#562 15 - 21 July 2011 16 pages Rs 30

BIKRAM RAI

a split personality; there is a big gap between their public statements and their actions.” New time frame He has counted the number of times the Maoists have alf way through the organisational head as well their part, feel the Maoists committed to return seized extended CA term, as the commander of the are trying to dictate terms property (18) and to disband Hthe peace process PLA. The central committee on the numbers of fighters to the YCL (12). Says KC: “They and constitution drafting is meeting has been put off for be integrated into the just don’t walk the talk.” being delayed by a seemingly nearly three weeks now, and Army. “Although, we have Caught between the intractable intra-party feud Dahal loyalists still command agreed to consider relaxing intra-party dispute and an within the Maoists. a majority in the central age limit, educational interrupted peace process, Chairman Pushpa Kamal committee. qualification and entry of the ball is now in Dahal’s Dahal, who had been grappling Ram Karki, who is close married women combatants, court. He has an enormous with other parties ever since to , says the real rift there can be no compromise responsibility, not only to he resigned as prime minister is over party structure, not on the physical eligibility bring together a bitterly in May 2009, now has to deal ideology. “This is the largest criteria set by the Nepal divided party but also to end with intense pressure from party, so if the problems Army,” the UML’s Pradeep the political stalemate that within his party. There is a persist it will ultimately have Gyawali told us. threatens a constitutional three-way personality clash repercussions for the peace The NC’s Arjun Narasingh void in August. within the Maoists, and a process,” he says. KC says: “The Maoists have Anurag Acharya feeling that Dahal has wielded Dahal’s detractors want too much power for too long. devolution of the chairman’s The goal of cutting Dahal down power, and have also been to size has made Baburam critical of corruption and the Electricity, or rafting? Bhattarai and Mohan Baidya extravagant lifestyle of the Nepal’s need to generate unlikely allies. party leadership. Dahal is hydropower must not The Bhattarai-Baidya squeezed by the opposition destroy the potential of alliance threatens to unseat piling pressure for integration its rivers for adventure Dahal from parliamentary of ex-fighters on the one hand, tourism. We need to find party leadership. Currently, and by his own rank and file a fine balance. Dahal is the party Chairman, on the other. p12-13 parliamentary party leader, The NC and the UML, for 2 EDITORIAL 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 THE NEXT MOVE

fter the Maoists emerged as the largest party individualism and rightist opportunism”. But in the April 2008 elections, a garlanded with his college mate Ram Bahadur Thapa and Aand vermilioned Maoist chairman spoke to alter ego Narayan Kaji Shrestha both flirting with the media at the BICC. “This is not just a victory the opposition this week, Dahal’s position as head for our party,” Pushpa Kamal Dahal said, “it is a of party is suddenly much shakier. victory for the Nepali people and it is a victory for All this wouldn’t have mattered much if the peace.” country wasn’t in such a fragile state and the That was when many thought Prachanda peace process wasn’t so precarious. The nasty had made the final transformation in his infighting within the Maoists adds another layer metamorphosis to Pushpa Kamal Dahal. It was of complications in finding compromises on a magnanimous speech, Mandelaesque in its demobilisation of the cantonments and acceptable message and tone. As it turned out, Prime Minister clauses in the new constitution. With his mentors Dahal instead of being a leader of all Nepalis, at each other’s throats Prime Minister became just another party apartchik riding the seems to have forgotten all about the five-point personality cult of Prachanda Path. As time wore agreement that he had promised to step down on, he turned into a tragic figure who had lost the to make way for a unity government. And with trust of the other parties, Kathmandu’s diplomatic these distractions, it isn't a surprise that the new corps (even those who hung to his every word), the budget is a wishy-washy, populist one designed governments of our two great neighbours, and also to distribute cash to cronies. the most trusted allies within his own party. the churning within the Maoists also Prachanda has no one to blame but himself. indicates a necessary democratisation of a former His chronic contradictions, compulsive lying, his underground party that waged war. The three- deviousness and too-clever-by-half attitude finally way rift should be easy to fix because it isn’t did him in. All the wheeling-dealing, sneaking ideological but a multiple personality clash off to Bangkok and Singapore, exposed his naked between comrades and disaffection with Dahal's ambition to get back to power by hook or by crook, penchant to go it alone. (Proof of this is the and the nation be damned. He squandered his unnatural and opportunistic alliance between formidable power of oratory on petty name-calling, Bhattarai and Baidya.) and threats. He never realised that after becoming At press time it looked like Dahal loyalists still victorious in the ballot he no longer needed to commanded a majority in the central committee, resort to the bullet. but the Chairman should still take this as his It is still premature to write Pushpa Kamal his rival and deputy, Baburam Bhattarai, as prime cue to divest power. The party could then keep Dahal’s political obituary. In the past 20 years of minister last week. the eye on the ball and get on with proposing being the supreme leader of his party, he has used His other rival, Mohan Baidya is a serial splittist. a candidate who can lead a national unity his in-born craftiness to wriggle out of tight spots. Back in 1985 he did exactly what he is doing now government, unblock integration once and for He can still play the various factions off against to Dahal, when he launched a vitriolic attack on all, and help finalise a framework constitution by each other, as he did by surprisingly proposing Mohan Bikram Singh accusing him of “anarchist August-end.

ON THE WEB www.nepalitimes.com

HEALTHY MAJORITY zBirkha Dai for Prime Minister, or at least their profi t by 50 per cent, we could see a new ongoing interference in the internal political Excellent editorial (‘A healthy majority’, Health Minister (‘Birkha Dai’s clinic’, Abhaya Nepal with better health care. It is frustrating affairs of Nepal hindering the crafting of a new constitution, long-standing territorial Editorial, #561). Rural health workers Shrestha, #561). to see a hospital in Chitwan which provides and doctors deserve praise for whatever Joongay free treatment to Maoists and rich people and disputes with her neighbors and frequent Nepal has achieved in improving its rip off poor. encroachment of international borders, health status in the last decade. There is zAbhaya Shrestha’s article shows very Niraj and, an on-going historical animosity no lack of committed, honest and hard clearly why HELP NEPAL Network: One towards the nation of . The laundry working people in this country. If only the Dollar A Month Fund for Nepal needs zI wish Dhulikhel Hospital will continue its list goes on and on. The Indian leadership politics was not so bad, imagine what this continued support from Nepalis around tradition, commitment, enthusiasm. must get rid of its inherited colonial mindset country could have achieved. the world. HeNN is especially grateful to RK and learn to be more open, sensitive and RM Everest Marathon Fund in the UK which pragmatic to the needs of other nations. It has consistently supported the Mugu Health zNepal needs doctors like Ram Makaju must develop a culture of listening rather zThanks for this well written and Post through HeNN. Shrestha to implement what one preaches. than bullying. considered editorial, and also for the Rabindra Mishra I am impressed with his motivation, dedication Anonymous focus on rural health in this issue. ‘Poor and results. health care in Nepal is not a medical zYes, there are stll some Birkha Dais Dr Ranjeet Baral ASS problem, it is a political one.’ How very in remote areas of Nepal. All the so-called Thank god there is an Ass (‘Shahi Nepal true! doctors and others are just hanging around INDIA’S NEIGHBOURHOOD Bayuseba Nigum’, Ass, #561). Love the Kiran for their own selfi sh interests. Thank you for If decimating the LTTE was good then why Bhairav’s grin, or is it a grimace? sharing this story. did India nurture and support them in the fi rst Anil zHealth may be a political problem, Bishnu Khadka place (‘India and the ’hood’, Jyoti Malhotra, but it is also a social one. The #561)? medical profession has degraded zThanks to Dambar Shrestha for such Jange into commercialism, and we invest on an interesting and uplifting story about how education based on that principle. much a difference training young midwives zMr Manmohan Singh should solve Weekly Internet Poll # 562

