A Flag for a King: Gyanendra Shah must have seen this black flag today while heading for Indra Jatra ceremony in Basantapur, downtown Kathmandu. He should understand the volatile situation of the country and stop wasting time by attending religious ceremonies as King. Pic by Bikash Karki via Kantipur
What’s going on in Kathmandu? Encouraging news comes from the Parliament’s State Affairs Commettee (SAC) that decides to keep king out of the decision making process of the state of Nepal. According to Pradeep Nepal, a CPN UML affilated MP, said that the Gyanendra has become a ‘civilian king’. That might be a comment in hurry but this is indeed a good step to cut the wings of a king who can turn into an autocratic monster at any time. This decision is in line with the popular Nepali belief that monarchy in Nepal is totally irrelivant and the white elephant must be made accountable to the soverign people before chasing it away from society and putting it in the safety box (i.e, the histroy of Nepal).
Not Lakhe Dance: Maoist activists dance during the fourth National General Assembly of All Nepal Trade Union Federation, the sister organation of the rebel party, in Khula Manchha, Kathmandu. Pic by Shruti Shrestha via Kantipur
Recently, the administration is facing series of protests by different factions for one reason or the another. The traffic system in Kathmandu was disrupted today because of the Maoist trade union convention and and other protests including the one by Taxi drivers. Yesterday was the same situation. Apart from the cabbies’ protest yesterday, the kin of disappeared people, and temporary teachers had staged protests further disrupting the vehicular movement in Kathmandu.
This government of Seven Party Alliance needs cooperaton from all democratic pepole because this is OUR government formed by the mandate of OUR April revolution. This is high time that we supported this government. Maoists should understand that people have seen their power and now is the time they foucs themselves in the peace process, not in singing and dancing and lecturing.
But Lakhe Dance: A Lakhe Dancer in Durbar Square during the Indra Jatra festival whirls for the crowds while wearing a flamboyant red mask. Pic by Suzy Lafferty via Kantipur
King Gyanendra attends the Indra Jatra ceremony amidst heavy security.
Meanwhile, there is an urgent need to seperate the king from the religious activities of Nepali society. That means the monarch should be barred from taking part in any religions ceremonies as the king. Yes, he is free to exercise his religions rights as per the constitution of Nepal as a citizen of the country. But not as the king.
When king Gyanendra Shah went to take part in Indra Jatra ceremony organized in Basantapur today, the visit triggered a political controversary. Some people wanted to show him black flags and they were thrashed by the police and others wanted to chat slogans glorifying Gyanendra. Actually, both actions were not required. What is required is banning the monarch (but not individual persons like Gyanendra or Parash Shah) from taking part in such ceremonies. After all, Indra Jatra is a tradition that was in practice even before Shahs invaded Kathmandu. That means Nepalis will not die if a Shah stops attending the ceremony.
I am saying this because I want the person Gyanendra Shah to understand the volatile situation that the country is facing currently. A commentator in previous blog things that I am an anti-monarchy person. You don’t have to clarify that you are anti-AIDS or anti-TB becuase, if you are a sensible person, it is self understood that a human being is against such diseases. Monarchy, the system, for Nepal is no less a harmful disease. It doesn’t mean that Gyanendra Shah can’t have a role to play after the abolition of monarchy. As a responsible citizen he can take part in the nation building process. By DW
Living Goddess Kumari in Indra Jatra
King’s right to certify public documents clipped, king now a ‘civilian king’
KATHMANDU, Sept 6 – A meeting of the Parliamentary State Affairs Committee (SAC) on Wednesday decided to clip the king’s right to issue any order or enact new Acts as mentioned in the Public Documents Certification Bill (PDCB).
With this decision the controversy over the PDBC among the major allies of the seven-party government has come to an end as the SAC members agreed to scarp the provision in Clause 2 (A-1) of the proposed PDCB that gave the king the right to issue orders or enact government Acts and Regulations.
After five consecutive meetings, the SAC members finally reached a conclusion also to omit the phrase ‘His Majesty’s order’ from the PDCB giving an exit to the controversy.
The SAC meeting also decided to transfer the king’s right to certify public documents (enact government Acts and regulations) to Parliament. In absence of Parliament, the government will do the same through ordinances, the SAC meeting decided.
Members of Parliament opined that with the end of the PDCB controversy, the debate as to who holds the position of the head of state has also ended. The PDCB will now be tabled at the House of Representatives for its endorsement as a law.
MP Lila Mani Pokhrel said that now onwards handing over of credentials by foreign envoys and appointments of ambassadors to other countries would also take place as per the government’s decision through an official appointed by the government.
SAC Chairman and MP Hriday Ram Thani said that according to the amended bill now onwards the king would enjoy only the rights designated to him by the government.
MP Pradip Nepal said that with the amendment to the PDCB, all the constitutional, executive and legislative powers of the king have been transferred to the Council of Ministers and the Legislative. He also mentioned that now onwards the king would remain just a “civilian king”. (source)
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78 responses to “Nepal Politics: King in a Jatra and Other Protests”
Here is a report from ekantipur.
King attends Indra Jatra festival amidst tight security
By SURESH NATH NEUPANE
KATHMANDU, Sept 6 – King Gyanendra attended the religious Indra Jatra festival amidst tight security, as dozens of pro-Maoist activists protested the royal audience on Wednesday.
The king completed the religious ceremony, despite the attempts of Maoist affiliated Newa Mukti Morcha (NMM) to disrupt the royal function held at Basantapur Durbar Square this evening.
At least three Maoists including Pawan Man Shrestha, the president of NMM, the sister organization of the Maoists from the Newar community, were seriously injured when they protested the king’s presence at the festival before the arrival of the royal couple.
The injured are undergoing treatment at Kathmandu Model Hospital.
The royal motorcade, heavily guarded by the Nepal Army and policemen, changed its earlier route and arrived at Basantapur through Putalisadak, Singha Durbar, Bhadrakali, Sahid Gate and New Road, to apparently avoid thousands of Maoist activists affiliated to All Nepal Trade Union Federation-Revolutionary, who were participating in their fourth national convention at Khulla Manch, Ratna Park.
