Monthly Archives: December 2006

Comrades Close Down Kathmandu

Posted on December 19, 2006 by | 106 Comments

maoist kathmandu valley band

A scene from todya’s Kathmandu Valley Band by Maoists. In Gongabu Both pics by Suresh Nath Neupane

As if the city was their small shop and they were the shopkeepers, Maoists comrades have pulled down the shutter of Kathmandu. Vehicles that were on road until an hour ago (10 AM) have now suddenly disappeared. All of a sudden, Maoist cadres have taken over the “control” of the road even as Nepal police are showing their presence. People are now forced to walk on the streets. Thousands are stranded in the bus stations. Maoists said that they called the instant banda (closure) of the Kathmandu Valley to protest Nepal government’s decision to nominate 14 ambassadors for different countries including the US, India, China and Russia. It seems that the list has only the names associated with ruling parties Nepali Congress, CPN UML and Nepali Congress (Democratic). A few are from civil service. Maoists are set to join the interim government to be formed within weeks if everything goes as planned and it is obvious that they are angry with this childish decision of the current SPA government. Maoists must be accepted as crucial element of the governing structure in Nepal. There is no way Nepal can move ahead sidelining Maoists. The government has nominated staunch royalist like Sailaja Acharya and kept Maoists in dark about the nominations. And general public has to suffer because of the government’s foolishness. Yes, Maoists could have become more responsible and voiced their protest in other ways. Why can’t they hold bhok hadtal (fasting) or sit in protest? Bandas are bad. They hurt people. But we see the government more responsible in creating this situation here. Why on earth Maosits were sidelined in those crucial nominations? The government must backtrack from these nominations and move forward taking Maoists into confidence.

maoist kathmandu valley band

In Gongabu.

The ambassadorial nominees are:

1. USA–Dr Suresh Chalise (PM’s foreign affairs advisor)
2. UK–Bhagirath Basnet (Acting Foreign Secretary)
3. India–Shailaja Acharya (NC Leader)
4. Belgium–Pramesh Hamal (CPN-UML leader)
5. Russia–Surya Kiran Gurung (Parliament General Secretary)
6. Japan–Dr Ganesh Yonjan (Conservationist)
7. Thailand–Navin Prajkash Jung Shah (Former VC of TU)
8. China–Tanka Karki (CPN-UML leader)
9. Pakistan–Bal Bahadur Kunwar (Former MP, NC-D leader)
10. Bangladesh–Pradip Khatiwada (MOFA Joint-Secy)
11. Saudi Arabia–Hamid Ansari (Associated with TU)
12. Qatar—Dr Surya Kant Mishra (University Teacher)
13. Myanmar–Guna Laxmi Sharma (BK) (Health Ministry official close to CPN-UML)
14. UN Mission in Geneva–Dinesh Bhattarai (MOFA Joint-Secy)

Related Blogs:

1. Nepali Ambassador: What is the Attraction?
2. Maoists’ Nepal Banda: Day 1 of 7 (Feb 6, 2006)

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National Human Rights Commission: Challenges of Biswo Nath

Posted on December 18, 2006 by | 13 Comments

biswo nath upadhyay. nhrc chairman

Many of us have admired the role of Biswo Nath Upadhyay. The former Chief of Justice in the Supreme Court is a tested democrat and his role in the movement against king Gyanendra’s autocracy was lauded by the public. And he has been awarded by the Nepal government for his contribution: Biswo Nath Upadyayay has been appointed the the new Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission. [Upadhyay has said that the will consider the appointment only after studying the the list of the members. He expressed his dissatisfaction over the fact that Prime Minister didn't consult with him while appointing the members of the commission. Other members are: Udaya Nepali, Gauri Pradhan, Tulsi Bhattarai and Lila Pathak.] The Commission will have the status of a constitutional body in the interim constitution. Upadhyay will have tough challenges as the head of NHRC because we are going towards crucial time ahead. Nepal will be holding the election of constituent assembly, the country is in transitional phase and we can expect challenging times for the Human Rights. Let’s face it: Upadhyay has been branded as Kangresi (loyal to Nepali Congress). His first challenge will be to prove that he is not a Kangresi but a true democrat. Though Kangresis love to say that Nepali Congress is democracy and vice versa or Kangresi is a democrat and vice versa, the country will demand high level of fairness from the new chairman of the NHRC. CPN UML must be still skeptical about Upadhyay for his alleged controversial role as the Chief Justice. He should also win the trust of UML.