Three decades ago, a very well makes for the health of poor Nepalese his own domestic problems: why he is Q. Who should lead a national consensus known doctor was heavily criticised for people (“No home delivery’, #561). Much not tackling the issues of wide-spread government? making a statement that he entered more, it seems than sending a doctor to systemic corruption, mismanagement, and Total votes: 3,474 medical fi eld to make money. Today, it is a private medical school after paying Rs violation of basic human rights? More than taken as granted. When doctors forget 25 lakhs in donation. Greed, selfi shness, 400 million are still living in dire poverty their Hypocratic Oath what would you mismanagement, lack of , in India. Is India not equally, if not more, expect? these are the reasons why other hospitals responsible for the destabilisation of the Kamal Kishor are either way too expensive or so badly neighborhood? The introduction of nuclear managed that even the poor won’t go there. bombs in otherwise peaceful , zBeautiful front page picture (‘healthy KiranL growing Hindu fundamentalism and religious progress’, #561), and a positive report. intolerance, and India’s covert support to Thank you. zTrue indeed, Dhulikhel hospital is the the Tamil LTTE leading to the prolongation Weekly Internet Poll # 563. To vote go to: www.nepalitimes.com Q. Are you satisfi ed by the budget presented by R Rai best. If other hospitals in Nepal decreased of the civil war in for decades, an the government?

Publisher and Editor: Kunda Dixit Editorial Staff: Anurag Acharya, Dewan Rai, Paavan Mathema, Rubeena Mahato | Photographers: Min Ratna Bajracharya, Bikram Rai Published by Himalmedia Pvt Ltd | Chief Operating Offi cer: Sunim Tamang | Hattiban, Godavari Road, Lalitpur | GPO Box 7251 Kathmandu [email protected] | www.nepalitimes.com | www.himalmedia.com | Tel: 01-5250333/845 Fax: +977-1-5251013 Design: Kiran Maharjan | Marketing: Arjun Karki, Surendra Sharma [email protected] | Advertorial/features: Ram Banjara | Subscription: Santosh @himalmedia.com Nepali Time on Facebook Follow @nepalitimes on Twitter Printed at Jagadamba Press | 01-5250017-19 | www.jagadambapr.com OP-ED 3 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 The clock is ticking The Maoists have less than two months to resolve their internal rift and restart the peace process

constitution is very much a part of the peace process. BY THE WAY Procedurally, however, the integration and rehabilitation Anurag Acharya of the combatants does not have to wait for the constitution. he last four weeks have The technical nitty-gritty not been encouraging of integration seems to be Tfor those of us the least of the problems. watching talking heads on The issue is trust, or the lack the evening news, or reading thereof. The Maoists have to a rehash of headlines every trust that the public support morning. behind them is more The special committee influential and reliable has not been able to meet than the weapons they have for the last three weeks, stashed away. The quicker the rhetorical war among they jettison their guns, the the senior leaders is getting more public support will they vicious. The power struggle earn. between and within parties is Mohan Baidya & Co, especially, have to reaching a climax. MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA The media gives the understand this because (true impression that things are towards the Maoists is to an people with his legendary process cannot be reduced or not) they are the ones pretty messed up. But extent fuelled by the fact persuasiveness. The just to the issue of integration slotted as “hardliners” and look at it this way: there is that they are never sure opposition has heard enough and rehabilitation of ex- the onus is on them to an undeclared democratic if the comrades they are promises, they want to see combatants. The absence of clarify this within and movement going on within negotiating with reflect the action. Anything less will violence in the material sense outside the party. The clock the largest party that not too official position within the stall the peace process and is not peace, it is organically is ticking, and the Maoists long ago was waging a war party. raise questions about the linked with ensuring have less than two months to against the state. And now, the Maoist party’s commitment to a new justice and freedom in the resolve their internal dispute A senior Maoist leader, Chairman has lost the trust constitution. new constitution. So, the and restart the sputtering asked if his party was headed both within and outside It is true that the peace drafting of an inclusive peace process. for a split, put it this way: the party at a time when he “What happened to the needs it the most. This is not country in April 2006, is now a happy scenario for him, happening within the UCPN nor to his party. And for the (Maoist).” country it means continued It is tempting to instability and statelessness. oversimplify the rift within It is a mess Pushpa Kamal the Maoists. There are Dahal is responsible for clear differences among the creating, and he better top leaders on several issues, clean it up if he wants but they all understand to regain his credibility. the strength of a united He has to overcome his struggle. This is something persecution complex and the Congress, UML or the stop behaving as if the entire Madhesi parties could world is against him. He never do. The Maoist party can start by regaining trust is going about its internal of his deputies. A party disagreements in a slightly that has committed itself to more mature manner. democratic politics must The present rift may have first address the democratic come at the worst possible deficit within itself. Wartime time, taking the focus off bureaucratic centralism must the peace process. But it is evolve to allow devolution of in the larger interest of the responsibility and power. polity that the biggest party Then Dahal has to face in the country comes unified the other parties at the and clear to the table. The negotiation table. Gone opposition’s trust deficit are the days he could fool

