#503 21 - 27 May 2010 16 pages Rs 30

KIRAN PANDAY KILLING TIME: “Isn’t it time, comrade?” “We’ve got all the time in the world. It’s a historical necessity.” Running on empty

espite hopes of a In short, everyone is jockeying out of patience. In the breakthrough, the last to get into the best position cantonments, ex-combatants Dweek saw our politicians possible. This is nothing new, of spend their days, as they entangling themselves further in course. While all is not lost (and have every day of the last each other’s interests. Even the we can expect the Constituent four years, playing games, proposed extension of the Assembly to be duly extended), patrolling, and idling the time Constituent Assembly, the tenure this indicates that every step away. It’s testimony to their of which is due to expire on 28 towards the conclusion of the mental discipline that they May, has not been approved. The peace process will be fraught appear committed to the change fact that such an extension is in with such wrangling and they were taught to believe in. If the acknowledged interests of compromises. only their leaders could show us majorities within all three major The Nepali people are a they feel the same. parties (not to mention the patient lot. But it’s not just the Over two thousand years ago, PLA speaks Shaktikhor’s residents want nation as a whole), yet still fails May Dayers and Peace Assemblers the Buddha said, “Everything dignity above all to go through, tells us something of the nation who are running changes, nothing remains about the mindset of the players without change.” With a week to p15 involved. go before Buddha Jayanti and the deadline for the constitution, Chakravyuha Nepalis have to believe that he Our netas squirm into was right. battle positions p3 2| 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 PUBLISHER’S NOTE

temporary cessations of hostilities: an opportunity to drafting committees had to tackle the nuts and bolts of THE BUDDHA’S MESSAGE regroup and recharge. They have never wavered from their the future statute, and are clear to see with the end goal of declaring a totalitarian people’s republic, deadline for the constitution approaching. Here we go round in circles again. Like a game of employing Gang of Four methods. There are two ways to break this stalemate: go musical chairs, it seems our political players won’t stop For their part, the political parties have also not given back to war or negotiate in good faith. Since the first until someone is left standing. It is a dangerous zero- up on their aim of preserving liberal democracy. For option is unthinkable for the Nepali people and neither sum game, and a needless one, because we could very parties that believe in non-violence and pluralism, the first side has the stomach to fight, they have to talk. The easily have a win-win for all sides, and for the country. priority was to stop the war. Only then could an open Maoists are willing to test the boundaries of how far If we take a step back from the see-saw of daily society, the rule of law, an independent judiciary and a free they can go with the threat of a return to war, and that headlines that sway from ’Parties Near Agreement’ to market have a hope of surviving. was why they punished the people with an indefinite ‘Gap Between Parties Widens’ you can see why In this contest, it should be fairly easy for the friends of strike. They still think that a show of might and a hint this is happening. As we noted in this space as far back democracy and freedom to decide which side they are on. of veiled violence will improve their bargaining as May 2006, we had a conflict that neither side won or Yet we see confusion, a romanticisation of violent position. lost, despite their claims. It was the Nepali people who revolution, and an effort to tolerate and excuse chronic In the week that is left before 28 May, the first order lost. The country was devastated and the people displays of Stalinistic despotism even by those who of business should be to extend the CA, reconstitute brutalised. should know better. the government and catch up with stuff we should have This is not a peace process anymore. What In hindsight, we could say the democratic parties gave done last year. It is symbolic that on the eve of the remains is a ceasefire, and a tenuous one. The Maoists away too much to the Maoists in 2006-7. But some of those constitution deadline we should be observing Buddha gave up the gun, but not their use of violence and concessions were necessary to keep the Maoists Jayanti. threats. They were forced to put the war into deep engaged, especially since their negotiators kept freeze because of a military stalemate and geopolitical threatening to pack up and go back to the jungle every pressure. In that sense, a section of the Maoist time things did not go their way. These differences were leadership views this ceasefire as it did previous sure to come out sooner or later, as they did when the Don’t kill the CA Maoists are rubbing their hands all will allow us to find the into a mainstream player cannot sympathisers in the international GUEST COLUMN with glee at the prospect of political consensus on power- happen as long as it has an army. community. Such duplicity does cashing in on the political sharing to be able to extend the CA It is also clear from public not build trust. Gagan Thapa vacuum and public anger if the and then get the peace process back Maoist pronouncements that the To be sure, it’s not just the CA is not revived. on track. The parties tried to find a constitution and peace process Maoists who are the obstacles. If the CA is dissolved, the ‘package deal’ that would include are sideshows for them. It is their There are plenty of problems in ithin the week that is peace process comes to a halt. In the peace process, constitution self-declared goal that first and the NC and UML too. But both are left in the life of the such a case those in the NC and and power-sharing. But it did not foremost is state power. The committed to the peace process W Constiuent Assembly UML who think they’ll benefit succeed because they were not Maoists haven’t given up their and constitution-writing, they (CA), there will either be an will be in for a rude shock. Those desire to come to power through can’t backtrack. They aren’t the attempt at euthanasia, or the who believe in the politics of the the gun, and as long as that is the ones threatening to go back to body will be rushed to the gun, of course, will rejoice. And case nothing else will fall into violence. Their future in this intensive care unit. Whatever if the country goes back to Dissolving place. Until the Maoists realise country will not be determined by happens, we should remember conflict, the two sides within that a federal, secular republican the gun, but by what they do here that this elected House Nepal will be fighting a proxy the CA Nepal will not be possible on to win the trust of the people. represents a desire for peace war for the national interests of would mean without liberal democracy and The only way forward is the among the people though a our big neighbours. pluralism, everything else is just transformation of the Maoists into national consensus. Let’s use the week before the officially empty talk. And therein lies the a mainstream party that plays by Since parliament will CA expires to chart a course post- knot that has tangled up the the rules, and the moral pressure continue to function for a few 28 May. Blaming CA members for inviting peace process. that the other parties can bring to days even after 28 May, one hears the past year is not going to get us There are so many bear on them. They may not be arguments that the CA should anywhere. The constitution is violence into contradictions in the Maoists’ able to agree on everything right just be allowed to lapse since the only going to work if the politics public statements and their away, but they must prolong the other organs of state will still are fixed first. The CA is not politics stands in the committees of the life of the CA and buy time to have legitimacy. That line of supposed to mend the politics of CA that there is no space here to resolve those issues later and offer thought may or may not have this country, it is supposed to negotiating in good faith. During list them all. Their idea of a the Maoists another chance to legal validity, but it is absurd give legitimacy to a political and after the Maoist strike, ‘peaceful’ strike is to brandish change. and unworkable. Some within agreement. But if we go on trying marathon meetings tried to khukuris and staves, their idea of the NC and UML seem to have to finish each other off, then the untangle the knots of army an agreement is to threaten Gagan Thapa is an NC CA member. surmised that a parliament constitution is going to be dead, integration, but there was a interlocutors with a fist. They A longer version of this opinion without the CA will be and we will all soon follow. deadlock. It is clear that the show one face to the Nepali was printed in Himal beneficial to them. And the Hopefully, the urgency of it transformation of the Maoist party public and another one to their Khabarpatrika, 15-30 May.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com Web exclusive CREATE JOBS uncritically taken in by the ‘romantic culture and accountability from public nepalitimes.com Let us make Kathmandu a business hub revolutionary’ image. figures. Party leaders in Nepal, largely Visit our site for and not a political mess (‘Proximate Sarada groomed in a culture where ‘Afno angko comments and breakthrough’, #502). Let us create bhainsi nadekhne, arkako ang ko jumra conversations on AMAZED employment opportunies for the people dekhne’, now confront these lenses. latest news and so that our sisters do not need to go A western friend of mine asked me if there Devendra Pant other affairs south to work as sex workers. These had been a tangible change in educational are some of the agendas we need to policies after the rebels joined mainstream DELUSIONS advocate. We are not interested in who politics (‘Revolutionary teachers’, #502). I It is high time the Maoists came forward is going to be the prime minister or the told her about their interventions in and assured the people that they are no ambassador. For that you need to educational institutes and their rationale. longer in support of establishing an Weekly Internet Poll # 503 sacrifice on all fronts. She was amazed, and didn’t understand authoritarian People’s Republic (‘Edging Q. Should PM Madhav K Nepal resign? Kancha dai why the schools were closed. closer’, #502). Dahal should have courage Nirmal and stop deluding the young and Total votes: 4,532 ROMANTICISED unemployed. The level of support/interest expressed BIG BROTHER Tapan on the internet by westerners is It is not a surprise that in the recent misleading and entirely disproportionate elections to the British Parliament, Mr. SAVE THE CHURE HILLS to the real level of awareness of Nepal Brown first lost the televised debate, before We foolishly and selfishly destroyed most in the west (‘Letting go’, #502). The third his party Labour lost the election of our forests (‘Crushed’, #502). We cannot world leftist cheerleaders in the west are (‘Television politics’, #502). The ever afford to destroy the Chure Hills. Weekly Internet Poll # 504. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. How long should the Constituent mainly young and naive, often students, vigilant eyes of the lenses demand a new R Rai Assembly be extended for?