It’s almost sure that Nepali Congress will lead the interim government. Even in democracy, governments tend to bend rules and play by their own rules when it comes to human rights. The interim government will be extraordinarily powerful. With such power governing leaders might think that they can do anything. In that situation, NHRC must play the role of a true watchdog. NHRC must see things from peoples’ perspectives. At the height of autocracy of king Gyanendra, the Commission played the role of a government ministry and a former Chairman advocated the repression in international forums. That was a shameful act which discredited the Commission internationally. Upadhyay must restore the image of Commission to the level that people could undoubtedly trust its reports and statements and government must be forced to act as per its voices. Good luck, Biswo Nath Upadhyay.

In the mean time, we still admire you for what you said in this interview: “King Gyanendra Should Backtrack“

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Time for Music and Masti in Nepal: Shake Your Bum!

Posted on December 16, 2006 by | 20 Comments

musical concerts in nepal

Ahhh…nachyo maichyang timi damphu ko taalai ma: An unidentified sundari enjoys her time in a concert, Surya Lights Rhythm Nights, organized by Party Nepal in Dharan late Friday night as singer Preeti Kaur enthralls the crowd. About five hundred youngsters from the town participated in the dance party. Pic by Raju Ghising

Saturday Blog: Let’s face it, the singing and dancing and celebrations that you are seeing in these photos were in no way planned to coincide with the signing ceremony of the Interim Constitution of Nepal. That’s why there is something called coincidence. Evenings in Fridays are colorful but when it comes to day time in Nepal, Saturdays rock! As leaders of ruling SPA and Maoists put their precious signatures on the final copy of IC early in the morning today, boys and girls in Kathmandu, Biratnagar and Dharan started twisting their enviable waists. It can be argued that many of these bindas youngsters might not have an iota of idea about the IC. They might not have a hint that the prime minister of Nepal in the next (interim) government will be the most powerful after Mohan Shamser JB Rana. King will still be in Narayanhitti, unfortunately not in a cage like in Mohan Shamser’s time, but hey lets conclude that no person with self-respect would continue sticking to the powerless, in other word impotent, throne. I would have publicly (and proudly) renounced the crown and become the respectable citizen of the New Nepal. Can Gyanendra prove that is he is a son of a Kshetriya?

Boys and girls, give him a few days time (until the IC is promulgated) and, in the meantime, go to Tundikhel to experience the, ahem, not so great concert by a Pakistani band called Jal. :) This report by Pawan Neupane aka Pawan Dev! Continue reading →

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Highlights: Interim Constitution of Nepal 2063

Posted on December 16, 2006 by | 43 Comments

For the record: The ruling seven-party alliance and the CPN-Maoist leaders today morning finalized the Interim Constitution following 17 hours of intensive discussion at the prime minister’s residence at Baluwatar. In the preamble of the Interim Constitution, a firm determination “to restructure the country progressively for the resolution of class, ethnic, regional, and gender related problems prevalent in the country in keeping with people’s mandate and aspiration expressed frequently in various historical struggles and movements since before 2007 BS in favor of democracy, peace and progression” is made. Likewise, the interim constitution has made commitment regarding the subject of “competitive multiparty democratic system, people’s liberty, fundamental rights, human rights, adult franchise, periodic election, complete freedom to press, the provision of independent judiciary and rule of law and democratic principles.” “We declare the promulgation of Interim Constitution-2063 of Nepal till the next constitution to be framed by the Constituent Assembly placing democracy, peace, prosperity, progressive socio-economic transformation and sovereignty of the country, integrity, independence and dignity in the center to institutionalize the results of the struggles and revolutions launched hitherto.”