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Nepali Times: Looking back the government’s health and on the past three years of Sarah Sanyahumbi education programs, LGCDP your tenure here, would you is leaving and the Nepal Peace Trust say the politics has got in the Kathmandu this Fund through government way of development? systems. But weak financial Sarah Sanyahumbi: Clearly week after heading systems, political interference a government which is the Department and a lack of interest in primarily occupied with of International development on the part of politics has little time for Development (DFID) the political parties makes development and that means, office in Nepal since it increasingly difficult to sadly, that there has been 2009. She spoke to justify to our headquarters little leadership or support at home that this is the for development in the time Nepali Times about best use of our funds. The that I’ve been here. I take the rewards and rationale behind funding my hat off to the dedicated challenges of being through government, as well government officials who the largest donor as increasing government are trying against the odds to agency in Nepal. ownership, is that it improves deliver services and improve government systems, poor people’s lives, but with KUNDA DIXIT galvanises reform and an at best indifferent and at ultimately improves service worst increasingly politicised better and give them more malnutrition, or because the successor and for other delivery. If we can’t clearly leadership this is more and hope for the future. That’s children have to work to earn donors in Nepal in the next see that happening, then our more difficult. really what it’s all about. money. So we have to work five years? Ministers and the UK public on all these issues together to Lots of challenges, but I’d will be right to ask if it’s And yet DFID has raised its Which segment of DFID’s area really make a difference. single out two. Firstly, worth the increased risk and disbursement in Nepal. of activity would you say has dealing with corruption. additional cost of doing so. DFID is used to working achieved most bang for the There has been criticism that DFID has a zero tolerance in challenging countries. buck, as it were? donor money has gone to policy to corruption, so this You are going on to Malawi Whatever the political You can’t really compare like fund quasi-political groups means we investigate every from here, how do you think situation, the fact remains with like. Our experience espousing violence? single allegation of corruption Nepal will compare? that over 55 per cent of with our Livelihoods and We absolutely do not! Despite we receive. This takes time Nepal has huge potential people in Nepal live on less Forestry program, for very good experience with and money and means we in hydropower, its position than $1.25 a day and face example, shows that we have NEFIN over a number of have to be very careful who between India and , huge hardships. In the next lifted people out of poverty years, once its activities we fund and how. We have it has tourism. It just needs four years we will provide for a cost of around £35 per became more political earlier one full time member of staff the political will to exploit over 500 km more roads, person. That’s fantastic value this year and the leadership who spends 75 percent of these advantages. Used 230,000 jobs and provide for money, but it wouldn’t called a number of bandhs, his time outside Kathmandu correctly this could make a 110,000 safe latrines. We make sense to do just forestry which clearly use violence to following up with programs massive difference to poverty will also work with the in Nepal. We deliberately enforce them, we stopped our and partners, making sure in Nepal. The private sector government to improve have a broad program so that funding. This was a difficult our money is being well is trying, and so are some the provision of health and we can tackle different aspects decision as the organisation spent, and investigating any international donors, but it is education and to reduce of poverty, which are all inter- has achieved a lot of good, such reports of corruption or almost criminal that Nepal’s people’s vulnerability to related. There is no point particularly at the local level, mismanagement. huge potential is not being disasters. We estimate that in providing health care or over the past few years. Secondly, safeguarding used. There are countries we can lift approximately education if people can’t get the amount of funding we put like Malawi which would be 570,000 people out of to it because there is no road, Where would you say the through government systems very envious of the kind of poverty, make their lives or they are too weak through main challenges lie for your will be difficult. We fund resources that Nepal has. BUSINESS 5 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 BIZ BRIEFS The Nepali dream Mobile wallet Kist Bank started I am the perfect example of someone who will never return to Nepal, but I will Kist Mobile Wallet scheme which allows fueled by revolution, one that has consumers to seen 20 years of change. We are a transfer and enquire about their balance part of this movement and it is our and order cheque book, statement NEPALIPAN collective responsibility to keep the and other facilities. In its fi rst phase, Surabhi Raj Bhandari ball rolling. the service will be available for Nepal Opportunities for change exist Telecom mobile users. at both the local and national level. Coming back to Nepal this summer, Everest expands left home at 16. By the time I I have had the opportunity to work Everest Bank opened new branches in graduate in 2014, I will have lived at an INGO in Kathmandu where Hetauda and Gorkha. The bank has a Iin America for six years. It would the majority of staff are also Nepalis network of 43 branches, 43 ATMs and seem only natural for me to work who studied abroad and have 19 extensions. and live in the US after that. Yet, returned. I see the difference that somehow, the idea of living away can be made, and is being made. from Nepal never appealed to me. There is a niche for anyone and Scratch and win There are entire institutions at everyone in the social, political Samsung introduced my college dedicated to helping and economic milieu around us. Samsung Ek Size international students in networking, There is so much to be done, but Thulo campaign, internships, resume building, mock not enough of the right people to whereby customers interviews and job searches. They do it. Returning, one can become buying a digital still offer brochures of life in LA, San a pioneer, making a big difference camera can win a Francisco, Miami, DC, New York to society and to oneself. This higher model through a scratch coupon. and I have often pictured myself as is a path reserved only to those In case a higher model is not available, a working woman on Wall Street risk-takers who are willing to face the customer receives 25 per cent after graduation. Maybe a year or and defeat technical, political and discount. two at Morgan Stanley then on to structural hurdles along the way. a private equity firm, a future CEO Nevertheless, there is something who will one day live in a penthouse valuable on this difficult road: Micro Lotus Global International launched in Manhattan: The American Dream. home. It is everything that defines two models of micro cars - Micro MX It’s a dream that I’ve been told me: my family, my friends, my 7 Sedan and Micro MPV Junior should be mine, and many people home, my food, my culture, my III van during its showroom opening around me have assumed it should religion and everything else that at Uttardhoka, Lazimpat. MX 7 meets be theirs too. It’s tempting, but it comes with the privilege of being the Euro II safety standard and Euro is not my dream. My ideal future able to live and work among your III level on emission and MPV junior III is one closer to home, closer to own people. meets Euro II emission standard. my reality. Let’s call it the ‘Nepali are reflected in headlines, all of Coming home should not be an Dream’. which shout ‘opportunity’. Somehow, obligation or burden. The choice Keeping in touch with what is I see light in every seemingly negative of returning is individual, and it Contract signed Commerz and Trust Bank Nepal happening in Nepal while in the US article as they suggest the need for should be driven by the Nepaliness change and a solution. has signed a contract with fuels my Nepali Dream. My daily in us. If you do come back, it is PricewaterhouseCoopers for usage dosage of nepalnews.com punctuates Problems outnumber solutions, bound to be a win-win situation of Business Process Management never-ending papers and college but luckily we have a new generation for you and for Nepal. Many my Solution software. The software will classes, and reminds me that Nepal of educated and driven Nepalis both age may dream of a one way ticket help the bank implement its paperless doesn’t cease to exist while I am abroad and at home who can help out, but my return tickets home are environment policy. abroad. The happenings back home solve them. We are a generation already booked. LIFE TIMES DISQUALIFIED Discharged Maoist combatants held in limbo

Kamana, a VMLR ('Verifi ed Minor Late Recruit'), waits to be interviewed at the fi lm shoot of Disqualifi ed