Publisher: Kunda Dixit | Editor: Rabi Thapa Design: Kiran Maharjan | Marketing: Sambhu Guragain, Subhash Kumar, Arjun Karki [email protected] | Subscription: 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 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 OP-ED|3 War games

PLAIN SPEAKING Prashant Jha

he politics over CA extension is based on the assumption that the Maoists are bluffing. They need the CA the most for they T lose a legitimate source of strength if it is dissolved. At the last minute, they will – irrespective of whether Madhav Nepal resigns – back the amendment to extend the CA by a year. They may lose face, but they live to fight another day. This could well be true. The Maoists allow the CA to end, and they will be blamed for being ‘anti-peace and anti-constitution’. They will have to be on the streets even as others continue to enjoy power, despite the diminished legitimacy of each state institution. So the party will be under immense pressure not to play ‘spoiler’. And the risk of a confrontation that will favour the Maoists rises.

The issue of CA extension is being milked for all it is worth by all In the politburo meeting early this week, there was disappointment at the failure of the strike and questioning of the leadership’s judgment. But another refrain was how the present process was failing to deliver the ‘change’ the Maoists had hoped for and that it was time to consider fresh ideas. The dogmatists tried to capitalise on the disillusionment and said that the principal contradiction was no longer with the ‘remnants of feudalism’, but with ‘expansionists and its brokers’. Mohan Baidhya (Kiran) and Netra Bikram Chand (Biplab) proposed a new united front with ‘nationalists’ (read royalists and conservatives) against India. This would have been a total reversal of the party line since 2005, and was rejected. The ‘democratic republic’ line prevailed, but it was concluded that unconditional support to the extension would be meaningless, for the fundamental political disagreements would remain. The final decision will now be taken by the central committee that meets from Friday. But the focus on the Maoists has neglected other layers around the politics of extension. The ultra-left (and the ultra-right) have a shared interest in seeing the end of the CA with sections of the Indian establishment. Delhi feels that the Maoists are the most vulnerable at the moment, and they should be allowed an extension only if they sign on the dotted line and deliver on commitments. An extension would give them breathing space, and only postpone a crisis. But Indian sources also add they will go along with the general mood of the domestic actors. Echoes of this, predictably, can be found in the decision of the NC central committee-parliamentary party meeting which made extension conditional on Maoists delivering on issues in the package deal. But leaders like parliamentary party chief Ram Chandra Poudel, who fancies himself as the next PM, supported an unconditional extension. Incumbent NC ministers also went along with the cabinet decision to extend the CA by a year. For once, Madhav Nepal’s role will be crucial. His role over the past year has been to sit tight, and ensure there is no broad agreement between parties, for he would then lose his job. Some of his aides suggest that Nepal does not want to be in the saddle so he is held responsible for the dissolution of the CA, and is contemplating resigning on May 28 if there is no deal by then. But his conscience is flexible and the temptation to enjoy Baluwatar for some more time could overwhelm it. One of the most astute observers of Nepali politics has likened all this to the Chakravyuha (pic)– a battle formation in the Mahabharata designed by the Kaurava commander, Drona. The Pandava warrior Arjun’s son, Abhimanyu, knew how to break into the ring but not how to leave it. He died while trapped inside. By locking themselves into difficult positions, Nepali politicians have entered the battle. They hope to have left enough manoeuvering space to get out. We will soon find out if they have succeeded. 4|NATION 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503

to replace steel and cast iron pipes that left a potentially toxic residue in the water supply, and took over Nepal Bitumen and Barrel Udyog Limited, the only industry in the Quality sells country to produce bitumen. And there's more. Today, the Panchakanya Group manages ten companies and trading houses, which deal in products as diverse as plastic, wires and hydroelectricity, and has investments in the financial and utility sectors, to name a few. The journey hasn’t been free of challenges. In the early 1970s, there were very few Nepali industrialists, so many didn’t think Panchakanya would get very far. Shrestha recalls: “People would say, ‘Can Panchakanya Nepalis really run a factory?’”. Additionally, the company was up against much more Group proves experienced competition, which began a price war in order to throttle the fledgling that price isn’t company. It was then that Panchakanya decided to prioritise quality, even if that everything meant charging more. The market response was not satisfactory at first, but improved when Panchakanya Iron f there is a Michael Jordan in Nepali Industries became the first industry to win industry, it may be Panchakanya Group. the NS Quality Award in 1998. “Today, we I In the four decades that the company can proudly say that Panchakanya products has been in operation, it has grown from a AHMAD ISKANDAR demand a market premium,” says Shrestha. small family-run business to an industrial Panchakanya Group also sets aside a powerhouse with a brand name that has come Managing Director Pradeep Kumar Shrestha time was mainly in timber and local raw portion of its profits every year for social to stand for quality and trustworthiness. (pic, above). The company was named after materials industry. We thought that we causes. It has invested in national level Panchakanya’s first significant industrial Panchakanya Temple in Ilam, which is should enter a related sector, so chose research, campaigns to clean up and improve venture was in 1971, when it introduced devoted to the five major goddesses of Hindu construction,” explains Shrestha. traffic in major cities, skills development for modern rice mills to Jhapa. Chairman Prem tradition. That sparked a phase of vigorous blue-collar workers, and has sponsored, Bahadur Shrestha and family made the move The agro-business proved lucrative, and industrialisation. In 1981 the company among others, schools, temples and hospitals to take advantage of Nepal’s status, at the enabled the group to diversify its trade. It established Panchakanya Iron Industries, nationwide. time, as a net rice exporter. The family owned entered the timber industry in the mid-70s, later rechristened Panchakanya Steel, which In the future, the Group plans to remain property in Jhapa, where land was building six saw mills in eastern Nepal. But pioneered the manufacture of earthquake committed to the core values of integrity and particularly fertile. when the government instituted an anti- resistant TMT Reinforcement Steel Bars. It honesty that have brought it so far, and use “Our family is from that part of the deforestation policy, the company found based its steel operations in the west in order that as a platform to help build society. country, so it made sense to start there. It itself in an awkward position. “We had to do to help develop that historically poor region. “We’re a mature company now. It’s time we was very much a local-based operation,” says something new, but our experience at the It began manufacturing PVC and PPR pipes thought in a big way,” says Shrestha. 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 NATION|5