The main characteristics of Interim Constitution of Nepal-2063 are as follows (source eKantipur. More about this here):

*Drafted on the collective initiatives of eight political parties as per the spirit of democratic people’s movement.

* The sovereignty and ruling power rest on people.

* Religious secularism

* Nepal is defined as an independent, indivisible, sovereign, inclusive and complete democratic state

* National animal cow as it is

* Women’s rights and clauses of untouchability and caste discrimination mentioned in fundamental rights,

* Subjects including environment, health, education and culture , employment and social security, children, torture, labour mentioned in fundamental rights,

* Formation of unicameral legislation including 330 members

* Prime Minister to call and conclude parliament convention, and to present annual programmes and policy of the government,

* Executive power to Council of Ministers,

* Constituent Assembly comprising of 425 members including 409 from election based on mixed electoral system and 16 from nomination,

* The tenure of Constituent Assembly would be two years from its first meeting,

* A Constituent Assembly Court would look into the complaints lodged regarding the election of constituent assembly,

* National Human Rights Commission to be set up as constitutional body,

* Formation of interim local body at district, municipality and village level would be revived on the understanding of eight political parties

* At least 10, 000 voters’ signature needed to form a new party for election,

* Council of Minister to appoint Chief of Army Staff,

* Formation of Security Council headed by Prime Minister including Defense Ministry, Home Ministry and other ministries as indicated by Prime Minister,

* The Special Committee of Council of Ministers would be responsible for supervision, accommodation and rehabilitation of Maoists Army,

* The Amendment of the Constitution would be made only by two third of the majority of parliamentarians,

* The Constitutional Council headed by Prime Minister that includes Chief justice, Speaker and three Ministers assigned by Prime Minister,

* The Council of Ministers resumed power to look into the punishment sentenced by any court, special court and military court,

* The Council of Minister to appoint Ambassadors and other Special Representatives,

* Prime Minister is to conferee upon title, honour, decoration on behalf of the state,

* Provision of Referendum on any issue that hold national importance,

* The Council of Ministers resumes power to remove difficulties that should be approved by parliament or constituent assembly within a month,

* Prime Minister to use all executive powers of head of the state,

* Fate of the monarchy to be decided by the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly,

* The property of the Late King Birendra, Late Queen Aishwarya and their relatives would be put in the Trust under Nepal government and be utilized for the nation’s betterment,

* The property that King Gyanendra received in the capacity of the head of the state to be nationalized,

* Fresh oath of office mandatory to justices of Supreme Court, Appellate Court, District Court as the commitment towards the Constitution and those who ignored would be terminated.

* The existing House of Representatives and National Assembly would automatically be dissolved with the promulgation of this constitution,

* The Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal-2047 BS would be nullified after the promulgation of this constitution.

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United We Fight Against Communal War in Nepal

Posted on December 15, 2006 by | 145 Comments

Nepalis must be united to stop the jatiya yuddha that is beginning in our country

By Jiwan Limbu
From a UWB reader

“A strike called by the Limbuwan Swayatta Sarokar Manch (LSSM) on Tuesday (12 December) crippled life in nine districts east of Arun River. Today’s strike crippled life in Mechi’s Illam, Jhapa, Paanchthar, Taplejung and Koshi zone’s Dhankuta, Morang, Sunsari, Sankhuwasabha and Terhathum districts. Activists organized rallies and burnt tires on the roads, halting all traffic in the district headquarters. Organizers had called for the strike stating that the comprehensive national peace treaty between the seven-party alliance and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) had ignored their demands to introduce a Limbuwan autonomous region during the elections for the constituent assembly. Limbuwan Swayatta Sarokar Manch, Sanghiya Limbuwan Rajya Parisar, Sanghiya Loktantrik Manch had jointly called for the strike.” -ekantipur news

It is time we Nepalis start talking about these issues seriously – not only concerning Limbuwans but the Sattars, Dalits and other marginalized groups. The current SPA-Maoist agreement is on very thin ice and can cave-in anytime since the whole Maoist revolution was based on many assurances to these groups e.g. autonomous status and a lot of other things. This “bandh” will trigger another and another by various groups who were promised similar things and will soon engulf the nation if a healthy discussion is not initiated. Of course, we have more critical things to solve right now, but instead of ignoring it altogether, we have chances to control it by initiating an honest and a healthy national discussion.