JANA NOLLE

MARCUS BENIGNO discharged combatants (nine counselor Ramesh Basnet Maoist cantonments, of them women) living in a and Hari Jawali, a Maoist officially dubbed Verified Maoist-rented four bedroom district officer. Minors Late Recruits house in Dhangadi. Local “There’s shame (VMLRs) on a twofold s intra-party wrangling NGOs and relatives provide involved,” explains Jung. criteria: those under the over reintegration and food and other essentials. “They prefer not to return to age of 18 at the time of Arehabilitation of the “They’re just there their villages where others recruitment, or those who 19,000 PLA combatants in waiting,” Nolle says. have jobs or are married. joined after the first ceasefire cantonments continues, the “They’re perpetrators and The Maoists devolve on 26 May 2006. Maoists are still harbouring victims at the same time, all responsibility to the As consolation, VMLRs more than 500 discharged instruments of the Maoist government. It’s as if the were given discharged cards combatants across the party.” Maoists are saying ‘the UN and the opportunity to country. The directors interviewed disqualified you, so you go enroll in vocational training Disqualified, a short on camera 12 residents with to the UN to get support’, so programs. documentary directed by official discharged status, UN they’re hopeless.” But according to a German, first-time filmmakers Interagency Rehabilitation UN Mission in Nepal Saferworld report in Anup poses for the camera at Jana Nolle and Stella Program advisor Desmond (UNMIN) expelled 4,008 November 2010, the the Maoist shelter in Dhangadi Jung, shows the state of 42 Molloy, psychosocial former combatants from programs were undermined The making of Disqualified eads collect on the temples of an equipment was limited to Nolle’s Sony Binterviewee. The camera keeps rolling,and A1, Tescom voice recorder and MacBook a tissue is handed. Behind-the-scene shots of Pro. Two local fi lm and media collectives, Disqualifi ed reveal the crew’s sweat and effort DocSchool and Sattya, provided additional in capturing the tangled reality of discharged support, peripherals and workspace. Maoist combatants. Nolle and Jung are currently in “I wasn’t sure if it was possible to shoot postproduction with plans for a 20-minute there, if it would be supported or if they would short retaining raw footage, produced in be aggressive,” says Jana Nolle, whose a frill-free format of honest imagery and collegiate fi eldwork inspired the project. dialogue. The style inspired by a new Nolle led the four-member crew (including generation of documentaries like Lixin Fan’s co-director Stella Jung (right) and translators Last Train Home gives room for character Suhit and Pratibha Khanal) to Kailali development and observations of life played on the day of the constitutional deadline on out in real time. The technique borders 28 May relying solely on personal funds and on conventional documentary and classic equipment. fi ction fi lm. Says Jung: “It’s a different way of “We had no budget, no car. Everywhere, storytelling, not a typical narrative reportage Stella Jung (right) prepares we carried our equipment, bags with with a monotone voice.” her equipment during tripods and cables exposed, on rickshaws shooting of Disqualifed and microbuses,” she recalls. The crew’s disqualifi ed.fi [email protected] JANA NOLLE 7 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 Fighter Figures

z19,000 combatants qualifi ed for reintegration, currently in cantonments

z4,008 discharged VMLRs

zOf the 4,008, 2,000 participated in UN rehabilitation programs

zOf those who didn’t 540 live in Maoist-supported venues

rehabilitate VMLRs also the opportunities offered to lacked an initial labour them coupled with the fact market analysis as well as that it’s way below their a socio-economic profile, expectations that they may which the Maoists forbade. have had when they joined “The whole motivation the Maoist army.” for the UN interagency Questions remain rehabilitation program for unanswered: Are the Maoists JANA NOLLE VMLRs was humanitarian,” housing the VMLRs as Surendra Prasad Bhat, a VMLR, Molloy says in the film. leverage if reintegration fails? shows his ID card during an interview “A group of young people Are VMLRs merely collateral with fi lmmakers who partly deprived of to the success of the peace their youth and education process? In a film clip, Anup, helped to get them back a VMLR, appears restless: into their community to “No one can stay indoors by a lack of decentralisation avoid that they become now. We’ve been inside in service delivery, which part of armed gangs. In all this time, and even the discouraged VMLRs to travel this particular group (in ministers have been indoors. long distances. The UN’s Dhangadi), there has been a This isn’t the time to be humanitarian appeal to strong disincentive to avail indoors.”

Jana Nolle (standing) presents to CA members at ICPD last weekend

MARCUS BENIGNO Reeling in politicos

overnment ministers and CA for when we joined this revolution has members, including Maoist not come true. Unless these dreams Gheavyweight Hisila Yami, the come true, the war is not over. Prachanda NC’s Chakra Bastola and member of the said we have the weapons. And just like Technical Committee for Supervision, that, we are ready with our triggers at Integration and Rehabilitation of Maoist full cock.” Combatants Shambhu Ram Simkhada, NC members may have hoped the reacted with tacit gravity, after watching screening would demonstrate a rift in clips from the short film Disqualified at the Maoist party. Yami carefully skirted the Institute for Conflict Management around questions from Nepali Times Peace and Development (ICPD) office in regarding the film. “It’s a political issue,” Baluwater last weekend. she said. “Within our party itself, there is Jana Nolle, director of Disqualified, disagreement among those who are not be was invited to present her documentary able to grasp today’s objective, those who findings on discharged Maoist fall back to the old ways of doing things combatants as part of a two-day and then there’s one group who is always workshop. Veteran peace negotiator confused. The film is an effect of that Ted Morse of USAID also took part. confusion.” The screening spotlighted comments by The muted reaction to the film during Anup, a discharged Maoist combatant, the screening does not seem to bode well who in one clip warns of the possible for the future of the discharged. remobilisation: “What we have wished Marcus Benigno 8 LIFE TIMES 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562

BagmatiBagmati RiverRiver

Plantation program, STN Member clean up, Cycle Rally, Bagmati International Marathon, Dunga Daud 12-13 August, Eco Football, 14 August, Bagmati 16 July, 7 to 10am, UN Park 23 July, 7 to 9am, Chobhar 30 July, 8 to 10am, Thamel 6 August, 7 to 10am, Tripureswor 7 am onwards Sundarijal 2 to 4pm, Chyasal, ANFA 11am to 3

display of works created by local organised by Kathmandu Centre tedxkathmandu.com. 30 July, Nepal EVENTS and foreign artists under the for Performing Arts. 18 to 19 July, Tourism Board, Exhibition Road MUSIC tutelage of Kalapremi Shrestha Salsa Dance Academy, Bhatbhateni, Charity Movie Show, organised and ‘P1’ by Man Bahadur Harijan . 9803822622 Nepal Cine Symposium, a South Summer Music Fesvtival, a month by WFS events, the movie ‘Zindagi 23 June to 23 July, 11am to 6pm, Asia focused international fi lm long celebration of summer with Na Milegi Dobara’ will be screened. Siddhartha Art Gallery, Babermahal network and promotion platform for unique mix of musicians. Funds from the event will be Revisited cinema which includes a fi lm festival 14 July, Actor Studio, 15 July, donated to Children and Youth First ‘Something like a fi lm festival’ Saptak, 7.30pm, entrance Rs 200, (CYF). 15 July, 6pm, QFX Etching Art Exhibition, featuring organised by DocSkool. 19 to 22 5528362, 9841320007 Cinema, Kamalpokhari, Rs 399 works of upcoming Nepali November, submission open until printmakers Sangita , Manju 30 August, www.cinesymposium. Splash Grind 2011, the program The Art of Music Notation, a Shyanla, Tika Datta Dahal and com, [email protected], features DJ session, loud music and workshop by Marcus Dengate. Bhishan Raj Bhandari. Till 16 July, 4471104 dance by the pool. 13 August, 1 to 18 July, 5pm, Kathmandu Jazz 12 to 8pm, Asian Proofs Print Art 6pm, International Club, Sanepa, Conservatory, Jhamsikhel, Gallery, New Orleans Café, Pulchok Funky Fresh E.L.E.M.E.N.T.S, a Rs 1000 [email protected], 5013554 youth empowerment program for Yalamaya Classic, an evening TEDx Kathmandu, an independently young hip hop enthusiasts above the DINING Organic Market, a weekly organic of classical music, also featuring organised TED event featuring age of 13 to harness their skills to market where along with picking the Dance performance by speakers Ani Choying Drolma, become independent hip hop artists. Fusion food, fresh organic produce for home you Mridula Smita Mandal from Delhi. Anil Chitrakar, Prabhas , 23 to 30 July, 10am to 6pm, Sattya Chef Shaun can enjoy brunch. 16 July, 10am to 18 July, 5pm, Yalamaya Kendra, Salil and Sunil Babu Media Arts Collective, Jawalakhel/ Kenworthy 12pm, 1905, Kantipath Patan Dhoka, entrance free, Pant. Event is restricted to 100 Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, from UK will 5553767, 5522113 attendees only who will be selected Jhamsikhel, fee Rs 1000 serve cuisines Expressions in Clay, ceramic through application process. Forms (scholarships available), application from different art exhibition by Ceramic Hands, Summer Music and Dance Camp, can be downloaded from www. deadline 21 July corners of the