Immediately after the royal couple’s arrival, the Nepal Army military band played the national anthem, which the present seven-party alliance government has vowed to change.
The royal couple offered coins to the chariot of the living goddess Kumari along with Sri Ganesh and Sri Bhairav exhibited during the festival.
The eight-day long festival officially kicked off yesterday with the erection of a long wooden pole in front of the Hunuman Dhoka Durbar Square to propitiate Indra.
The Indra Jatra festival marks a significance event in Nepal’s political history as founder of the Shah Dynasty King Prithvi Narayan Shah seized control of Kathmandu on the day of the festival when most of the Newar residents were celebrating.
“We, the NMM, announced to protest the attendance of the Shah king to protest king Prithvi Narayan Shah’s takeover by tricking the local Newar residents,” said Shrestha, the president of NMM before leading the anti-king protest rally this afternoon.
He added, “We should culturally, socially, and morally boycott the king.”
Today also marked a rare public appearance by the king after he was stripped of most of his powers by the new government formed after the April uprising.
With all the cabinet members boycotting, only a few foreign diplomats, excluding the US, UK and India, attended the royal function.
to the SPA the maoists used to say: mareko bagh ko junga ukhelne. now what they are doing? why is it that maoists could show black flag only this year and not previously? if they were so daring why is that they never ever showed a black flag? and why is it that no shah-rana clique was killed in the name of class-enemy?
cowards!!
Nepal has been declared a secular state, so there is no need to be afraid of the king’s intentions or motives. The PAC of the Parliament has furter eroded his power base. He is basically toothless… The basis for the king & the royalists’need to perpetuate the myth of the Vishnu’s avatar has been cut off by the proclamation of a secular state. If the nation is not a Hindu state, then, its ceremonial head of state/king (for now at least)is not a Hindu king in an any official capacity.
The king as a private person has the right to observe all the religious & cultural festivities as much he likes just like any ordinary citizen. Under our current system, he is the head of state, so he does deserve the the security as prescribed for a head of state. Even a ceremonial monarch in England, Japan & Thailand do participate in religious ceremonies & do receive the necessary security plus the media coverage.
There is no need to create a mountain out of an ant hill. Absolute monarchy is dead in the Nepali mind. However, it would better serve our national interests to be aware of another form of Absolute dictatorship that is unfolding. We may be trading Absolute dictatorship of the Monarchy for the Absolute dictatorship of the Maoists.
We, the people need to be vigilant, brave & voice our opinions to let the forces of Absolute dictatorship of the masses that we will will not tolerate their excesses, we will not be held hostage by their manipulative agendas & we will not let them destroy our freedoms. It is time to act up.
Wagle Ji,
I think you should launch a polical party as I can sense that you will make a one of the many politicial in nepal who does absolutely nothing but keep critise other. Why you are so bitter about the King? I am not royalist & I want king to be put probably mre than you want but the way you come a cross about handling a situation is very irresponsible & very dangerious.
It is easy to say this & that but not so while doing it practically as there are so many factors to be considers before one makes a decision. I am not sure whether you have narrow mind as I keep getting message as if your thinking is narrow because of that.
Wagle Ji,
I 10% support what Girija sais few weeks ago that in interium period, we should give space to all in order to avoid desaster & civil war in the country.
Have you really analised why PM said that? try to understand the underlying message, pick out the sensitive word, may be you will get it.
As a ordinary nepalese, I wish to see smooth transition & when I meant smooth is with out sheding more nepalese blood.
This time in moment, our country is going through very volsatile & sensitive phase & one blunder will leave us in a middle of the civil war. Analise what I have said & why I might have said it, lets see how much your brain has capacity to intellectualy grab & analysis the message.
Finally,I know your blog is private affairs, since you have managed to draw quite a few people visitng this web site, I thing you should not just keep on barking on one subject over and over rather have new & energetic subjusts most of the time if not every time.This is your feild with the ball n your hand, choice is yours.
All the best
Roshanji
We don’t come here for Mr. Wagle’s insights. We come here to start our own discussions.
I agree I think Wagle’s assessment are just naive and it ignores the dynamics of Nepali society. It’s like that Van der something’s analysis but its sad because Dinesh is a Nepal and you would think that he has a better grasp of the situation.
Dont awake a tired tiger who is taking a nap.
This is the message to so-called “newa khala”. What the hell were you doing in the last 275 years when the kings were still ruling.
Be glad that nepal was united by the Shah rulers,otherwise along with newars all the communities would have been washing dishes in some obscure hotels and lodges in india.
Showing a black flag are those people from the society who are underachievers themselves. Newars have shown that they can achieve anything inspite 104 years rule of the ranas when they were not allowed to attend schools and were secluded from any basic rights.
Newars for centuries have accepted king as their patron. How dare hisila and gang try to disrupt the harmony that is prevailing in the society? I feel 99.9 percent of newars do not support this crap of newar autonomy or any other autonomy for that matter.
King must work towards the benefit of the country and believe me he can get back his lost glory, because the 205 goons who have occupied the parliament illegimately are nothing but a bunch of ‘India Dalals” who are there to take Nepal one step ahead in the direction of making it as the 29th state of India.
King as a last line of defence is the most reliable for Nepal.
Hisila, Jungli Junges and gang dont have any credibilty.
Now there will be no king to interfere with our politics. but then who needs king to interfere with politics when we can have countries like US, India and UK who are more effective in doing the same. Victory for the people Hurrah, Hurrah.
As far as this Mr. Wagle is concerned, he is not naive nor is he ignoring any realities. His writings have purpose and he is being paid for it. Is it not great to be paid huge amount of money for being stupid!
“Monarch should be barred from taking part in any religions ceremonies as the king.”
Then who “Prachanda” or your boss from kantipur should be taking part inplace of king?? Just by passing the popular comment (defination of popular in nepal : anything said/done against monarchy) and never giving credit to the good things they done coz its history, if you don’t learn from history history will erase you mind that.