All responsible and educated mass must take up this challenge. We can endlessly talk about ideologies, etc etc, but we must not forget that the root cause of all our woes come from a very unequal and a disparate society and the political leaders who take advantage of it. I have strong views on this that we must make prudent efforts to bring everyone to an equal footing, introduce quota systems across all institutions including serious discussions on state restructuring (because the current set-up won’t work). This Maoist led civil war had a bona fide cause (though not necessarily the means to achieve them): that of fight against inequality, authoritarian monarchy etc. But the fight between Jatis and communities will be worse and uncontrollable that will forever psyche a nation. It will be a sectarian war, one like in Iraq between Shia, Sunni and Turks.

This time it will be a full-fledged Jatiya war. In fact it is already happening. And we must stop it.

NOW!!

Jiwan Limbu, (Patriot in UWB), is a Business Development Manager for a leading IT company in New Delhi. He is from Damak, Jhapa.

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43 Killed? Since April Truce? Sad But…

Posted on December 13, 2006 by | 60 Comments

These numbers are definitely disappointing but the situation is not that bad and we are heading for bright days ahead

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) reports in its Human “Rights situation in Nepal” today that as many as 43 people were killed by both the government and the Maoists during the six-months following the announcement of ceasefire in April. 11 were killed by the government’s security forces, 5 by the Maoists, another 5 by resistance groups, 7 by villagers or unidentified groups since April 26 when the truce was declared. 5 died in accidental explosions (of abandoned bombs etc.). According to the NHRC report, despite a significant decrease in the number of people killed in crossfire after the ceasefire, there have been no improvements in the incidences of abduction, disappearances, torture, beatings. The findings were based on the 1158 different complaints lodged at the NHRC.

People dying in peace in definitely bad but the situation is not that bad. It’s improving, constantly, after April. As Nepal government and Maoists are agreeing on one point after another, peace talks are heading towards a successful end. Yes, there are some problems and the NHRC numbers are the proof. Instead of the reports of Maoists forcefully recruiting minors and students, details of how guerillas are living difficult lives in new cantonment sites are coming from different parts of the country. Both sides are engaged into serious talks in finalizing the interim constitution. The UN is slowly starting to takeover the arms inspection duty. The containers where arms will be stored have arrived from India. But the public pressure is very much needed. Nepali civil society must keep constant vigil on the behaviors of leaders who are in power.

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Suspend Monarchy In Interim Constitution

Posted on December 13, 2006 by | 35 Comments

As ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and Maoist leaders are on the verge of issuing a new Interim Constitution for Nepal, I feel compelled to say that monarchy must be suspended in the statue. Here is why.

By Prakash Bom in New York

Historical Peoples’ Movement II in April reinstated the dissolved Parliament and proved that sovereignty rests in Nepali people, not in the monarchy. The parliament since then has significantly put cap on traditional power enjoyed by the monarchy in Nepal. The interim constitution, without doubt, will be a document of political compromise between the Nepal government and the Maoists rebels. Whole Nepal is heading for the Constituent Assembly elections and the country has unanimously decided that the first meeting of the constituent assembly will decide the fate of monarchy. That is why it is absolutely necessary to suspend monarchy in the Interim Constitution. Only the suspension will ensure the free and fair election.