One day in the life of a country A fine new collection of English translations of Nepali and Newari poetry

SMRITI JAISWAL

hen reading Days in the Life with me , my American I tell the truth—if hunger is a country, friend Emily had her head tilted throughout. Now and there couldn’t be a country more pristine Wthen she looked up, stunned by the beauty of certain than Harka Bahadur; phrases and surprised that there were ways of thinking she had if grief is a country, there couldn’t be another country not considered, realities she might have missed had it not been vaster than Harka Bahadur translated for her. This was her fi rst anthology of Nepali poems and she memorized lines such as Bhupi Sherchan’s: Nation and nationality are backbones to many poems all day in Days in the Life. Even when refuted (‘I told you Harka like a fl at mushroom Bahadur doesn’t have a country,’ writes Dinesh Adhikhari), far from the vast display of earth and sky the nation creeps in, and with it comes questions about planting his legs in a small place, what the nation owes its citizen and what the citizen owes Days in the Life is a collection of poems translated to in response. In a war infested Nepal where death has English from Nepali and Nepal Bhasa by Wayne Amtzis, an become commonplace (‘The leg welcomed the bullet with occasional contributor also to Nepali Times. It collects poems a salute,’ writes Manjul), where poverty has hardened by Bhupi Sherchan, Banira Giri, Poorna Vaidya, Benju Sharma, its citizens, where the common person has hardly any Dinesh Adhikari, Manju Kanchuli and Manjul. The poems are Days in the Life resources with which to fi ght back, to defl ect the ‘bullet a tribute to Nepali and Nepal Bhasa, and the skill and delicacy Translations from Nepali and Nepal Bhasa which it had not called’, poetry becomes that weapon. with which Amtzis translates these works reveal him for the poet by Wayne Amtzis In their original language these poems would force he is. The Printhouse, 2011 the native speaker to become aware of herself and The translation is lucid, often forceful, and always lyrical. 153 pages her surroundings, but in translation they force a larger Reading through one can see the ways in which history Rs 375 audience, both native and non-native, to take notice. has and has not shifted over the last century in Nepal. The They force the reader to discern the blessings and the images are stark – Nepal, for example, is shown as a helpless misfortunes not only of the Other, but to realise the troubles landscape, mauled by its citizens, raped until it revolts. Through On a window pane and the calamities of one’s own self, to realise that the an extended metaphor Banira Giri describes the nation as … self too, though made immune, is suffering and fi ghting. a hardened woman, who, despite all the violations against water comes perching like a tiny bird The translations take these poems beyond the boundaries her, remains strong but has lost both her sweetness and her of Nepal and simultaneously push Nepal’s boundaries, innocence. Here the language is involved with its own rhythm, the forcing even the outsider to stand alert tilt her head and I’ve become world built by line breaks and word choices. But most poems ask, Really? Is that so? How come? Who can stop it? And the oven that contains the fl ame, in Days in the Life leap for the referential, for objects and questioning is the fi rst step to reform. It is also the fi rst step realities existing outside the page, and draw their complexities to appreciation. In contrast Poorna Vaidya’s poem ‘Window Pane’ is lyrical in and stings, the sore nature of existence into words, and just its self-refl ection. It uses language without care for boundaries, like that the poems become rebellious complaints against Jaiswal is a co-founding editor of the literary and the expressions within the poem are gorgeous and almost injustice, carnivals where life, days, living, all are celebrated and magazine The Raleigh Review. narcissistic, a weapon with which to describe and refl ect. censured without humility. www.raleighreview.org LIFE TIMES 9 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562

FestivalFestival 20112011

Film Festival, 15 August, Bagmati Eco-Challenge, 20 Live Aid, 20 August, Hike for Bagmati, 21 Auguts, Grand Finale, 21 August, 11am to 3pm, Nepal Tourism Board August, 7am to 2pm, Chobhar 2 to 6pm, Sundharighat 7 to 9am, Tilganga/Teku 4pm, Teku to Sundarighat

BIKRAM RAI

world. Till 15 July, 4pm, The Fun Casa Toscana, varieties of yummy Café, Radisson Hotel, Lazimpat pizzas to try and other Italian delights. Pulchowk 9th Annual Wine Festival, Kilroy’s monsoon wine festival will feature Picasso, for its authentic take 15 varieties of exquisite wines from on French cuisine. Jhamsikhel, six different countries. 1July to 15 5009076 September, Kilroy’s of Kathmandu, Thamel, 4250440 New Orleans, offers a wide variety of western dishes that are Bu keba, the newest organic scrumptious yet healthy. We restaurant in town, offers continental got hooked on the rosemary and Indian food along with chef’s chicken and hamburgers. originals. Sanepa Jhamel, 5522708

bowl of ramen. Essentially, if you have never had Korean food or Hankook Sarang if you have already been to Hankook Sarang and are accustomed to its spread, then frequent the eatery, but be sure to save up for a trip to Seoul. But if you were so fortunate to have sampled prime-choice barbecue SOMEPLACE ELSE and crunchy, tangy kimchi like those served in a Korean enclave or let’s ometimes there’s say Korea, then expect a something off about slight downgrade set in a a restaurant that you laidback garden. For the S price, (the cheapest Korean can’t put your finger on. For Hankook Sarang in Thamel, establishment yet) you won’t it isn’t the ambience or the regret it. service or the price—those are Marco Pollo all just fine, and the cuisine is bona fide Korean. Face the Roadhouse Café in There’s kimchi, the spicy MARCO POLLO Thamel, turn 180, enter the pickled cabbage; built-in satiated at the end of the thin slices of raw beef for your bland or unbearable (there’s corridor and stay left. tabletop stoves for cook- meal, though the order was grilling pleasure; kimbap, a reason why I dine out). If it-yourself (CIY) dishes; quite hefty and included Korean-style sushi rolls; and you’re prone to burning or Space bibimbap, a rice bowl mixture free refills of banchan, or complimentary bowls of broth undercooking your meat, opt of fresh vegetables, cooked Korean side dishes like and short-grained rice and for a precooked meal. Plus, if Bread ‘n water meat and egg; imported soju, pickled cabbage, dicon, cups of tea. you’re vegetarian, Hankook Service Korean firewater; and even black beans, cucumbers and Maybe, it was just my Sarang is not the best choice, metal chopsticks (a feature spinach; galbi, barbecued enormous appetite or my although you can order the Deal-icious unique to Korea). pork short-ribs with lettuce consistent failure with CIY tofu or cheese kimbap, the Rep-eat? But for one thing, I wasn’t leafs for wrapping; bulgogi, adventures that turn out Korean-style pizza or a large 10 HAPPENINGS 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562