THIS WEEK

Numbers game With only a week to go until the 28 May deadline, political parties are scrambling to put together a deal to avert a potential constitutional crisis. Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal seems confident that a deal will be reached, saying the pieces will fall into place as soon it is agreed exactly how many PLA ex-combatants to integrate into the army. The Maoists say the PLA itself must be consulted, while the NC and UML have proposed figures from 3,000-7,000. Meanwhile, the government has submitted a bill that seeks to extend the CA’s tenure by one year, leaving open the possibility of further extensions, under Article 64 of the Interim Constitution. There has been some controversy about the use of the article, with some legal experts saying it has been illegitimately invoked. So far, the Maoists don’t appear amenable to the proposal. Maoist Vice-Chairman Baburam Bhattarai said his party will not agree to a tenure extension unless the government first resigns, and has threatened to unilaterally announce a ‘people’s constitution’ from the streets on 29 May if its demands aren’t met. Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal has warned that the last banda was only a taste of things to come, but UML chairman Jhalanath Khanal is confident the Maoists will soon agree to a tenure extension.

United we fall The house of cards at Unity Life International came crashing down on Monday as the government, responding to an exposé in the 14-28 April issue of Himal Khabarpatrika and the ensuing public outcry over the firm’s pyramid scheme, ordered the arrest of board members and seized the firm’s assets. Security personnel removed staff from the compound and apprehended Bhim Gurung and Netra Lal Rajbhansi, two high- level officials of the firm, on Monday. Many Online incline other officials are on the run and are yet to publishers that the cost and model of web publications and be arrested, though the police believe they are FOURTH ESTATE effort of being on the web is blogs is yet to evolve. Even a not being wasted, even if the site as lively as mysansar is still in the capital. C K Lal revenues from internet finding it difficult to raise However, it’s unclear what will become of Unity’s assets, as initial investigations editions are negligible only money for server costs. have come up dry on a big chunk of the firm’s reported nepalnews is reported to have Dainikee, too, lost popularity earnings, giving rise to fears that they may already have been epali Times was online crossed the break-even point. because its promoters could no moved abroad. It has also come to light that the firm hadn’t for almost six months Internet editions are longer fund the in-depth issued licenses to most of its clients, which is itself a violation N before hitting the favoured for three reasons. The reporting that once made it of the law. Thousands of Unity clients have begun picketing its newsstands a decade ago. Back first is the buzz in the famous. At the end of the day, offices demanding refunds. then, access to the internet even profession that the web is the what really encourages repeat within the Kathmandu Valley future of media. Second, a visits is not simply attractive was extremely limited. cyber presence lends a design and streamed pictures Comments from online readers publication an international but hard news and thought- often bristled with the profile. Lastly, the marginal provoking commentary. frustration of homesick cost of having a web edition is It’s expensive to collect, professionals in self-exile who insignificant in comparison to collate and package news. knew that few took their the production and Comments continue to be opinions seriously. Much time distribution costs of the hard cheap. But good commentary has passed, but the tradition of copy. The web is where costs money. Since the internet overseas Nepalis complaining everyone in the media wants to doesn’t yet offer sustainable returns for journalists, web- only publications don’t attract the best talents around. Net journalism is picking Citizen’s journalism is all very well, but there is a limit up, but the chiya pasal is to what amateurs and still the preferred forum for enthusiasts can provide to HIMAL KHABARPATRIKA satisfy the information, 15-29 May most Nepalis education and entertainment needs of users of web media. COVER Media mogul Rupert DEMAGOGUE: about the situation back home is be, even though few can make Murdoch is said to have Maoists were too smart by half live and kicking (mostly the convincing arguments for it. observed, “Content is not just Unsuccessful street rebellion latter). Given Kantipur’s full- king, it is the emperor of all Real people power A critical mass of readers has spectrum media dominance, things electronic.” Why the locals did not join since evolved that prefers to go its group site ekantipur is Unsurprisingly, some of his Interview: Madhav Kumar Nepal online for news. Very few have somewhat lame. By publications – The Times and Agreement doesn’t mean surrender the time or the inclination to comparison, nagariknews has the Wall Street Journal, for read an entire article, most often hooked a huge following with instance – charge for access to Purshottam Dahal: What will happen, what should happen clocking the title and pull-quote simple design and eclectic their online editions. But in Jagannath Khatiwada: Prachanda’s ploy and scanning the rest of the page content. Its sister Nepal, where less than one per Shiva Gaunle: The media and the andolan before firing off their reactions. publication myrepublica, cent of the population has The comment sections of web however, could do with some internet access and media CONSTITUTION SUPPLEMENT publications are thus often innovation. houses are just getting their Long Live the Constitution! dominated by regular posters When it comes to page online act together, this will Opinion Poll Analysis by Krishna Khanal shouting at each other in an views, independent sites and not be an issue for some time No constitution till demobilisation echo chamber. weblogs such as nepaljapan to come. Facebook may be all Save the CA by Gagan Thapa The contribution of online and mysansar are not far the rage in Kathmandu, but ECONOMY readers to issues of national behind media heavyweight rural Nepal still talks to itself More blows to a wounded economy importance is thus minimal. sites such as ekantipur, at local chiya pasals, with a From dislocation to anarchy But page views and comments nagariknews and little help from the headlines provide some proof to myrepublica. But the revenue in daily papers. 6|BUSINESS 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 Himalayan experiments