The interim Prime Minister whose main objective is to accomplish free and fair elections of constituent assembly should be the head of the state during interim period. Even the peace accord that was signed by the Prime Minister and the Maoist Chairman talks about the first meeting of CA deciding the fate of the monarchy. The failure in suspending monarchy in Interim Constitution means continuing king as the head of the state. Monarchy in present context is a guilty institution. How could a guilty institute or a person be given the opportunity to enjoy power? This is will against the general rules of justice. That is why the monarchy must be suspended.

The history has proved repeatedly that the monarchy is for absolute power. Only under the pressure of peoples’ movements the monarchy has accepted that the people of Nepal are sovereign. International community, including India, could not convince the feudal oligarchic monarchy to believe in people power. Kings tradition of governance is to rule from above the law. Kings can strike back any time. Democracy will be in danger always as long as there is king in the palace.

Nepali Congress party leadership, especially the Girija Prasad Koirala group, has constantly voiced its support in continuing monarchy in Nepal. Is that just for the shake of party’s political power? Will supporting continuity of monarchy in Nepal benefit the party? Young generation in and outside Nepal is demanding convincing answer. To continue with monarchy also means directly undermining the aspiration of people to guarantee their sovereignty from successful CA elections. Young leaders and cadres of political parties must raise their voice strongly. This is the time to do something important for people. To keep quiet on this issue means to push the country backward.

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General Problem in Army: Boys Feel Cheated

Posted on December 11, 2006 by | 23 Comments

Rs Three billion is the amount misappropriated in Nepali Army. And Generals still claim this is a professional organization and boys still feel they are being cheated.

It was good to see Nepali Army holding a press conference to clarify some of the “misconceptions” regarding Army Welfare Fund but we could see generals lying at some points. First, contrary to their claims, the Fund is NOT transparent. The army has said that it will furnish all the details about the fund as demanded by a recent Supreme Court order. Good. After so many (13 to be specific) refusals to act on the SC orders, the army has finally decided to play by the rules. A welcome move but just saying it is transparent in front of reporters never makes Nepali public to believe them without any doubt. What we have been hearing is crystal clear: the soldiers in UN missions abroad are not getting the salary as per the agreement between the world body and the Nepali Army. That’s the main point. Solders are not happy, that’s the most important point. “Although the fund was supposed to have regular audits of its transactions, this has never happened ever since the fund was set up 30 years ago,” the Supreme Court order said, adding, “The fund has been run in a non-transparent way.” Rs 3 billion, the generals have accepted, is the total misappropriated fund! To make soldiers feel that they are not being cheated by their organization is the major challenge for the Nepali Army leadership. Boys feel they are being exploited for no good reason. That feeling must be removed once and for all as we are heading for the democratization of the national army. Boys must feel they are part of the organization. Continue reading →

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A Message Comes From Pokhara

Posted on December 10, 2006 by | 80 Comments

As SPA leaders are trying to save monarchy in Kathmandu, a strong message comes from Pokhara this afternoon.

What happened in Pokhara is surely an indication of the days ahead. Pro-republican students attacked a meeting of pro-royalists this afternoon. These students were not from one party as many would like to believe: they were from Nepali Congress, CPN UML and CPN Maoist. Rastriya Prajantra Party Nepal, breakaway ultra-royalist faction of RPP, was formed by people like Kamal Thapa, at the height of autocracy, when they were in power and in the royal cabinet headed by Gyanendra Shah. After the April Revolution, the leadership of the faction was handed over to Rabindranath Sharma who recently said that continuity of monarchy was necessary in Nepal. Sharma also appealed Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala to lead a Democratic Alliance against the possible Republic Front by the communists. Sharma was in the process of brining together royalists under his party’s banner and was holding a regional meeting of his group in Pokhara. Furious students spontaneously intervened the meeting, attacked the participants of the meeting as helpless police watched. Royalists, including Sharma, fled the venue. The incident can not be welcomed as such because in democracy even its enemy has the right to conspire against it. BUT the event is a clear signal that the popular uprising that was started in April hasn’t quite yet finished. The main slogan of the uprising (in April and other previous protests) was this: “Gyane Chor Desh Chod” (Thief Gyanendra, leave the country) followed by “Down with monarchy”. The reality is that Gyanendra is still enjoying inside the high walls of Narayanhitty with OUR money.

