of ethnicity but on the basis of sources, Dalits constitute 20 per cent of places. They need ethnic autonomous rule. ethnicities that will have the right to self- the population. The 1991 and 2001 Dalits need to seek their liberation from determination and autonomous rule. censuses list the Dalit population as within these provinces. 16.2 per cent and 13.2 per cent What of those who say such an respectively, but there has actually been How will Dalit liberation be achieved arrangement will fragment the a 3.4 per cent increase. in ethnic provinces? country? Within autonomous ethnic provinces, Federalism is the need of the nation. But What are the main problems for Dalits should receive special privileges as the boundaries must be established by the Dalits? compensation for the discrimination they parties, it shouldn’t result in anarchy. There is no representation in have faced. If that happens then Dalits Without self-determination, the provinces government, there is social don’t need a separate province. Dalits cannot be autonomous. But this is not in discrimination and they are shouldn’t seek their liberation alone, but order to break the country apart. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA Liberation without oppression

Sanghu: Why did you Jadan province, why shouldn’t communities live there. There scheme, some marginalised oppose the concept paper on 150,000 Yolmos get a province should be three provinces in the communities will continue to state restructuring? too? A proportional Tarai, three provinces in the be left out. How do you think they Lyarkyal Lama: I did not representation system, on the Himalayan region, and seven or feel? oppose the paper in its totality. It other hand, will ensure all eight provinces in the hills. has merits and flaws. Prithvi communities representation, big Himali people living from What if we form a Narayan Shah’s contribution has or small. Taplejung to Darchula have the commission and resolve the been mentioned in the paper in same religion, culture and script. issue of state restructuring? the context of Nepali history and Isn’t it enough to give small They all belong to the Bhote It’s a good idea but should have geography. But to borrow the communities special community. Therefore, they can been done before. However, the words of fellow UML CA member privileges? be divided into three provinces commission would not be above Shanti Devi Chamar from We need both provinces and based on geography. We have to the CA, which is not obliged to Kapilvastu, if Shah’s rights in a multi-ethnic, multi- take the help of experts and pass its recommendations. Lyarkyal Lama is the contribution is worth lingual and multi-religious boundaries should be outlined only CA member from mentioning, so is the country such as ours. But it won’t scientifically. If these debates continue, the the Yolmo community contribution of Gautam Buddha. be wise in the long run to create constitution won’t be written and the only UML Including Buddha’s name in the ethnic provinces, since that You are not in favour of by 28 May. Janajati CA member new constitution will confirm would invite further conflict. ethnic federalism. Are you With political consensus and hard to criticise the ethnic that his birthplace is Nepal, not then in favour of Bahun- work, we can meet the deadline. If India as many believe. What is wrong with the Chhetris? 601 CA members truly believe the federal model. He paper then? I am not favouring anyone. When new constitution should enable advocates inclusive As a Janajati CA member, Creating provinces and the committee proposed ethnic all communities to co-exist and proportional why are you not satisfied delineating boundaries has not federalism, top leaders, specially peacefully, then it will be done on representation with with a paper that proposes been done properly. The Bahun and Chhetris, were time. The more important specal privileges for ethnicity based provinces? provinces should comprise the concerned that other question is whether it helps make ethnic communities. It isn’t possible to create ethnic Himal, hilly and Tarai regions. We communities would take over the a new Nepal. We have been writing provinces in a country where can create 13 or 14 provinces. The country. I asked them to think of and rewriting constitutions since Translated excerpts there are 103 ethnic groups. For Tarai people are demanding a how oppressed Janajatis, 1947. The point is to liberate the from an interview instance, if the Bhote community Madhes Pradesh, which is not Madhesis and Dalits must have oppressed without trampling on with Sanghu: with a population of 50,000 got possible, since many other felt for 240 years. Yet under this the rights of others.