Bhutan from the kind of mean citizens will take the state hot destination. If a firm ‘excavator terrorism’ that has for granted, in a country with over governance structure and access to plagued Nepal. The rulers of 50,000 migrant workers? Will this energy can be seen as two big Bhutan have definitely learnt lead to an Emirates-style advantages, the biggest remains from Nepal’s failures, and this economy, where a wealthy state Bhutan’s parity with the Indian can be seen in how they have pays for the social security of its Rupee. This rekindles the Beed’s gone about writing a new citizens while people from dream of the ‘Rupa’, a common constitution, begun their different nationalities actually do South Asian currency like the designer wear. The little shops experiments with the ballot box, the work? Only time will tell how Euro. In the meantime, Bhutan ECONOMIC SENSE sport homogeneous blue and kept donors in checkl, adopted these challenges will be will reap the advantage of India’s white signboards for the most global calendars and work addressed. growth, and no investor can afford Artha Beed part, and do not have much schedules, and let English co- From an investor’s to ignore this. variety on offer. The department exist with the national perspective, Bhutan will become a www.arthabeed.com store concept is yet to be seen, but languages. THIMPU – Driving from Bhutan’s this is less to do with a lack of However, the challenge for only international airport at Paro consumer demand than Bhutan is to sustain its efforts. to the capital city, one can’t help government policy: consumerism While a small population can but notice how different the fifty- is seen to ruin society. allow for Singapore-style kilometer drive is from other hill The Bhutanese talk governance and control, the drives in South Asia. Winding extensively about Gross National opening up of information roads recently paved for the Happiness (GNH) as a counter to access will be difficult to stem. SAARC summit, as well as fewer market and consumption driven How long can the local television vehicles, make for a smooth ride. GDP. For instance, channel, which resembles the Two other features stand out. mountaineering in Bhutan is not Nepal Television of the early allowed, as it has been deemed nineties, compete with that the mountains should be international channels? How can Can Bhutan kept as they are. Their conception one ignore the popularity of the of measuring people’s happiness first Miss Bhutan contest and get it right? as opposed to consumption or the aspirations of Bhutanese production is unique, and is a youth that make up half the First, the conspicuous absence of counter to western measures of population? How long one can advertising billboards or graffiti prosperity. one expect to see this youth in and second, the lush greenery. While everyone describes (mandatory) traditional dress, A walk around the small city Bhutan as a small country, a coke in one hand and cell phone of Thimpu, which has a population of around 800,000 in the other? How will the youth kilometre-long market, takes one means the country is manageable. challenge those who have been back in time. No brands clamour The constitution decrees that 60 in power for many years in the for your attention, be it aerated per cent forest cover is a must, elections slated for 2013? Does drinks, instant noodles or and this has perhaps saved free education and health care LIFE TIMES 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 7

FAIREST OF THEM ALL: Mirror puja to remove the ‘essence’ of Swayambhu before renovation work started, 2008

PICS: SWAYAMBHU RENOVATION PROJECT CENTER FOR DOCUMENTATION Renewal: a time for change The restoration of Swayambhu was a renewal of not only the stupa, but ourselves as well

TSERING GELLEK Over the past two years, I have rings of a tree, each renewal of the worked on the restoration of the sacred forms adds another layer physical form of Swayambhu. of meaning and represents a new sk how old Swayambhu Here stands one of the world’s expression of faith. The is and you are likely to most sacred monuments: a source Swayambhu we see now is a Ahear that it is timeless, of light and renewal, whose culmination of all the self-originating. It is said that a blessings sustain the power of Swayambhus that have received miraculous stupa of light arose enlightenment. Yet people offerings from devotees in upon a lotus growing in the lake continue to ask the seemingly the past. of the Kathmandu Valley. simple question: “How old is Since the early 13th century, Radiating five-coloured light rays, Swayambhu?” But that is like 14 major restorations of this sacred form acted as a conduit asking the age of an ancient forest. Swayambhu have been for blessings to flow into our The process of birth and decay undertaken, roughly one every 50 realm. Later, the Bodhisattva occurs naturally in a forest, to 100 years. The last was providing an on-going cycle for undertaken by the Tibetan lama Renovations underway Manjushree drained the lake in at Swayambhu, 2010 order to grant ordinary beings renewal and growth. The forest Tokden Shakya Shri in 1918. access to Swayambhu. Still later, itself has no age. The current renovation of the sacred light-form was Similarly, the historical Swayambhu formally enshrined within rock to protect Swayambhu has experienced commenced on 1 July, 2008. The vajra, the dharmadhatu mandala, Meditation Center (USA), it from the pollution of the many cycles, forming and aim of this renovation was to the nine shrines in the dome, the including for 20 kilos of gold. Kaliyuga. reforming over the ages. Like the restore the metal sections of the harmika, torans, cornice, and the The Buddha taught that all existing stupa to the splendour thirteen rings. Thanks are due to compounded things are achieved by the last renovation. the vajracharyas, priests, and impermanent. This truth reminds In so doing an opportunity was lamas, the Government of Nepal, us of the inevitable decay and provided to restore and and all the ministers and officials passing of all things. It also offers reinvigorate many traditional who granted permission to carry us a priceless opportunity to practices and artistic traditions. out this meritorious work and reconnect to the sacred site of In this, the renovation was a time offered their advice and guidance; Swayambhu and ensure that its of renewal not just for the stupa, to all the artisans and workers blessings continue. This moment but for us as well. who have given their skills and of completion is also a time for Over 100 artisans and other energy day after day; and to the renewal and a time to reflect on individuals participated in the Nepali citizens and their the power of change. renovation, which involved no associations whose assistance and less than the removal, good wishes have been essential. The Friends of Swayambhu are restoration, re-gilding (with pure Responsibility for funding was holding a peace and unity lamp Lion face, during and after restoration gold) and reinstallation of the taken up by the Tibetan Nyingma ceremony on 27 May, 7.30 pm. 8|LIFE TIMES

appreciate such exhibitions and art. People are just too busy in Korea.

What do you think of the work of Nepali Painting dreams artists? Nepali artists tend to go for a more abstract level of art, and that’s a pity. Art starts with Last Sunday, Korean painter Maia Ruth poems. So I started reading up about it from the history of it, which form the Lee launched her solo exhibition the works of the masters, such as Sylvia fundamentals of any artist. Abstract art is Recollections Of The Lonesome Traveller Path. I felt a kind of connection with her work, important too, but dangerous. There have at Siddhartha Art Gallery in some style. and eventually decided such a style would been many works that are repetitive and Nepali Times caught up with the young be helpful in conveying my ideas. lack originality. It’s important to know artist. Unfortunately, people are more familiar with why you’re following a style. Nepali her life than her works. artists need to be more daring and keep Where did you get the inspiration for the making more art. poetry and paintings? This is your third solo exhibition. How do It all started from the dreams I had. I would you rate your progress? So what’s next for you? write down bits and pieces of whatever I Honestly, it feels like this is my first real Maybe I have too high an expectation of I’ll be leaving for Korea in July to help out could remember in my journal. The dreams solo exhibition. I think that I was too young myself. in the next issue of Chillzine, one of my were very graphic, and were naturally very then, and ended up being nonchalant about earlier projects. That will be for about a good to draw inspiration from. I had new the exhibitions. I was only concerned about Why Nepal? month, after which, I’m looking for a place revelations each time I reviewed these my works filling up the wall space. But now, I’ve always loved this gallery. It’s been here to settle down where I can focus on my writings. since I had a strong idea of what I wanted for since as long as I can remember. But it work and do some research. Nepal has from the beginning, it was much more also has more to do with the conducive been a perfect transition in my progress Why the confessional poetry? satisfying. I still feel like I’m struggling, and environment here. Unlike in Korea, there is a as an artist, but I’ve done too much moving Before, I didn’t really know how to write am definitely far from reaching my peak. culture here where people make the effort to around.