The timing of the Pokhara incident is worth noting. This has come exactly on the day when the government and Maoist negotiator failed to agree on the status of monarchy: government is struggling to provide some sort of space to the same Gyanendra Shah against whom people fought and died in April. Maoists want to declare Prime Minister or the Speaker of the House as the head of state but the government wants to keep quite on the issue (that is to say, continue accepting Gyanendra head of the state.) That is clearly against the spirit of popular uprising and its mandate. That is also against the basic principles of law and order. Gyanendra has been found guilty in suppressing the popular movement and to continue him as the head of the state would mean this government wants to give prize to a guilty instead of punishing him. To continue Gyanendra, a guilty, as the head of state is no different than releasing all the convicted killers from jail.

We must keep in mind that the situation in Nepal is still volatile, people can hit the streets any time against anyone who is trying to save monarchy and a final struggle against the feudal institution can be launched any time if the leadership in the government fails to act as per the mandate of the April revolution. It’s not just about Girija Prasad Koirala who is in favor of continuing monarchy but the stand of CPN UML leadership is also dubious. If they really want to do what they are promising to people publicly (they are for republican), this is high time that they left the government and exert pressure on Koirala and other forces that be. Take another example of what the public wants. Just today, influential young leaders of Nepali Congress, the party of Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala who seems to be trying to save monarchy, came together to say that the nation was now heading for republic. They include Gururaj Ghimire, Dhanaraj Gurung and Gagan Thapa, all former leaders of Nepal Student Union. The youth voice is clear, Nepal should not be made the hostage in the name of providing job to one person called Gyanendra Shah. -By Wagle

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No News of Buddha Boy, But Life Goes On…

Posted on December 9, 2006 by | 13 Comments

Blogmandu: Government and Maoist negotiators are reportedly stuck into the voting procedures in the CA election including the modalities of ballot paper. A Norwegian election expert says:

??????? ????????? ???????????? ??? ????? ??????? ?????? ?????? ? ???????? ???????? ???? ????? ??? ??????? ??????????? ??? ? ???? ?????? (??????????? ???? ????????) ????? ? ??????? ??? ???????? ????????????? ??? ????? ??? ??????? ??????? ???? ? ????? ???????? ?????? ?????? ????????? ?? ????? ???????????? ??????? ??? ? ????????? ??????? ???? ?????? ???????????? ??? ??????? ?????? ?????????????? ???????? ????? ????? ?????? ????????? ????? ? Details in Blogmandu.

…………..
ram bomjom family

Saturday Photo Blog: Once upon a time, there was a boy called Ram Bahadur Bomjon who used to mediate under the Peepal Tree in a jungle in Bara district, in southern Nepal. Bomjon, branded as the Buddha Boy by the media around the world, became centre of attraction within a few weeks: thousands of people started thronging in to the jungle to see him. Many others went there with flowers to worship the newly found God where as few went with cameras and other research equipments. He was disturbed for sure. Apparently tired of all the attention he got, the Buddha Boy suddenly disappeared one March evening and hasn’t been in scene since then. His followers and families wept and mourned the disappearance. Search missions were sent and, latter, called off. But that was then. Now the life is normal as usual. No Buddha Boy but yes life is back. Look at the smiling face of sister (left) and mother of Ram Bahadur Bomjon. In this photo taken a few days back, the happy women are smiling as they move toward their home after the daily agricultural work. Recently, rumors started making rounds. Someone said he saw Buddha Boy in jungle and another confirmed that. But the NEW Buddha Boy of Nepal hasn’t appeared as yet. Pic by Upendra Lamichhane

Related Blogs:
1. Hunting and Praying for the Buddha Boy
2. Looking For Ram Bahadur Bamjom
3. Where is the Buddha Boy?

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