Ethnic provinces will harm the nation

Mohammad Aftab Alam, CA member/ The State Restructuring Committee ethnic provinces be created in a country minister, NC Rautahat-2 decided to designate provinces on of minorities? In the name of inclusion the basis of ethnicity, what do you and proportional representation, think? unqualified and incapable people are How many Muslims live in Nepal? This is totally wrong and is sure to invite being pushed forward, how will this There are 1.2 to 1.3 million Muslims more trouble. To designate provinces on establish democracy? scattered across the country – in smaller the basis of either ethnicity or language is groups in the hills but in the majority in to wound the nation. How will society be affected by five or six districts in the Tarai. granting political prerogatives? What’s the problem with ethnic or State restructuring should not take place What are the main issues the language-based provinces? on ethnic lines, as those in the minority Muslim community has to Restructuring should be on the basis of will be exploited. If within the same address? geography. But looking at the model the province, some are given the right to The main problem is that of economic committee passed it seems as if the country govern while others are barred from it by backwardness, which affects other basic is one of majority ethnicities, though no the constitution, then democracy cannot needs such as health and education. ethnicity has a majority here. How can be consolidated. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA K 16 dictatorship 3-party louder: “ reportedly readyingrivalrent-a-crowds.Wonderwhosechantswillbe the occasionofShivaratri.Bothroyalistsandrepublicansare flag Rapti onWednesday. choppered downtoinaugurateabridgeoverthe Not one,nottwo,sixministersincludingtheprimeminister the ministersarenotonforeignjunkets,theydomestic junkets. the rescuewhilearmedAPFdon’tliftafingertocordonoff area.If heads ofallthreesecurityagencies.Anunarmedtrafficcopcomes to Zone andtheHomeMinistercontinueswithhisChinavisit the A mediamogulismurderedinbroaddaylightKathmandu’s Green postpone everythingelsebyayear. down andfigureoutawaytopassthepreambleonMay28 constitution notbeingwrittenontime,thethreepartieswilljustsit dictatorship parties galore,andnowit’slookinglikewehavea brought inaparty-baseddemocracy,thewholeoflastweekwehad Nepal usedtohaveapartyless-Panchayatsystem,thenafter1990we got tokeepthegold. make adashforitinthelast5km,buttherewasnolap.Atleastwe organisers inDhakabecausetheyhadtrainedtheirmarathonersto 5km. SirLanka(anotherwarlikenation)nearlycametoblowswiththe world recordbecausetheBanglaslaidoutacoursethatwasshortby completed ina The onlynon-martialartgoldwasinthemarathon,whichourathlete national sportofbeatingtopulp in wrestling,boxing,kabbadi,wushu,taekwondoandNepal’snew Asian Games,let’sgetallthoseayogyaladakusandstarttrainingthem to beatup,thenweeachotherup.HereisatipforthenextSouth roughing uplinesmen,andiftherewerenoMalaysianwomenreferees by categories wedidnotwin,displayedourmartialtradition winning sevengolds,allinthemartialartscategory.Andeven Nepal finallyshowedtheworldthatweareawarlikecountryby The SouthAsianGamesmayhaveendedbuttheSAGsagacontinues. leaders, allowingIndiraGandhitocomeuptheranks. the KamrajPlaninIndia1970sandcappedageofparty can’t agreeonanythinganyway. Brahmin men(MKN,JNK,BDG,PKD,BRB,GPK,RCP,PVTLTD)who echelons ofallparties.Thiswouldfinallyremovethebickering any more,andwe’llhavenoonetoblamebutourselves.Ourleaders give uponusandthenwewon’tbeabletoscapegoatIndiaorUNMIN going tobemuchworsethanthat.Theinternationalcommunitywill time agreatcalamitywillbefallthenationarewrong.It’sactually Those ofyouwhothinkthatiftheconstitutionwillnotbewrittenin ass(at)nepalitimes.com This isisn’tasfar-fetcheditmayseem.Itwasimplemented , he’dbeoutthereflappingitabout. ACK SIDE | B contemplating asimilarwalkaboutonFridayatPashupati this weekthattheerstwhileincarnationofVishnuis ingji wassochuffedwiththeroyalwelcomehegotinPanauti Raja audeshbachau . Whichmeanswedon’thavetoworryaboutthe world recordtimeof1hrand59mins If theAsshadablack FG FG FG FG FG ” or“ anyonewhodisagreeswithyou. Gyane chordeshchhod and inthehigher take chargeattheCentre should beallowedto federal units?They demanding controlof janajati groupsjust are theindigenousand Bahun leaders moratorium onall about a indefinitely, how constitution will delaythenew federalism, andthis on ethnicity-based going tobeanagreement Since thereisnever solution: up withthisdrastic so theJackasshascome from thejawsofvictory, capacity tosnatchdefeat have thisamazing three-party ten-year . Itwasa ? Why ”? CDO Regd No194/056/57Lalitpur, CentralRegion PostalRegd.No 09/066/67 12 -18FEBRUARY2010 #489

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