collected hundreds of the jeep Singh was travelling in photographs of manuscripts, fell into a trench. As it was being sculptures and wall paintings. hauled out, Singh chanced upon a Himalayan Art revived It was thanks to the little-known shrine and was popularity of Singh’s acclaimed astonished to discover the hidden UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador mountains of the northern book that thousands of tourists relics that today have made the Madanjeet Singh’s classic Indian subcontinent abound in from all over the world thronged monastery among the best known Himalayan Art, first published in beautiful religious and to the relatively ignored in the world. 1968 by Macmillan and UNESCO, mythological treasures. Himalayan region not just to What might have been as is to be reprinted by the South Until Singh coined the term conquer its nature, but also to see surprising to the author was the Asia Foundation. ‘Himalayan art’ and published its culture. Even for Singh, incredible success of the book. The unique, fascinating his book, there had been no expressly looking to document Even Singh found it impossible artistic heritage of the Himalayan general account of the subject. mission to travel in the most the region’s art, this was not to get a copy of the book – until he region, the birthplace of two This was in no small part due to inhospitable conditions by all always obvious. Among the many chanced upon a second-hand copy major world religions, is still the remoteness of the available means, covering the anecdotes in the book is the in the bookshop of the largely unknown to the communities within which this entire region including Ladakh, revelation that Ladakh’s Alchi Intercontinental Hotel in Kabul. layperson. But the snow-covered art resided. Singh made it his Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. He monastery was discovered when Nishchal N. Pandey 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503|9

EVENTS MUSIC DINING

Naya Faya, a reggae band with a following in the Boudha Stupa Restaurant underground music scene, will be playing live as part of and Café, for the real taste House of Music’s effort to line-up the best live performers of Tibetan Gyakok (Tibetan in the city, 21 May, House of Music, Thamel hotpot with dumplings, meat and vegetables). Dance for a Cause, Lakhey’s DJ RIPS will be spinning Candlelight dinner options R&B and Hip-hop tunes for a charity dance party for are also available for Children N Youth First, an organisation that supports the romantics every full moon education of underprivileged children, 21 May, from 7pm, night. Boudha, 2130681 Lakhey Restro N Bar, Darbar Marg 1905 Restaurant, feast on roasted delights within this Peace and Unity Lamp Ceremony, to mark the successful converted royal residence. Though it is right beside a busy renovation of the Swayambhu Mahachaitya, Buddha GETAWAYS road, the walled compound features a quiet ambience and Jayanti, 27 May, 7.30pm, Swayambhu green surroundings, making it an oasis within the city. NexGEN Adventure Program, rock Kantipath, 4215068 The recollections of a lonesome traveller, solo exhibition by climbing and canyoning in Korean artist Maia Ruth Lee (interview, page 8) depicting Sundarijal: a pleasant respite from Café de Newa, won’t be surprised if there is a Newari the metaphorical identities of a traveller. Her works draw the rising temperatures with a bit mama in the kitchen churning out chhoila, sukuti, kachila inspiration from dreams and journal entries. Siddhartha Art of adventure thrown in. Daily and bara in this restaurant right amidst the bright lights of Gallery, Babar Mahal Revisited, 11am-6pm, till 3 June departure, 016914541, Thamel. Try Newari delicacies like deep-fried buffalo 2010, 4218048 www.canyoninginnepal.com tongue, brain and intestines. You will be blown away. Next to Kathmandu Guest House, open everyday Paniphoto, Gurukul is restaging Khagendra Lamichhane’s The Last Resort: One-stop for Nepali-language play due to popular demand. Runs until 29 Adventure Sports. Take your pick Aalishan, a newcomer to the Jhamel scene, serves a mix May, everyday at 5.30pm except Mondays – be it a bungy jump over the of both Indian and Chinese cuisines. The posh interior can Bhote Khosi river 160 metres be a bit intimidating, but don’t let that put you off the food. Poetry and Motion, Caravan Theatre presents two short below or mountain biking up to the Jawalakhel (near the roundabout) plays for families: Doctor Concocter, based on the famous Tibetan border, The Last Resort is Doctor Doolittle books, and Robyn Crusoe, inspired by the paradise for adventure sports Himalayan Java’s classic novel Robinson Crusoe. Ideal for young audiences, junkies. Relax after a full day of Summer Splash, Java and adults who are young at heart. 22 May (1 and 4pm), fun with great food and a cold beer is known for its coffee, Sunday 23 May (4pm), Lincoln School, Rabi Bhawan at the Instant Karma bar before but it now has a new retiring in deluxe safari tents. The outlet and is offering a Creativity in Business, a discussion of the role of literature Last Resort Sales Office, Mandala Street, Thamel, selection of chilled in business with Sujeev Shakya (Beed Management) and 4700525, www.thelastresort.com.np drinks to keep you cool Sujit Mundul (Standard Chartered Bank) as part of QC’s in the summer. Sample Tavern Tales, 26 May, 5pm, Nepal-Bharat Library, NAC The Great Escape, retreat from the hustle and bustle of the some kiwi lime, lychee Building city to The Dwarikas’ Himalayan Shangri-La Village lime, blended orange and lemonade for free. Thamel, Resort in Dhulikhel. Just 45 minutes from Kathmandu, the opposite Himalayan Bank and Thamel Chowk, inside the Tribute to Great Artists, improvisations on the works of short ride will afford you enchanting panoramic views and a Food Bazaar artists like Pablo Picasso, Jackson Pollock and Salvador myriad of nature’s best. Overnight packages available for Dali by Kapil Mani Dixit. Wear red or black to the exhibition local residents. The Dwarikas’ Himalayan Shangri-La Lhasa Bar, Enjoy a beer or a splash of a cocktail at this to become a part of the show, says the artist. Runs until 23 Village Resort, Dhulikhel, 4479488, springboard for excellent young musicians starting out on May, Yala Maya Kendra, Patan Dhoka www.dwarikashimalayanshangrila.com the Thamel circuit. Thamel, 985101043 10|HAPPENINGS 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503

KIRAN PANDAY EYES ABROAD: Passport applicants wait outside the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the only office issuing passports, after the government sfd ;fgf ] 7nf" ] eGg] failed to meet the deadline for machine readable passports. x'“b}g . kl;gfsf] s'g} /ª / hft klg x'“b}g . sfd u//] vfg nhfpg ' klg x'“b}g . rf]/]/, 9f“6]/, 5n]/, n'6]/ vfg kf] nhfpgk5' { . hf] hxf“ /x/] hg' sfd u5 { pm To;}df /dfpg'k5{ uf}/a ug'{k5{ / ;dlk{t eP/ INDU NEPAL ugk5'{ { . sfd g } zlQm IN SEARCH OF GOD: A pilgrim looks for the image of the Buddha on a pipal leaf in Lumbini on Wednesday, a week before the birth anniversary xf,] elQm xf ] / of Gautam Buddha. d'lQm xf ] . sfdsf] OHht u/f}+, kl;gfsf] ;Ddfg u/f }+ .