Before barring the king from function, can you jsut provide me the instance where your political leaders have shown respect towards culture, festival apart from doing “media propoganda of deuda that too done by far-westerners”?
Has ever girija visited pashupati temple and asked the temple management, what is the problem how govt can help? Has ever any leader visited kumari house? DO they know how the kumari is living in the small spendit given by govt(?) or guthi. 10 lakhs are given to the driver killed by some junkies coz their union stages strike, but have govt thought about how the kumari will pursue her life after her term is over? have they helped? Answer is NO.
But you might not believe, Royal Palace provides the extra spendit to the kumari and after kumari’s term is over (I guess u know how it is over?) Royal Palace give gives some amount as the gratitute.
Those People who are here in kathmandu to try their luck from the rest part of nepal, how can they know the deep culture of the kathmandu? U may be in the big position, or the kathmandu might have provided you the better life than in village, but you never try to understand their feelings. their culture. King Prithivi Narayan Shah was great leader, even after winning kathmandu, he kept the culture moving and indeed help it sustain, unlike present days political leaders, who make/use monarchy as a ladder to become so called leader and then try to abolish it.
All must read this neutral and very good article by kanak mani:
gives the real picture of the present situation.
sarbasadharan (#9):
“But you might not believe, Royal Palace provides the extra spendit to the kumari and after kumari’s term is over (I guess u know how it is over?) Royal Palace give gives some amount as the gratitute.”
Royal Palace provides extra spendit? Whose money sarbasadharan? From the pocket of Gyanendra? Or from the money that is hard earned by the people of Nepal but taken away by the palace in the last 237 years? If you are really a sarbasadharan, let me say the money that the palace gives to Kumari belongs to you and your dad and me and my dad. Come out of the slave mentality and use your brain to think. Don’t be washed away from what you have been hearing/learning from the palace dominated education system. You have even forgotten your identity and you just say “king’s slave” when someone asks your name.
Do you really think the presence of the king in religious functions promotes culture? I can only pity on your thinking power. Kings don’t go there to promote culture but promote and establish themselves in the name of religion.
Well guys, i think the us is going to intervene before something big really happens. Mahendra was supported by the us for reasons of containing the communist forces. This time around the US may not support the king. But what about an army take over. Everyone keeps saying that this katwal guy is loyal to the monarch but why should he be? Does he need to be? why would he revive a dead monarch when he has the opportunity of being the president himself? Just think, he was a nobody (would have ended up nowhere because of poverty) but the king M took him under his wing. He should have retired had King G not amended his date of birth. His life is like a fairy tale like those of all famous dictators. It feels like he is destined to a great role. I think he might jus ask the king to leave for england, imprision all political leaders and declare himself as the president of the state. I am only assuming here though and this is only a possibility if things get out of hand and that the US actually backs him for stability.
The maoist have declared kathmandu will be an atonomous region for Newars and that explains the protest yesterday against the king during indra jatra. Things are going to get really out of hand now.
This refers to the Indra Jatra festival. Yesterday there were more than 5000 security personnel around the Basantpur area including personnel from Armed Police Force. I have been observing this local festival for years and i see same number of security force present there every year. Clearly with so many of security personnels it is overshadowing the festival itself. Another issue is quit often than not, many of them bulls local Newars, sometime with racist slurs and it has been going on for years no matter whether its Panchayat Era or Democracy Era of 90s. Now its Era of Loktantra and yesterday i witnessed the same scene.
there were some mandeles lead by Jagat Gauchan, who has nothing to do with festival chanting pro-king slogan.
Why on the earth these security force has to prohibit the local Newars from standing near Basantapur and its vacinity and let them observe their beloved festival? If its a security issue of G Shah then please arrange a way out i.e. to send Prasad, Tika or whatever to Narayanhiti Palace and leave the Newars and Indra Jatra alone. let them enjoy their festival peacefully.
This G shah is quit a character, after all those national and international humiliations, he still wants to renew the ownership of Throne for one more year. really a pathetic character.
Sarbasadharan 2
Well if the monarchy is spending yours and my money to good purpose so be it. No matter how corrupt our leaders are, have they put any money to good purpose. If king uses his salary (you may not like the amount or think that it is too much) to good uses, that is good. Let us see the leaders do that, use their salaries to good purpose. What do you think the money stolen, looted by the political leaders are not mine and my dad’s or yours and your dad’s? Get a grip man. Pull your head out of your ass and let the enlightenment process begin. GOOD LUCK
days of monarchy is gone. just think of faces of G Shah and Parash and their criminal acts. trying to cover a face of criminals, murderers and dictators with ceremonial or ceramic mask. the end product is still a criminal face.
sarbasadharan-2
i better be called slave of king as long as I can show him a BLACK FLAG and burn down his effigy, rather than being slave of communist and maoist, who will kill anybody, if black falg or effigy are burn of their crooked leader (for example don’t have to go far away, just take example og killing of ganesh chiluwal, coz he chanted slogan/burned effigy against grestest daka of nepal of all times aka prachande, take example of that pregnant woman who decided about her life, with whom she should stay with herself.., taxi driver who was killed in front og b n’b hospital last year coz he drove taxi in the eve of municipal election held by king govt. want more example??
“Has ever girija visited pashupati temple and asked the temple management, what is the problem how govt can help? Has ever any leader visited kumari house? DO they know how the kumari is living in the small spendit given by govt(?) or guthi. Have you seen her official home at basantapur, how ill managed it is due to lack of fund? 10 lakhs are given to the driver killed by some junkies coz their union stages strike, but have govt thought about how the kumari will pursue her life after her term is over? have they helped?”
I DARE YOU TO SHOW JUST ONE ISNTANCE.
I again repeat “Those People who are here in kathmandu to try their luck from the rest part of nepal, how can they know the deep culture of the kathmandu? U may be in the big position, or the kathmandu might have provided you the better life than in village, but you never try to understand their feelings. their culture.”