WEEKEND WEATHER Diabetic dilemma by NGAMINDRA DAHAL complications in other important The monsoon took a breather this past week, but it has now got “second wind” organs that diabetes has a as it were. Central and eastern Nepal were under the spell of an area of relative high pressure which pushed the moisture coming in from the Bay south towards serious impact on, namely the central India. This system has now moved on, and the moisture has returned heart and the brain. So, despite a with renewed vengeance. Expect clear mornings with hot and humid afternoons good control of blood sugar, the with evening showers, at times heavy. rates of heart attacks and strokes in these patients did not improve, FRI SAT SUN although there was a decrease KATHMANDU in kidney and eye problems. However, there was a silver lining in the study. 27-18 26-18 26-18 Hypertension or high blood pressure usually goes hand in hand with diabetes. Hypertension is an important risk factor for both heart attacks and strokes. So, those diabetics in the study who had proper control disease (not early but later in their of blood pressure clearly had lives). fewer strokes and heart attacks DHANVANTARI As we are increasingly starting independent of their blood to fi nd out in Nepal, uncontrolled glucose control. Buddha Basnyat, MD diabetes more commonly requires The “take home message” dialysis due to kidney failure, eye for diabetics is that it is important surgery for retinal hemorrhages, to keep both the blood pressure iabetes Mellitus which and even amputations for nerve and blood glucose under proper manifests as increased and vasculature related problems. control so that the important Dblood sugar in the patients In other words, conscientiously organs (including the heart, brain, is so rampant in Nepal that controlling blood sugar leads eyes, kidneys) that diabetes even nuances in the treatment to fewer complications of the affects are protected. have become important. Some kidneys, eyes and nerves. In Furthermore, unlike high years ago a robust trial (United medical parlance these are called blood sugar in a patient which Kingdom Prospective Diabetes “microvascular” complications. usually manifests with excessive Study, UKPDS) in over 5,000 Unfortunately in medicine what urination, thirst, and hunger, high diabetic patients revealed that with may seem to be an obvious blood pressure may essentially ‘tight’ blood glucose control, eye cause (high blood sugar) and have no symptoms to start with problems, kidney problems and effect (complications) does not until there is that catastrophic nerve problems were signifi cantly always pan out. stroke or heart attack. The decreased. The study population Indeed, as revealed in the prevention of both diabetes was Type 2 diabetics just like the same UKPDS trial what the tighter and hypertension with “way of vast majority of diabetics seen in control of blood sugar did not do life” changes also needs to be Nepal, who are affected by the was decrease macrovascular emphasised.

KRISHNA SINJALI WANNA FIGHT? Wild elephants wandered across the Indian border into Bahundangi, Jhapa on Tuesday. Two locals were injured while chasing the elephants back.

BIKRAM RAI BILLS DUE: Representatives of several Kamlaris’ organisations met with PM Jhala Nath Khanal at his offi ce, Singha Darbar, on Sunday with an appeal to ensure that the scholarship allocated for Kamlaris reaches the districts.

MIN RATNA BAJRACHARYA MONEY’S WORTH: Campaigners from Nepal Unites stage a protest at Bagmati Bridge, Thapathali, demanding that the constitution be completed on time. SOCIETY 11 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 Court chronicles Politics matters, but so does the rest of Nepal

KALAM Rabi Thapa

epending on how one perceives the Dprofession, the last couple of years have been frustrating for Nepali journalists. Since the excitement of 2005-6, and the shock and awe of the 2008 elections, the Fourth Estate has found little worthy of its attention save approaching and extended deadlines, delayed budgets, and inter and intra-party feuds. As if sensing the sacks of culs that their charges have to deal with, editors have been compelled to back them up with editorials offering the polity a mixture of blandishments and threats to pave the road to peace, prosperity, and gross BIKRAM RAI happiness. But the politicians, fat-clad in duck feather, 2009. Un-newsworthy people politics. Deuba feuds (as opposed in journalism, then, at merely shrug off the well- have made piles of money Doubtless these journalists to the Bhattarai/Dahal/ least we can hope for meaning advice and calmly (and a few headlines) selling have a very keen sense of Baidya ménage) akin to more of a bottom-up go about their wheeling and their country down the river, how what happens at the gossiping about bickering focus, as well as regional dealing, business as usual. as well as their brothers, top will affect everyone neighbours? coverage within Nepal. I have sympathy for those sisters, and co-species. But downstream, whether Even so, you might say, Undoubtedly this would journalists who, even as they good things have happened, the upstreamers take they have no choice but to broaden and strengthen tail the occupants of Singha too, mostly on very local the initiative to set up a play the game. And indeed, our sense of being Nepali. Darbar, Baluwatar, and levels. Newsworthy people hydropower plant or simply reportage is not just event What better platform for a the Constituent Assembly, are making money (and foul the waters. Those at the coverage à la TGIF. Layers cross-fertilisation of values cannot be oblivious to the fewer headlines) through top control the resources of analysis attribute various and ideas, what better living that goes on in and entrepreneurial businesses (even if policy does not significances to this and preparation for federalism? out of Kathmandu in this selling a range of products always follow people into that meeting, and attempt Such a breed of journalism not-so-very tiny and not- from dairy to ginger to coffee, their lives), and what is to divine the implications would give Nepalis a much completely-Himalayan ex- and not just in Kathmandu. happening now, it is felt, for the nation. Political better sense of what their kingdom, more ‘Sorry laaa’ Of course, I know of these will determine how those journalism in Nepal also country consists of, in than Shangri-La these days. non-political happenings resources will be managed in plays an important role in all its human and natural There has been plenty else to because someone, somewhere the new Nepal. uncovering, or underlining, glory, beyond the dhaka- report on, including disasters has taken the trouble to Does this mean the the misdemeanours that topi propaganda of the on such scales that they report on them. But coverage primacy of politics should political institutions are Panchayat era and the have received (sometimes is scant compared to the be taken for granted? That increasingly associated ethno-melas in Tundikhel. belated) coverage, such as the column inches devoted to political journalists should with. If there were no press It would teach us that Gen Kosi floods of 2008, and the the bilge at the helm of our continue to chart the ups monitoring, one can safely Next is more about those diarrhoea-cholera epidemic of ship of state, and no self- and downs of what are in assume that whatever is queueing up for passports respecting journalist would most cases not clashes of going on pretty much under than those wondering dare suggest that agriculture ideology – which evidently the public’s collective nose what’s hot and what’s not. (still accounting for about 40 affects policy and practice would reach ever more And it would prime the per cent of GDP and three – but personality clashes? On grotesque proportions. state to better respond to the quarters of the workforce) some level, is not reporting If the obsession with needs of Nepalis across the deserves more attention than on the Oli/Khanal or / politics is set to continue country. 12 NATION 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 Generate electricity,