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TAKE CARE: UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator Robert Piper prepares to hand over a cheque for Rs 1 million from the United Nations Women’s Organisation to the Chhetrapati Free Clinic to set up a Mother and Child Care Unit, Sunday.

KIRAN PANDAY ON ITS WAY: After a month of being grounded, the Rato Machhindranath chariot is pulled along by devotees on the third day of its journey at Mangal Bajar, Wednesday.

WEEKEND WEATHER by NGAMINDRA DAHAL

This week marks the onset of the monsoon as a giant cyclone has dumped rain along much of the Bay of Bengal. Another cyclone, fueled by a westerly jet stream over eastern Tibet, has also moved south and will collide into an advancing front. This may produce heavy rainfall in northeast India and east Nepal. On the other side of the subcontinent, the western arm of the southwest monsoon will bring rain to the hot climatic zones. Nepal’s central and eastern regions will get rain through this weekend but western Nepal may see only passing clouds. An early monsoon is likely.

KATHMANDU

FRI SAT SUN

6 6 6 31-18 29-17 28-19 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 NATION|11 p

PICS: KIRAN PANDAY Flagellating the self-flagellators

Kathmandu Post two days after predictable, liberal translation. through threats, beatings and morality that can only be the KALAM Dahal delivered his tirade against Undoubtedly the May Dayers vandalism – to actually use the result of wallowing in the the media and the sukilo-mukilo, were ‘the people’, as she notes. term ‘vigilante’ in reference to paradox of liberal arts lefty Rabi Thapa was a case in point. No doubt But isn’t everybody? Since when those who dared defy the banda. sympathies, guilt at being part many May Dayers came of their has it been a crime to be sukilo- Peaceful the banda may have of Kathmandu’s elite, and the own accord in the hope of mukilo when this is what seemed for the UN convoys that inability to actually do n yet another stroke of contributing to peace and everybody in the country aspires were waved through, and the anything to change things. Ergo, oratory genius that he has prosperity, and Kathmandu to be, not least Dahal of the minions of human rights self-flagellation. I since had cause to publicly residents would do well to ‘glistening, bulging’ jowls? Is it observers who were well-received So what if people chanted regret, Pushpa Kamal Dahal appreciate this. But to present the possible that certain elites, stung by those on the streets. But it against Dahal? If the Maoist recently redefined the class war as May Dayers, en masse, as poverty- by the charge of elitism, feel certainly wasn’t for those daily chairman can threaten specific that between the sukilo-mukilo stricken, noble revolutionaries in obliged not only to chastise wage labourers who presumed to segments of society on a regular of Kathmandu (to be seen at peace polar opposition to prosperous, wholesale their fellow denizens, work, those who attempted to basis (never mind promising assemblies) and the mailo-dhailo self-centred, patronising elites is but also imply they are vigilantes open shop, or members of the massacres that would have him of the hinterland (to be seen at unforgivable. and troublemakers? But then this press and public who decided to swimming in blood), then in May Day rallies). His rage at the I cannot understand why the interests of peace, the rest of former’s alleged impudence and Ghale cannot even bring herself to us go to great pains to avoid condescension towards the latter accept that the majority of those offending him and his cadre. To was quite understandable. who assembled in Basantapur did Incredible as it may seem, listen to some self-flagellators Of course, on the whole, the so for a peaceful intent, and feels in Kathmandu, you’d think the Peace Assemblers were better-off compelled by the force of her own it’s possible to be anti- YCL deserved a medal for not than the May Dayers, even if rhetoric to apostrophise the event Maoist and pro-people beating to a pulp, on occasion, white tends to accentuate as a ‘peace rally’. She deliberately those who dared to (for the cleanliness. But the May Dayers ignores the fact that comedian most part non-violently) defy were as motley a crew as the Peace Madan Krishna not only noted is only one of the many chance their luck by exercising them. And since everyone self- Assemblers as far as motivation the presence at the assembly of perversions that have come about their freedom of movement censored and even ‘volunteered’ and attitudes to each other were educated professionals, but also when everyone treats the Maoists (presumably more fundamental donations, you’d think concerned. Many media welcomed farmers and workers. as if they are wild animals. We’ll than the freedom to protest). extortion didn’t take place. commentators understood as Worst of all, Ghale quotes Madan tolerate it if they growl at us, as The perversion continued Think again. much, and chose not to fall Krishna as saying “You are the long as they don’t bite. It should when you heard some sukilo- Everyone knows one-sided wholesale for Dahal’s crude respectable, intelligent and law- be merely laughable when Maoist mukilos implying that those who broadsides are more exciting, demagoguery. But certain abiding section of this society. leader Dinanath Sharma claims defied the banda were, if not but do they really open up new commentators of the sukilo- You shape the destinies of his right to (violently) enforce vigilantes planted by the perspectives or ultimately mukilo variety took it upon simple, ordinary folks. Aren’t you peaceful protests is infringed government, at the very least undermine themselves? It’s themselves to use this alleged the ones most entitled to have upon. It should be absurd for foolish people provoking the possible (and permissible) to be divide for their own ends. your say?” Either I was deafened those operating outside of the cadre. To get to the point where anti-Maoist and pro-people. Go Shradha Ghale’s ‘All too by the chorus of peace, or Ghale is remit of the law – not by holding you defend the right to enforce figure that out, dichotomists of predictable’, published in The indulging in some all too protests but by enforcing them bandas speaks of a warped the world. 12|NATION 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503