That is why nobody from the inner kathmandu and locals of kathmandu came to the street in so called april revolition. that is why maoist and SPA had to brought in people from the outside to do andolan here. and same thing now maoist are doing, bringing outsiders, coz none of insiders are ready for them noe SPA.
(1) “all the communities would have been washing dishes in some obscure hotels and lodges in india”
What else do you think almost 6 million poor Nepalese are doing in India?
(2)”harmony that is prevailing in the society”
What harmony? As between master (Shah-Rana) and slaves (all others) or master and mistresses?
(3) “have govt thought about how the kumari will pursue her life after her term is over? have they helped?”
Shame on Shah kings and the royal family? They have ruled Nepal for over two centuries with Kumari’s blessings and still former Kumaris starve. Shame on Shahas.
(4) Newar “culture”?
Slaves know no “culture” except bootlicking, asskissing and slavery.
Mahesh cumar, Please stop your racist attitude. I am a newar and nobody loves me attitude. Stop acting like a victim. Indra jatra is a Nepali festival now. It is granted a public holiday is it not? When the whole nation is in such turmoil, you are whining about not being able to celebrate you festival with your convinience. We are suffering from bandhs, chakka jam, protests, extortions, abductions, and murders, and you complain about such tiny issues. We are all one. We are all nepalis and look at things this way.
Guess what- if Kingship is removed from Nepal then be prepared for state of Nepal. This is by design and Nepalese such as Dixits, Pandey, Bamdev,prachande’ or actively working towards it. Like it or not.
And hell with SPA- they no time nor the will to fight the Moaist in any fronts- Maoist are here and now. This is place is gonna be hell hole for time to come all because some of us are and were wiser than the wiseist.
Forgot about the common thread that binds us as a nation. We have acted like a unbridled horse, acted as loose canon, and have acted insane in actions and words. We have thrown tantrums just for the sake of it without understanding the consequencies. We have establshed forums in the name of free speech without understanding the responsibility of right of speech, found differences even in being a Nepali- all in all we showed to the world that we are still an infant in their eyes.
Lost prospective will crash this boat of Nepali in a rock of Gilbatar very soon- and coming from the dead will be next to impossible. Viva Nepal.
The king is abiding by his role. He should definitely attend religious functions. Just because a bunch of communist atheists wave black flags does not mean that the King has to stay away from these functions. He has more supporters in his present role especially as a religious and ceremonial King. Sri Jai Guru Ganeshaya nama, Jai Bhadrakali, Jai Mahankal, Jai Sankata! AND Jai Nepal.
DW or Wagle I presume,
Just three things:
1.What the f#$% is a civilian King ? – Either you are a King or a civilian.
2. If this blog of yours is supposed to be representative of a democracy and you are the host, please keep your “personal” repulican attacks of the individual to yourself. You are more than welcome to write on behalf of a republic but your personal attacks on the King’s person should be kept to yourself as it attacks the individual and does nothing for your argument to say that a republic is a better system for Nepal than a ceremonial monarchy.
3. Until the time the people can freely and fairly vote without intimidation and coercion, Gyanendra is still our King and Wagle you are absolutely in the wrong to suggest that he should not even be carrying out ceremonial functions. Granted you have your personal hatred for the monarchy, but as the host of a general democratic forum I would advise you to act responsibly and abide by the laws of the land. Just because there is mob rule now does not mean you Wagle, should also go with the anarchial flow. Just because the mobocratic public have turned “re public” and you are one of them in person, does not mean that professionally you have to paste the views from the roads on to this forum.
Learn from this statement and example and get a clue on professionalism – “A doctor as a person may hate your guts, but when you are on his operating table I’m sure the doctor will do his level best to make the operation a success even if he would like to wring your neck for your conduct outside the operation theatre”. I hope you got my point!
Newar communities are the main gainer in Shah dynasty after Rana. Because of unification and making Kathmandu as a capital they got everything from power to money although they occupy only about 3-4% of the total population. So why should majority of newar communities go against the King. If the maoist rule start, they will be the main looser in terms of propberty and businesses.
Dear fren DW,
If Mr G is “out” as a MONARCH, How you think thats gonna change the present scenario??? Do you think INDIA’S foreign policy will change? Will the US changes itself and stop thinking about CHINA and INDIA? Will Maoists change? Will the SPA change? Or, are the Nepalese people wise enough to change? Whatever has been done and the “powers” scrapped off the king is enough for now. Is he that foolish to try again “MAGH 19″. King should be in track and think people re superior,thats how he is going to be king in NEPAL. How can we accept maoists ideology and those of SPA? How about my own idea ” Lets you and me open a new party and throw evryone out and rule over nepal (there shouldnt be bandhs, road block and AK 47s ).
I am happy to see for now that “We all Nepalis are united” and history is the proof that it was Shah Dynasty that took this big step to make it happen. Without them we were going to be an example of failed democracy and a failed state. Whatever was the cause of King GB shah to overthrow the government I beleive it has turned out to be good for now atleast. We should not be so paranoid with the King, with out them every single nepali would not have been involved in politics and “Politics is dirty game played by third grade people”.
Without the move of King GB Shah there would not have been SPAM and I believe we all agree with that. Though we have been naming our king autocratic, dictator if his move was that then, what will we name the way maoist are have been acting? I have never seen the king as the problem. Word of GP Koirala about giving space to everyone is very defination of democracy and being open minded. If CA happens we will know the reasult where does our King stand and we shouldn’t worry about that. For now our big question about insecurity is with maoist. Throwing so called autocratic ruller are we trying to support another dictator who have shown no mercy to people i.e maoist just to grab the power. Are we providing the cover we should not be providing to maoist?
From time to time we have been reading the article about cutting the wings of King so why worry about that. We must start thinking the move of the maoist. Since last 15 years they have been killing people without any mercy who ever opposes them, we should start thinking about them what will happen when they come to power? Why question about the security of the king and expenses for that purpose. Aren’t we spending our money providing transportation and security for maoist who still publically accept themself as rebel. If they are really heart and mind of people who are they paranoid about? It is a clear example of people power that we can now show black flag to our King, will we have the same freedom to do the same with maoist if they come to power? I doubt that….