PAAVAN MATHEMA in SINDHUPALCHOK

urga Shrestha of Sakhuwa the head and cut generation capacity village is worried. There is talk Nepal’s need to by half but costs will decrease only Dof a new hydropower project generate hydropower 20 per cent. “It is not economically on the Bhote Kosi and he is concerned feasible to build the power house his adventure tourism job will go. must not destroy the upstream,” Shrestha told Nepali The 102MW Middle Bhote Kosi potential of its rivers Times, adding that the project has project is a subsidiary of Chilime offered to help resorts if they need to Hydropower and will have a gated for adventure tourism relocate. diversion weir at Chaku, and a Subash Karmacharya is a former powerhouse 7 km downstream at with steep gradient. With 80 rapids UML member of parliament from Jambu village. With the feasibility within 21 km, many up to Grade 5, Sindhupalchok and was recently done, construction is set to begin the Bhote Kosi is one of the world’s appointed to the board of the Nepal in 2013 and the project will be top ten rivers for white water rafting Electricity Authority (NEA). He firmly completed in four years. and the venue for many international backs the hydropower project, saying The project will be the third rafting and kayaking championships. it will help develop the district. “It hydropower plant on this stretch of It is also a river prone to glacial lake will bring jobs and a share in its the river, and has become the latest outburst floods, and there are a dozen equity,” he says. “It will help in local example of Nepal’s need for energy lakes upstream in Tibet that could development.” clashing with tourism. With the overflow in future because of thawing But tourism has also generated country reeling from 16-hour power due to climate change. jobs. The suspension bridge built by cuts in winter, the government has Twenty-one rafting companies The Last Resort for its bungee jumps declared an energy emergency and operate on the Bhote Kosi River, saves villagers a five-hour detour. encouraged investors in hydropower. bringing in hundreds of tourists per The resorts invest in local health and “We hear that if the project is day during the peak season. The river education. implemented, the river will run dry, also has five major resorts along its Says Sankar Jit Tamang of Gathi so will our jobs,” says Shrestha. banks, including The Last Resort, VDC: “The hydropower project should The Bhote Kosi has its headwaters famous for its bungee jumping, and be constructed in such a way that it in Tibet and cuts through the Borderlands Eco Adventure Resort does not hamper the tourism industry Himalaya through mighty gorges which offers canyoning and rafting. that has given us so much.” The resorts provide hundreds of jobs Ale is convinced there is a middle for people from surrounding villages. way that will protect rivers while also “Bhote Kosi is a world-class river, addressing Nepal’s energy deficit. Power investor important for the local people here In an adjoining commentary, he and for tourism,” explains Megh Ale advocates dividing rivers into three Early this week, the government of the Nepal River Conservation Trust. launched the Hydropower Investment and segments: the higher reaches from Development Company (HIDC). With “If the power house is built at Jambu, 1,200-5,000m for hydropower, from an authorised capital of Rs 500 million it will significantly decrease water 200-1,200m for tourism and rafting, and paid up capital of Rs 100 million, volume along the rafting route, and and below that for irrigation. He also HIDC has pulled investments from tourism will lose its most important argues that some rivers should be the government, Employee Provident attraction.” protected in their pristine state and Fund, National Insurance Company Eco-tourism activists have been left as free-flowing rivers. and Citizen Investment Fund and will lobbying to shift the power house invest in hydropower projects of over a little upstream from Jambu to 25MW. “The country needs investment in Sakhuwa, leaving the rafting route nepalitimes.com hydroelectricity but the market’s interest intact. Prakash Man Shrestha, of rate is very high,” explains Energy Minister Roller coaster rides on the Madhya Bhote Kosi Jalavidyut Gokarna Bista. “This company will fi ll in as Nepali rivers, #251 an investor in hydropower projects.” Company, says shifting the A Himalayan challenge, #220 powerhouse upstream would reduce PAAVAN MATHEMA Save our rivers Protecting the Karnali, Madi and Tamor as free- flowing rivers will save them for future generations

hydropower. Yet, our rivers Even from an economic COMMENT have great economic, social, standpoint, a river’s tourism Megh Ale cultural, and ecological potential may be more significance. Geologists important than hydropower. say Nepal’s main rivers are Nepal therefore cannot afford t has become a cliché to actually older than Himalaya, to destroy nature only for are developed together: not the ecology along the river? say that Nepal’s greatest which is why many of them the sake of hydropower, no one at the expense of the Energy is no doubt needed to Iasset is its rivers. Besides have their origins behind the matter how severe the current other. Before damming a power our homes and industry. our three great rivers, there main range in Tibet. And just energy shortage. Destruction river for energy, we must But small and medium hydro are nearly 6,000 smaller as we revere the mountains, of nature is irreversible, once look at the long-term cost of schemes with low cost, ones that drain the southern our rivers are also holy. With it’s gone it is gone forever. that action. We may generate low maintenance, and low slopes of the Himalaya. global warming, Himalayan Nepal can only prosper power, sell it to India, but footprints are more appropriate But when people speak rivers are going to be more if our nature-based tourism, will that create jobs within and sustainable. Small is not of Nepal’s water resources, and more important as a agriculture, trade, cottage the country? How will it just beautiful, it is wise. they tend to mean only source of survival. industries and hydropower impact tourism, culture and Already, most of our bigger NATION 13 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 or protect tourism?

AGAINST THE CURRENT: The proposed site at Jambu village for the new power house of the 102MW Middle Bhote Kosi project. from ourselves about 6.500m. already been dammed for considered one of the top This balance can be power, we should leave the ten rivers for white water reached if we demarcate Madi alone as a heritage rafting and kayaking. Nepal hydropower development on river. In eastern Nepal, can host international rivers between 1,200-5,000m, the Tamor deserves to be competitions on these rivers set aside rivers between reserved as a free-flowing and generate much more 200-1,200m for tourism and river. revenue than one more conservation and sections of Keeping the Karnali, hydropower plant can. rivers between 80-200m for Madi and Tamor free from Nepal needs a long-term irrigation. hydropower development strategy for our rivers that In addition, we must will not mean a big loss in balance our economic needs protect some rivers as generation capacity, but with our responsibility to free-flowing. Just as there these rivers will be kept in protect the ecology of our are national parks to their pristine state for future rivers. protect landscapes rich in generations. In addition, rivers have been blocked politicians and businessmen biodiversity, we must protect discouraging construction of Megh Ale, an Ashoka off by businessmen who are are in cahoots to back bigger certain rivers. The Humla dams on major rivers below Fellow, also heads the sitting on licenses. This is and more destructive projects Karnali could be declared a 1,200m will protect them Nepal River Conservation a recipe to make the rich on our rivers. Himalayan River Heritage, for adventure tourism and Foundation. richer and the poor poorer. A Nepal’s topography is like while its tributaries can be rafting. resource that should belong to a staircase rising from 80m set aside for hydropower and Current plans to build all Nepalis have been grabbed above sea level along the irrigation. the Chilime project on nepalitimes.com by a few individuals with southeastern plains to above Similary, since the the Bhote Kosi is a bad Take me to the river, #514 connections. And since big 8,000m. Most of our rivers Gandaki, Marsyangdi and idea because it will block Liquid gold, #399 projects mean big kickbacks, emerge from glacier snouts at Trisuli in central Nepal have a stretch of river that is 14 FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 Fire in Kavre

Nagarik, 13 July were unable to use the fire engine,” says former President of Banepa Development Committee Rabin On Monday morning, a huge fire Shakya. broke out in a noodle factory in Kavre. For years, the fire engine has A fire engine from Bhaktapur and two been parked that the municipality’s from Kathmandu rushed to the venue. backyard. In 2006 the vehicle was Kavre’s own vadalised by fire engine, protesters. however, sat There are useless at the several municipality plywood, premises. noodle, This is not matchstick, a first time. sandal, biscuit Whenever a and other Tank: Local development budget fire breaks out factories in Bucket: Parties here, help has Kavre. There