low agricultural production. An imminent Dadeldhura is one of 30 districts that receive food assistance from the government, food crisis will with 11 of its VDCs classified as food insecure. expose the There is no doubt that without subsidised food, many families in even worse-off districts short-termism like Bajura would not make it. But how long do government and donor agencies plan on of the tackling the problem through immediate relief? Where are the complementary programs government, to increase agricultural produce by constructing irrigation canals, to promote use but don’t expect of fertilisers and improved and drought resistant seed varieties, and increase farmers’ an overnight access to the market? Where are the programs resolution to to promote the cultivation and consumption SEED FUND: A woman of locally suitable crops? in Ganeshpur dries hunger All our government seems to be concerned seeds for next about is finding funds for food supply and season's planting. this, too, is problematic. Food supply to 22 RUBEENA MAHATO here, not having rice as a staple is just the districts in the mid and far western region same as going hungry. Millet is what they was halted a month ago owing to a funding call a ‘low food’, and its cultivation has gone shortfall for transportation. So food has been down by half. “How can we eat millet for sitting in government warehouses. Ram food, we are Thakuris, what will people say?” Chandra Bhatta, Technical Assistant at the asks Gorakh. District Agricultural Office, Dadeldhura, says Hunger looms As the days pass, even millet bread is that there will be a food deficit of 15,000 hard to come by. But people will not admit metric tonnes in the district this year. to eating yam and gruel because that is even Time is running out. By monsoon, most RUBEENA MAHATO than three months a year. Other families in worse. Thirty Dalit households here do not of the hill roads will be impassable and food the village fare no better. Almost all have at have a square foot of land in their possession will have to be transported by air. The expense least one of their male family members other than what’s taken up by their tiny will be far greater than the Rs 200 million the DADELDHURA – “Our lives revolve around rice. working in India. homes. Since they do not have land to Ministry of Commerce and Supplies is We have no other worries. Our sons sweat all In village parlance, now is the time cultivate and rely on wage labour in the demanding now. But those lobbying for hefty their lives in India for rice and their sons between the first peach blossoms until the homes of upper castes for food, they are the supply commissions may have a better idea will do the same,” says Gorakh Bahadur Malla, trees give fruit, when they pray no one comes most affected by food shortages. why the budget isn’t being passed before the 68, of Ganeshpur 9 in Dadeldhura. His words to their homes as guests. There are also no irrigation facilities in rains arrive. sum up the fate of the majority of people in It is not that people go entirely without the village, all farming is rain fed, and Inevitably, more young men will have to the food deficit districts of the country. food. People will say they haven’t had food improved seed and farming techniques are travel to India in search of work while their Malla knows very well his family of eight for days. Upon closer questioning it emerges unheard of. People farm the same way their fields lie barren back home. Their families would go hungry were it not for his two sons, that they have different ideas about what forefathers did hundreds of years back, and will be forced to purchase rice on credit from who have been toiling in the Indian sun for constitutes food. “Of course I didn’t eat any are ill-equipped to deal with the prolonged unscrupulous dealers. No doubt, rice is a the last eight years. His seven ropanies of food for days. I ate millet bread,” says Junkiri droughts and frequent natural disasters that lucrative business for everyone concerned – rocky land can hardly feed the family for more BK, 60. But food is scarce and for the people have bedeviled the region and contributed to except for those who most need it. 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 NATION|13 Buddhaland Buddha including Tilaurakot, the It’s more ancient capital of Kapilbastu, and the Ashoka Pillar, which bears a circle of life stone document marking the birth of the Buddha. than tourist Yadav and Sharma blame circuit for government apathy for the failure to harness the pilgrims’ goodwill the locals of into a source of income for the locals. A proposal to convert Lumbini Bhairahawa’s airport into an international airport, which would allow Buddhist pilgrims to INDU NEPAL start their journey in Lumbini, was scrapped in favour of an airport in Bara. RUPANDEHI – It was hard not to The Lumbini Development think of Siddhartha Gautam’s first Trust is in charge of walk outside his father’s palace in implementing architect Tange’s Kapilbastu as a passenger on our master plan and runs a few bus journey to Lumbini howled in promotional activities. In order to grief. Her young daughter had celebrate Buddha Jayanti, which passed away that morning. falls on 27 May this year, it is

But suffering is as real for the INDU NEPAL holding a debate competition people of Lumbini now as it was among local students. It also two millenia ago. Despite the area to have brought meagre benefits to Kushinagar, where he passed battle to market the Buddhist hopes to honour senior monks receiving nearly 780,000 domestic the locals who live in the away. circuit may already have been lost. and lamas in Lumbini but that and international tourists each periphery of the compound in “They rent cars in India, use “I have been to Bodhgaya and will depend on the president’s year, according to the Lumbini mud huts, toiling on fields for their own guides, stop over for a it seems like they spend a lot of schedule. Development Trust, the locals at landlords. The construction itself few hours and return to hotels in money to preserve their sites,” Buddhists might tell you the periphery of the top cultural is 14 years behind schedule, and India,” says Lila Mani Sharma, says Prahlad Yadav, president of Tange’s plan for Lumbini and destination of the Tarai remain the villagers who were displaced who runs a lodge. “Getting them the 18-member Local Tour Guide other promotional campaigns will mired in poverty. at the time are increasingly to extend their visit is our biggest Association. “What we could do is do little reduce the suffering of Lumbini, the birthplace of frustrated. challenge.” to promote the Lumbini circuit as human life. If successful, Gautam Buddha, is a study in “They said there would be lots Despite occasional riots and a package deal.” however, such campaigns to contrasts. Inside the three-mile by of employment opportunities,” online campaigns to stop India The well-known but less attract tourists would certainly one-mile compound are a cluster says Birendra Mishra, who was 10 from allegedly claiming the visited Lumbini circuit includes ease this suffering for the people of newly built monasteries ranging years old when his father was Buddha was born in India, the other sites associated with the of Lumbini. in style from Thai wats to relocated. “Now, the only jobs Manange stupas. This is a part of available are for gardeners and an ambitious plan outlined by security guards.” Japanese architect Kenzo Tange in In spite of impressive visitor 1978 to transform Lumbini into numbers, Lumbini is a transit an international pilgrimage and destination, say local business tourism centre. Forty-two owners. Most visitors start their monasteries and meditation journey in India, which hosts centres were planned: 14 have three of the four pilgrimage spots been completed and 12 are declared sacred by the Buddha: currently under construction. The Lumbini, his birthplace; result is a mix between a giant Bodhgaya, where he obtained construction site and Disneyland. enlightenment; Sarnath, where he This massive endeavour seems preached his first sermon; and

Lumbini circuit How to get there: A number of commercial airlines fly daily to Bhairahawa airport. You can take a cab to Lumbini at a cost of about Rs 700, and buses leave every 15 minutes. An information brochure provided by the Lumbini Development Trust says bullock carts are also available, if you so fancy.

What to see: Mayadevi Temple, restored and reopened in 2003, contains the foundation of the original temple dating back to the third century BC. The Ashoka Pillar bears the first epigraphic evidence mentioning the birthplace of the Buddha. Tilaurakot is the ancient capital of Kapilbastu and a museum holds artifacts depicting life in the Shakya kingdom.

When to go: Best to avoid the summer heat.

Where to stay: There are a couple of high-end and many budget lodging options in Lumbini, as well as in Bhairahawa. Monasteries in Lumbini offer accommodation for a donation, including meals. 14|FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 Buzz the fuzz SP Ramesh Kharel, chief of Metro Police Range, Hanuman Dhoka in Kantipur, 17 May