Many thought out arguments by the commentators. I rememeber someone saying that what the King did may have been a mistake, with the result being the April movement this year where 21 people lost their lives. Unfortunate as it is, I also know as I am sure most do that many of the people were forced to partake in the movement and were present against their will, placed in harms way by the SPAM. Therefore, the SPAM are as much responsible for the casualties of the movement.
However, like I said the MISTAKE of the King cannot be put in the same baot as the STRATEGICALLY planned maoist movement which includes the bombing of the bus in Chitwan killing 39 and injuring 72. While the maoists can go on arguing about we killed this much and the army that much blah blah, this single murderous act which took an instant and not days cannot be blamed in anyone but the maoists themselves. My simple point being, if there is a commission to investigate the atrocities for “janandolan 2” which the King did not plan for (meaning the King did’nt hang around thinking that when the janandolan happens in April 2006, I will have 21 people killed),then I would like to dare anyone who says there should not be a judge and jury to punish the maoists who killed the 39 people in Chitwan. Further, if the King is also responsible for his mistakes then most definitely Prachanda is guilty for his pre meditated and planned MURDERS.
The King’s actions is therefore tantamount to MANSLAUGHTER, while that of Prachanda’s is exactly equivalent to FIRST DEGREE MURDER BY USE OF TERRORISM AND EXTREME PREMEDITATED VIOLENCE.
kp,
Bang on! Dead bang on!
Please read the following article,
Don’t REPEAT Afghanistan inNepal
BY PREETI KOIRALA
As Nepal passes through the most turbulent period of its history, it is sensible to examine in detail the amazing similarities that political developments in Kathmandu in recent days have had with the comparable churn of events that shook Afghanistan, ultimately paving the way for the downfall of monarchy, decades of illegal occupation by its northern neighbor followed by even more blood-spattered conflict devastating a total of three generations in that country. Both land-locked and situated in a very strategic geo-political location; Nepalese and Afghans both take pride in the fact that they are brave at heart and good in soul. If we don’t take lessons from history, it is surely bound to repeat itself.
In Afganistan, King Amanullah, proclaiming unilaterally the independence of his country in 1919 without waiting for the reaction of the English, sent out a roving delegation to establish diplomatic relations with different countries of Asia, Europe, and America.
The first stage of that delegation’s mission was in Moscow, where it was received with red carpet in October 1919 by the leaders of the new regime. It was the first diplomatic delegation to visit Moscow since the bolshevik revolution. Afghanistan was thus the first country to recognize the new “state of workers and peasants of all the Russia “.
The new regime in Moscow not only recognized the independence of Afghanistan but even “hastened to offer the young state of Afghanistan her moral and material support in her heroic struggle against the English imperialists”.
This was the beginning of a sort of “special relationship” between the two neighbouring countries which lasted, with ups and downs, for sixty years. The relationship was said to be “good neighbourly”, which ended in the invasion of the country by the Soviets in December 1979.
The Mujahiddin rebels backed by the Americans and sponsored by Pakistan fought with the Soviet Red Army for years which led to thousands of deaths and total destruction of the country.
The accession of King Nader Shah, in 1929, marked the beginning of a new phase in relations between Afghanistan and the Soviet Union. In fact, under the reigns of Nader Shah and the early part of Zahir Shah (who was King until the 1973 coupd’etat organized by his cousin Daoud), the relations with the USSR was very limited.
Prince Daoud, a cousin of King Zahir, who meanwhile had come to power, tried once more to convince the American movernment of the Afghan government’s goodwill and of its desire to settle the dispute with Pakistan through diplomatic channels. He met Vice-President Nixon during his short visit to Kabul in 1953. But another prerequisite was demanded, namely that Afghanistan should abandon its long tradition of neutrality to join Pakistan, Iran, Iraq, and Turkey as a party to the Baghdad Pact.
This was enough to push Prince Daoud, who was already tired of American lack of comprehension, into the open arms of Moscow.
Thus, Loe Jirga (the parliament), at a special meeting convened to decide on the Pashtunistan situation and the purchase of arms, unanimously, decided that arms “should be bought wherever this was possible”. In Moscow, the new post-Stalin leaders were following these events with great anxiety. Following a neutral foreign policy, Kabul’s airport was built by the Russians and the technical equipment was supplied by the Americans just like small portions of the East-west highway in the terai was built by the Indians, Russians, Chinese and Americans at the request of Late King Mahendra.
A series of political events shook Afghanistan in the 60s. For the first time a Prime Minister who belonged neither to the Royal family, nor to the aristocracy Dr. Muhammad Yusuf formed his cabinet, composed of technocrats and intellectuals, in March 1963. He suggested that a new Constitution be prepared with a view to changing the country to a constitutional monarchy. The King agreed to that proposal, and the new constitution was drafted by Afghan experts, in collaboration with foreign legal advisers (a Frenchman, an Indian and an Egyptian). It was based on the principles of classical democracy, but maintained the traditional values of Islam and monarchy. It also excluded all members of the Royal family from getting into politics. In essence, this was one of the best arrangements that Afghanistan could ever have. Sadly, it couldn’t survive because all sides of the conflict wanted more in their share.
The Constitution was adopted in October 1964 and ratified by the King. General elections were due to take place in October 1965, and, therefore, the interim government had sufficient time to prepare and promulgate by Royal decree the laws for the first democratic general elections.
For the first time in the history of Afghanistan, political parties were permitted to function, on the condition that their aims and activities conform to the fundamental principles of the Constitution – Islam, constitutional monarchy and individual freedom. Therefore, the formation of Marxist parties of any tendency was indirectly excluded.
As the elections were to take place prior to the formation of the political parties, it was left to the elected Parliament to pass the law on the creation of political parties, trade unions, and other political activities. But the leftist groups were eager to takeover quickly and did not wait until the legal formalities were completed.