Yubak in Nagarik, 13 July to be called are four gas

in from the factories and QUOTE OF THE WEEK “ Valley. Kavre’s only fire engine was over 20 petrol stations. gifted by the German government “We have always depended on in 1993 but hasn’t been used even Bhaktapur and Kathmandu whenever When I stepped down, I did not know things would get so bad. once. The fire engine does not have there is a fire incident,” says Satosh

“ th a tank and its pipe has to be joined Tamang, a local police. “In case the Former King Gyanendra Shah speaking on a press conference in his 65 birthday to a tap. “In most areas, the source of roads get blocked and they can’t make water is a pond or a stream and so we the trip, the result will be disastrous.” Face-off Chudamani Bhattarai in Nepal, 16 July

“Which side are you on exactly? It would be easier for us if this was clear.” “I am Prachanda, the chairman of this party. The Chairman is the leader and party’s line is the leader’s line.” That was the exchance between Maoist Chairman Prachanda and Mohan Baidya when the latter asked him to choose between him and Baburam Bhattarai in the party’s central committee meeting held on 24 June. “Our destination is People’s Federal Republic and harping on a revolt will not take us there,” a central committee member quoted Prachanda as saying. When Prachanda said that the party’s line was the leader’s line, Baidya accused Prachanda of “decadence”. In response, Prachanda said that the party has been following his line since 1990 when he assumed leadership. “How come you, who has been operating under the leadership’s policies, is a revolutionary and I a traitor,” Prachanda asked. The Baidya faction has been blaming Prachanda of defeatism on issues of peace, constitution and combatant integration. Prachanda attacked Baidya by raking up issues from the past. “What is the preparation you are talking about? He asked. “If it is the preparation for a guerilla war then guerilla war is not possible in these times anymore. If it is rebellion you are talking about, we have done that already with the People’s War. And if you mean insurrection, we are at that stage currently. But guerilla war will not take us where we want to go. The only way is by taking the route of peace, constitution and government.” FROM THE NEPALI PRESS 15 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 Farsighted Prachanda

correct evaluation of the situation, careful planning and mobilisation. After the Chunwang Meeting, Prachanda had declared to party workers that a great upheaval is going to take place. Less than six months later, the Maoists catapulted to the government’s seat on the foundation of the 12-point understanding. These forecasts in themselves are outstanding. History proves Prachanda is a revolutionary hero and Lalrakshak, 10 July in Marxism as a science. Nepal’s revolution cannot Whatever Prachanda has move forward without launched in Nepali society him. The alliance between Prachanda is the greatest from a Marxist angle has the right wingers and the leader in Nepali politics never failed to hit the extremists seen at present, today. He is a clever target. stems only from their hunger mobiliser and strategist of Prachanda had for power. Prachanda is international standards. predicted a miracle in the the real commander of He evaluates external last CA elections. And like the revolution, the only conditions, studies internal a tidal wave, the historic helmsman who can sail circumstances and moves CA results swept away all the nation’s ship towards to his goal with conviction doubting analysts. This its destination. The Nepali and even his critics praise is not a coincidence. It is people would never accept this capacity of Prachanda. the result of Prachanda’s any conspiracy against a Prachanda strongly believes political farsightedness, historic leader like him. 16 BACK SIDE 15 - 21 JULY 2011 #562 www.nepalitimes.com www.nepalitimes.com

PKD+NKS, NKS+BRB, BRB+MBK, MBK+NKS

is ex-Majesty’s the times to name themselves FG birthday last week after birds (Nightingale, Hwas marked by Skylark), dynamite In all the high tension celebrations befitting inventors (Nobel), dark excitement over the breakup an erstwhile royal, beers (Guinness), wonders of the Baddies, Comrade including a life-size cutout of the world (Pyramid) and JN seems to have forgotten of Kingji flanked by two even spy planes (U2). But that he once promised to real-life flunkies peering with new schools sprouting step down. In fact, the from above the Nirmal every few hours, there aren’t primordial minister seems Nibas gate. Was this a enough trendy names to go so sanguine about being in decoy? Fans and paparazzi around. Baluwatar for the thronged the palace but foreseeable future that he one well-wisher was told In desperation, new colleges has accepted an invite from it wasn’t such a good idea have become adventurous General Ban Ki Moon to come over. Chairman and started naming to attend the UNGA in New Awesome had sent feelers themselves after inland York in September. to KingG for a tete-e-tete bodies of water (Caspian), FG over a bottle of Chivas. The FG exotic places (Caribbean, overture was turned down LA, Maple Leaf), New Just when air traffic for now because the media York boroughs (Brooklyn) controllers at TIA thought would have got wind of it. and famous universities all the potholes on the FG (Oxbridge). These schools runway had been patched, immediately saw a spurt the airport had to declare Natural for the formerly in admissions, so others a Monkey Emergency. An royal to be wary. Reporters factions start imagining all FG followed suit with names army of rhesus invaded the are keeping track of all the kinds of goot bundis. In of landmarks belonging to runway just as the heavies covert meetings going on all case future historians want A cursory glance at the the US federal government: were on final approach. over town at secret venues. it for reference, the Ass has billboards along Thapathali Pentagon, White House, At first, officials thought Siddarth Cottage in Dhobi compiled a list of who met prove that there is now a Capitol Hill, NASA, Lincoln, the monkeys were refugees Ghaut seems to be the whom this past week: serious drought of names for Watergate, Golden Gate, fleeing simian purges at favourite of the BRB faction, schools in this country. It is a Glacier. (Ass’ footnote: None Pashupati. But monkeys while the PKD wallahs Sunday: AKS+PKD, national emergency, and if of these names are made up.) have now been traced back prefer a private residence CPG+DPG+TBR, something isn’t done the to a breeding centre in Lele in Kumaripati and the KPO BMP+RK+DR+KPKC entire 10+2 industry may With all terrestrial names which let them loose last cabal of course just sits Monday: PKD+NKS, grind to a halt because of the now taken, colleges are going year after animal rights in Balkot. In fact the only NKS+BRB, BRB+MBK, shortage of brand new brand forth where no man has been activists opposed their news worth reporting these MBK+NKS names. before into outer space with export to America as lab days is who secretly met Tuesday: PKD+BMP+APS, schools named Cosmic and animals. The rhesus could whom and where. News of BRB+RBT+NKS+MBK, Nepal’s schools and colleges Galaxy, as well as heavenly have been cloak-and-dagger gatherings PMS+PSM+SBD, used to have names like bodies like Triton and Sirius. staging a sit-in of various factions of the RCP+RSM they existed since the time But the schools that are on the runway Baddies, Kangresis and Wednesday: KPO+MKN, of the : Shanti swamped are named after to demand Eh-maleys are leaked to the SBD+PKD, RSM+RCP, Vidyapeeth, Adarsha Niketan. football teams (Chelsea, Green Cards. press so that rival paranoid MMS+Jhusil, But they have moved with Liverpool). ISSN 1814-2613 CDO Regd No 194/056/57 Lalitpur, Central Region Postal Regd. No 09/066/67