We want all kinds of professions to be well managed. But night operators should not forget the ground and be fly-by-night businesses. They should have their own guidelines. Not all are decent but a few are enough to destroy the image of this sector. This does not mean that all police in uniform are good, dutiful and loyal. But we all have to bear the blame. Why? BIKASH KARKI Because you keep quiet when corrupt police officers exploit you. Therefore, you are also guilty. International interference Why don’t you have guts to say “I won’t be paying you bribes or protection money any longer?” Why don’t you speak Deepak Gajurel in Rajdhani, whose suggestion he resigned In the strategic document failure of this plan has exposed for your occupational rights? 19 May from the premiership last year. ‘Vision 2020’, the US has clearly India to the world, and it is now You have to have the courage India’s focus is to expand said South Asia will be a major under tremendous pressure from to speak out against corruption. its influence in the region. But interest in the years to come. international power players to be Entrepreneurs have a hard Foreign interference in Nepali it has not recognised that the Washington’s reading is that transparent. time because of the enforcement politics is on the rise. Recently, regional and international India has already lost influence Nepal is turning into a of the regulation to shut down businesses at 11pm. We don’t China, India, America and even power equations have shifted in the region and it should battlefield for international have any other rules regarding the EU have openly shown they because of the rise of China. accept this fact. Barack Obama, heavyweights, for which our this sector, so we should work are concerned about Nepali The American ambassador during his Beijing visit, said political leaders are setting the together to address this issue politics. has recognised the role of these that China should play a role in stage. The last week saw to make it a manageable and China feels intimidated by the two countries. “India and China mediating in Kashmir. Delhi diplomats meeting with leaders, decent profession. But for this, unrest in Nepal as it knows should play roles in ending the duly objected. and leaders inviting them for we need both entrepreneurs and Nepal’s geopolitical position current political deadlock,” was The recent events in Nepal consultations. Diplomatic police to be honest. If Nepal Police fails to take might be used against her. China’s his recommendation. His other have demonstrated that India decorum has been reduced to notice of the corrupt activities priority now is to maintain message was, “I am already in has fallen into the pit that it dug zero. Leaders are waiting for of police personnel, as a internal security by fighting the region and you cannot go for others. India got the political ‘orders’, weighing up which are department head I will take against the West’s idea of ‘Free against the will of parties to sign a 12-point the most profitable to them. But action against them. Tell me if Tibet’. It has been reported that Washington.” agreement, and hoped to bring neither India, China or the US some entrepreneurs are the Chinese President Hu Jintao Washington has shown Nepal under its umbrella, as it will give up jockeying for operating unlawfully, I will not asked Pushpa Kamal Dahal on interest in South Asia recently. has Sikkim and Bhutan. The influence in Nepal. spare them. Did you take note of the last police raid in Thamel? You must have been disgusted. There was a restaurant on the ground floor, a guesthouse on the first floor and a brothel on the upper floor, where teenagers were seen with clients. This is not tolerable for anyone. Like one of the participants in this interaction program rightly pointed out, we will take action against restaurant owners rather than workers from now on. We will take action against them under the Anti- trafficking Act 2008. Cultural shows are good as long as they are decent. But you cannot make teenage girls dance naked to make money. The law does not permit anything for the sake of making money. I keep my mobile on round the clock, please call and inform me about such activities. I will take action against the owners and managers, not the workers. Not only this, if police personnel in uniform come to your restaurant and order food and alcohol, please let me know. I will take care of them. If you do not inform the police, it will seem as though you are harbouring criminals in your establishments. If you really want to avoid possible trouble in the future, please tell me about what you know. Dial 100 for police control or you can call me on my mobile at 9851078100. Together we can build a crime-free society.

This is an abridged version of Kharel’s speech at an interaction with dance club operators. 21 - 27 MAY 2010 #503 CONSTITUTION 2010|15

The PLA speaks

TEXT and PICS: EKAL SILWAL Ex-combatants in Shaktikhor are getting restless, but remain committed to their cause

SHAKTIKHOR, CHITWAN – The future of the firmly. “No, seventy-five per cent of us were Army. “Fixing the number to be integrated Shaktikhor express political views similar to nearly 20,000 Maoist ex-combatants in seven physically wounded and many don’t want may prevent my joining the Nepal Army. those of the Maoist leaders currently cantonments across the country has long to serve as security personnel.” He adds, That’s unjust since there are many soldiers negotiating their futures. Shanta Pokhrel been a sticking point in the peace process, “There are also a number of mothers with serving in the Nepal Army who were disabled (Aruna) is the Health Battalion in-charge and now more than ever. The Technical four to five kids who dream of having a normal during the war. I’m just like them. If I have feels her future is attached to that of all the Committee has worked out rehabilitation life outside of the armed forces.” to separated for rehabilitation, why not oppressed people in the country. She says, packages, including an option to join According to Bista, integration and discharge them too?” “I’m not worried at all for myself as we want politics with cash support, vocational rehabilitation is secondary to the dignity of The issue of justice is clearly one that gender and class liberty first. So there won’t training for self-employment, business ex-combatants. “We fought to move this resonates with ex-combatants. Udaya be any blocks once we get rid of the political loans and education. But as the politicians nation forward. If there is a political Chaulaune (Dipak), the Vice Commander in deadlock.” Aruna and her husband, Jyoti continue to argue over numbers and agreement that addresses our aspirations then Shaktikhor, says that a common agreement Adhikari, are waiting along with their modalities, Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal we can leave the camps without a paisa. We’re on a progressive political transition would five-year-old son Ujwal for such a political Dahal has refused to be pinned down, not goods to be sold.” Bista takes issue with sit well with the ex-combatants. For settlement. But she is offended that there claiming that those in the cantonments have the term ‘social rehabilitation’ which Chaulaune, this means a guarantee of a new have been “excessive exercises to break the to be consulted. What does the People’s implies, he says, that they are jungli (wild). constitution with powerful provisions for unity of the PLA”, which she terms Liberation Army think? What do the real Surya Bahadur Khadka (Apil), an the rights of poor and marginalised people. “unacceptable”. stakeholders of integration and ex-combatant with a chronic physical “Our fight ends when the losers of the current But as they wait for the deadlock to end, rehabilitation want? disability, is also opposed to fixing the system can get something from the upper it’s clear patience is at a premium. Bista “We can’t understand why the political number of combatants for integration. classes, who oppressed them so much in the concedes that the ex-combatants didn’t expect parties are fighting with each other in the Supported by his crutches, he insists that he past,” he says. to stay in the camp for years, with an uncertain name of the number to be integrated,” says should also have the right to join the Nepal It’s not surprising that many in future ahead of them. “We thought we’d be Janak Bahadur Bista (Kuber), the secretary here until the Constituent Assembly of the Maoist cantonment in Shaktikhor, elections,” he says. “Some people must be Chitwan. He suggests the politicians sit just waiting for us to get tired and depressed.” together to find a consensus. He is clear on Camp scenes confirm his assertion that it’s how to proceed. “Open up the options, then “boring”. At noon on Monday, ex-combatants individuals can choose freely as per their kept themselves busy with carrom, chess, needs, interests and physical condition,” ludo, volleyball, football, TV, radio, and Bista argues. “How can you prescribe without simply sitting under trees, taking turns to diagnosis?” He feels that the number of ex- patrol every two hours. According to official combatants to be integrated into the national PLA records, Shaktikhor and its three satellite security forces depends on the other options camps are shelter to 3935 ex-combatants. that are available. “If a number in the However, anticipation is still alive in the thousands is fixed for integration and only young ex-combatants. Numakanta Acharya 100 want integration, what happens then? (Binod), who as health department chief runs Shall we fulfill the predetermined quota by the hospital inside the cantonment, says they opening new recruitment into the PLA?” are waiting for consensus, but that they are The other political parties are concerned willing to be flexible if their guardian party, that if the number isn’t fixed beforehand, the UCPN-Maoist, reaches an agreement. the majority of ex-combatants will want to Toeing the party line is probably what join the security forces. Bista, who himself is keeping the ex-combatants cool in was seriously injured during the conflict (he the summer heat of Chitwan, or their still has an iron fragment in his mouth mounting impatience may have boiled over a because of an explosion), waves this away long time ago. 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