They took advantage of the general confusion prevailing in the countryside and started to organize themselves. Several groups, formed mainly of youngsters, began their political activities. Backed by the communists, student riots were organized right after the opening of the first democratic Parliament. They suggested that the government should be changed, in spite of the fact that the government had just won a vote of confidence by a landslide. They accused the Prime Minister, Dr. Muhammad Yusuf of incompetence, when they knew very well that the Prime Minister and the members of his government were at the meeting of the parliament.
Muhammad Hashem Maiwandwal, a former Minister of Information was asked to form a new government.
This event was the beginning of the crash of the experiment with democracy in Afghanistan. The liberal group, which had been a promoter of the constitutional monarchy, was excluded from the government and replaced by persons who did not believe in the Constitution at all. As a result, the constitution was only partly applied, and some important laws never came into effect. On 18 July 1973 Daoud made a radio announcement, informing the Afghan people that the monarchy had come to an end and that a Republic was being set up. A few months earlier, King Zaher had visited Kathmandu. After the coup, the 1964 democratic Constitution was annulled; a temporary government and a revolutionary council – both headed by Daoud – came into power. He of course, could not manage his country torn already by massive infiltration of foreign intelligence agencies that were pouring oil to the fire of internal disturbances. Taking advantage of the messy situation, the Soviet Red Army took over Afghanistan in 1979. Daoud was killed by hanging him on a street lamppost.
What was a proud sovereign country with a monarchy and peaceful people was now under the invasion of foreigners. Kabul airport, till then a transit hub for travelers from Asia to Europe was now in ruins. This was only the beginning of the long, grueling battle that the Afghan people were destined to fight for a long period to come. The Mujahiddin rebels backed by the Americans and sponsored by Pakistan fought with the Soviet Red Army for years which led to thousands of deaths and total destruction of the country. Even after the Russians left, the Taliban vandals further destroyed this beautiful country with rich cultural heritage, tortured the women folk and took the country back to the 18 th century. Nepali journalist Kanak Mani Dixit has written how awe-struck he was when he saw the magnificent monument of the Bamiyan Buddha when traveling as a student back in the 60s.
Yet, the bombarding of this great historical artifact in Kandahar by the Taliban was reported by the international media and the whole world just couldn’t do anything but watch. Eventually, King Zaher Shah, now in his 90s, frail and ill came back to open the Loe Zirga and Afghanistan’s new experiment with democracy has limped forward with heavy American troop presence and financial and other aid from the west. Lot of people look back with nostalgia, the many years of stability and peace that they enjoyed under the monarchy but it is a thing of the past. People weep when they see their old King but there is little that either of them can do to fix the bloody past.
Afghanistan is an immortal reminder of how domestic political instability can lead to growing interest by neighbors to fish into troubled waters and how the sudden fall of the institution of monarchy in the struggle for “full democracy and freedom” can lead to abysmal chaos and uncertainty. It is also a solid example of how foreign intervention to resolve the internal political feuds lead to big power rivalry and eventually become a headache for neighbors no matter how big or powerful they maybe. The Soviet Union met its Vietnam inside Afghanistan precisely because it did not sense the overly complex domestic scene that was not possible for any foreigner to be able to manage. The people of Afghanistan, especially the young ones had hoped that the accent of a republic would be democratic, modern and a free society. On the contrary, what it turned out to be was a horrific example of how brutal religious fanaticism can be without any semblance of tolerance. Afghan journalists had desired a totally free press without any censorship whatsoever during the Zaher Shah and much of the Daud era and had even waged protests in this regard.
Ironically, after the advent of the republic, there was not even a single newspaper to survive the Soviet occupation and Taliban era to propound the freedom of the press. Hidden inside their burka, Afghan ladies were not allowed even to wear white socks and their children knew nothing else but the AF 47s.
The men, even the small number that survived the decades of fighting, have seen almost everything except secularism, freedom and democracy.
“With all the cabinet members boycotting, only a few foreign diplomats, excluding the US, UK and India, attended the royal function.”
The US & UK Ambassador were not and still are not in Kathmandu. I don’t know about the Indian Ambassador, but I gather he is also not in town.
Just to add one line in Preeti’s article:
Overnight Afghani Ambassador to Czechoslovakia Barbak Karmal was called in to Moscow and was sent to Kabul with initial deployment of 20 thousand Soviet Army. This was the beginning of Soviet Occupation.
When Prime Minister Deuba handed the power to King Gyanendra and subsequent tightning of freedom by the King Gyanendra SPA was formed. I always thought that Girija will be made Prime Minister of Nepal by the Occupational Force of India.
ISG condemns Maoist activities; asks Government to take steps to restore law and order:
The Industrial Security Group (ISG), have expressed grave concern over the increasing reports of Maoist excesses.
A press statement issued by the ISG said, “The ISG noted with concern the many reports of increased Maoist extortion and threats made to employees, employers and entrepreneurs engaged in commercial, industrial and tourism activities since the government and Maoist cease-fires were announced.”
During its meeting held on September 5 to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in Nepal, the ISG strongly urged the Government of Nepal to take immediate steps to restore law and order and to end Maoist intimidation, forced unionization and extortion.
The ISG, which comprises representatives of the Embassies of France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, the United States and the Delegation of the European Commission, along with bilateral Chambers of Commerce and industry associations has said, “Maoist extortion demands, coupled with aggressive efforts by the Maoists to intimidate employees into joining Maoist unions, are pushing enterprises toward bankruptcy and putting entire sectors of Nepal’s economy at risk,” adding, “Maoist demands threaten to cripple Nepal’s struggling economy.”
The ISG also demanded with the Maoists to immediately end all such activities, which are in direct violation of commitments they have made to the Seven Party Alliance, the Government of Nepal, and the people of Nepal.
“These actions contravene international human rights standards. They are also incompatible with the Maoists’ stated aspirations to join the democratic process,” the ISG added.
Maoists have been continuing excesses despite their commitment with the ruling seven party alliance and the government not to do so.
there is nothing to bash except a weak king these days….soon sb will write..G should stop going to the toilet….and he should not keep a gardener or a gatekeeper as this is “sosann” of the people……….
.the best thing to do is if there is a bhusiya kookur nearby…kick it hard..it would be great RELIEF for the MISERY people have……
Maoists are trying to grab power by hook or crook, even at the cost of social harmony and religious tolerance. They are not less than TALIBAN. Wagle seems confused.
I personally think we should all be united and look at the brighter side. Nepal once a peaceful nation, now have been torn into pieces by the civil war. Maoist insurgents have literally divided our country in tiny ethnic groups, which at present time is very vulnerable. Since divided, Nepal can easily fall into peaces. A spark can create blaze and then cause clash between the ethnic groups. Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) a breakaway faction of the Maoist an example.
I believe Maoist have lost their significance and ether due to shortage of weapons, fund or even moral, now are not willing to get back to the jungles. Their fundamental ideology has mutated over the past years, and to prove their dreams shown them by their supremo will now soon invade the streets of Capital. An unconfirmed report notified that over 100s buses full of Maoist have already flocked into the valley over the past few weeks. Opting for the October revolution a lot of us fear massive bloodshed and killings. A lot of civilian will get hurt if things get rough. Exhausted, the Maoist will pour in all their resources to make it to the top and eliminate all the hurdles for once and all.
Times are sensitive and if prevention better then cure, we should all unite rather then be scattered.
Let all Save Nepal.
Author,
Savenepalnow.org
Wagle is either in pretense when he declares himself a democrat or he is just another republican trying to forces his agenda through propaganda or irresponsible writing. Why not just have a referendum, to decide what the King should do or not do, or even if there should be a King. The world popular is the key here, and so is majority and minority sentiments. By majority and minority I am only considering political views not racial or economical, although they are related due to the dynamic state of thought processes. So do we want a democracy of popular views, meaning that which pleases the majority, or a democracy that pleases the minority, but very unpopular. Remove the king, might be popular or unpopular, the referendum will decide, but is it still ok under democratic bounds to remove him for the overall future of the nation or is that totally unacceptable.I know Wagle will find a funky twist to devalue a referendum that supports a monarchy but we will wait for that when the right time comes. A good example so in Palestine where the majority democratically elected party is deemed unnappropriate by a minority and external forces. Is that what is to happen to Nepal.
There can be no referendum or any other type of voting while armed gangsters are in the villages.
I do not want to criticize government’s actions in a jiffy but Now, I am not optimistic from this government that it will respect its committments of April Revolution. The moot point here is conducting the election of constituent Assembly and that must be done as soon as possible. Otherwise, Palace will garner illegal and anti-social elements to deprive the people of its rights. These minor changes can not change the future of Nepal and we deserve a great leap from here. I hope KP Oli and Girija babu will not act as obstacle to Nepalese Future at this juncture.
Thanks to clowns like Mr. Wagle (talk about wrong people at wrong place, it can’t get any worse than this) and monsters like Prachanda, I believe G or for that matter the supposedly down and out monarchy is definitely going to make a comeback. I really have got tired of this everyday bashing the king (he is still the king, ain’t he?) receives from this Wagle moron and have begun to sympathize for him. And the bloody Maoists, well they’re going to break this nation into as many pieces as one can imagine (Baise and Chaubise Rajyas again, anyone?). Well I thought I would never have to say this again, but here I am. Reality be told guys, it indeed was monarchy that had kept this nation united. Welcome to new Nepal, welcome to pandemonium guys.
Good one author. I totally agree with you and LONG LIVE savenepalnow.org. I would also like to invite everyone to the site savenepalnow.org for great debates and discussions.
I must admit that the thought of a multi party democratic republic of Nepal put a lot of hope and happiness in me, but it seems to be just that, and far from what we are witnessing. With the passage of time and the signs of a more and more divided Nepal and the power hungry ruthless attitude of the maoists even during a peace process makes me wonder if a republic is the correct choice at this point in time. It seems we Nepalis are not ready to be a democratic republic just yet (that is if we are to avoid being a thoroughly divided nation or worse several states divided under ethnic lines). Even with the monarchs many flaws I am starting to think that if we are to keep this nation as one we may need the institution until a time when our citizens are ready for the real thing.
Hello Bhuwan dai this is Aashish. I have read a lot of your articles at savenepalnow.org. I am also a regular commenter at the site. Just want to let you know that don’t you think people in this blog are like zombies. Its as if they are dead and not listing. It like they have been spelled and with eyes wide open they are all heading for the unknown.
Author from Savenepalnow.org was a wonderful write in 35. You dai applied people to check SNN. But till now snn has had no response. Lets hope people find their way to SNN.
We are heading toward 237 years back and again we need unity to unite the 22-24 states if we simply do some mistakes. Look how we are wasting our time instead of concerntrating on nation development. Sometimes I have the feeling that whether some persons like journalist, civil societies and human right organizations, politicians are in the favour of the country and the people or more interested in their own vested unknown interest. Although I am eager to read the hydropower development in Nepal and Indian interest by taking it positively. But, I am quite surprised to read the headline of Kantipur and indepth writing of it. The elaboration of the writing shows that India is our god and they are blessing us without their own interest.
God Save the King. Thats the truth, I ain’t beating around the bushes. Without it, we are doomed. And I say to those who speak throught their tinted glasses with pseudo liberal concept of democracy- you feet is not in the ground, face the truth before you act Kalidas.
Hi Aashish,
Things will change with SNN, dont worry. Only in the past couple of weeks we have seen an amazing increase in traffic and hence enough space for optimism. The problem with most of us is that, we make up our minds about what is right and wrong even before entering sites like these. Even bigger problem is that we think that accepting that the other person is right somehow makes us look stupid. So, we keep going round in circles, stubburnly putting forward our points with utter disregard or neglegence towards what the other person might be saying. Maybe it is only natural.
As far as www. savenepalnow.org is concerned, it is a great site and it will soon catch up with the masses.
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Who does not know that the demand for a Secular nepal came from Christian missionaries and Muslim mafia in Nepal? their money corrupted the leaders to force “secular” and remove our “Hindu” identity from Nepal because they want to “convert” us into Christianity and Islam and start a new war.
We all must kick these missionaries out and re-establish Nepal as a Hindu nation and this time without the corrupt king.
???????? ???? ?? ????? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ??, ????? ???????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ??? ????? ?? ??? ?? ??? ?? ?????, ??? ????? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ????? ????? ?? ?????? ???, ????? ???, ??? ?????? ???? ?????
??????? ???? ?? ?? ?? ???? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?? “???? ????? ???????” (Holy Roman Empire) ???????? ?? ??? ???????? ???? ?? ???????? ???? ?? ?????? ?? ??? ?? ??? (Pope) ??? ????? ?????? ?????? ???? ???????? ?? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ???? ? ????? ?? ???????? ??? ??? ??? ????????? ???? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????? ? ????? ????? ?????? “???????? ?????? ???? ???? ?? ???? ????? ????” ???? ?????? ?? ???? ????? ????? ??????? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ???
?????? ???? ??????? ?? ???? ?? ??????? ??? ???????, ???? (??????) ????? ???? (???????) ???? ????, ???? ??? ???? ????? (????, ????, ?????????? ??? ???) ????? ????? ?????? ?? ?? ??? ????? ?????? ??????? ??? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ????? ?? ??????? ??, ????? ?? ???? ?????? ???, ?????? ????? ????? ?? ?? ? ???? ??? ????? ?? ????? ??????, ????? ????? ????? ?????? ?? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ?????? ??????? ?????? ????? ??????; ??????? ????? ?? ?????? ?? ???? ?? ???? ???? ?????? ?????????? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ?
?? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ???? ????? ?? ????? ??? ?????? ?????? ??? ?? ????? “????” (???????, ??? ?????? ????? ????? ??????? ? ????, ????? ?? ??????) ?? ??????? ?? ???? ?????? ????? ?????? ?? ?
????? ?? ???? ?????? ??? ??? ?? ???? ????? ???? ????? ???? ????? ?? ???? ?????? ???; ??? ????? ??? ?????? ????-???? ?? ????? ????? ??? ????? ? ?? ?????? ?????? ???? ?? ????? ?? ?????? “??????????” ???????? ?? ????????? ? ?????? ??
?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ????????? ???, ??? ????? ???? ???? ?? ??? ???? ?? ???? ?????????? ????? ????? ?????, ???? ??? ??? ??????? ??????? ???????
?? ?????? ?????? ????? ?? ???? ????? ?? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ??? ????? ????? ?, ???? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??????? ???? ???? ??? ?????? ? ????????? ??? ?? ???? ????? ?; ?????? ????? ????? ??? ?????? ??? ????? ????? ?? ??? ???? ???????? ????? ??? (?????? ????? ??? ?? ????? ?? ??? ????????? ?????? ???? ??? ?????? ????? ??? ?? ?????? ???) ) ?? ???? ???? ??? ?? ?????? ????? ?; ?????, ????????????, ??????????, ????, ??????, ????, ? ?????? ?? ????? ???????? ???? ???? ??? ?? ??? ??? ???? ?????? ??? ?????? ??? ??? ????? ? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ??? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ????????? ?? ??????? ? ?
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???????? ?? ???? ?? ??? ?????? ?????????? ?? ????? ?? ????? ?????? ??????? ? ????? ??????? ??? ?? ??? ????? ?? ???? ??? ?????? ?? ????? ???? ?? ???? ???? ??? ??????? ?????, ??? ?? ??? ?? ??? ?? ? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ????????, ????? ???? ??? ????? ????? ?? ??????? ?????? ????? ?????? ???? ????? ?
?????? ??? ?? ???? ??? ????? ??????-??????, ????????? ?????? ????? ???? ?? ?? ??????? ?? ???? ??????? ???? ???? ???? (?????? ??? ?? ???? ?? ??? ????? ??? ???????? ???????? ????) ??? ?? ?????? ??? ?? ?????? ???? ?? ???? ??? ???? ???? ???????? ?????
“God Save the King.” You are indeed mad Carew..We don’t need a king to save our country, but we do need an army supported by the people. Only guns will defeat the “Maoist” dacoit gang.
“We all must kick these missionaries out and re-establish Nepal as a Hindu nation”
And what would you plan to do about the Moslem evangelists who are citizens of Nepal?
dear Pawan above (post# 12)
could you change your blog name because i have been using ‘pawan’ for almost a year.
for US involvement in nepalise politics is very greem. for geographically Nepal is very far away from US. second they are finghting its own war against terror in too many fronts. it has its own unfinished job like Bin Laden, who is may be planning another firework.
Even they are willing to help nepal, India will attempt to foil such attempts like recent one. The arm consignment to Nepal, you know india sabotaged that attempt.
since UN is already sidelined by maoists, i see only two options.
ask India to monitor arms of both armies(which India will be delighted to accept it, but most of you are not going to like it)
OR
both sides fight one last dignified war and who ever win will rule the country. afterall both
army constitute same ethnic composition who loves war more than anything.
Mr B,
me, recist attitude? noway.
well i dont know about the public holiday, at least not in part where i live. as i said, i have been observing that festival for more than 20 years when there were no chaka jam or daily strike, but there were same scene of security presence and cops being very heavy handed on locals. its them that need to stop being racist not me.
also as per your view of Indra Jatra, i am sorry to say that its not a national festival. i have many local newar friends and observed their celebration of Jatra very closely, and i can safely conclude that not all newars observe the festival like newars of kathmandu, let alone rest of countrymen observing it they are nowhere near the festival. i dont know how can you conclude it as national festival.
lastly Mr B, i read your long blog(post# 29). but i have another comparison to point out there. that is, Mr Kirkpatrick from East India Company came to Nepal to save the last Malla king, just like Mr. ambassador Moriertry is trying to save the last king’s ass.