Obviously after April 2006, the human rights situation in Nepal improved, when 19 days of the people movement ended King Gyanendra’s all authority and created conducive atmosphere to a ceasefire in the brutal war between the government forces and the Maoists of Nepal.
After declaration of ceasefire, civilian casualties mainly caused by the conflict dramatically declined. The human rights abuses such as extrajudicial execution, arbitrary detention, and torture were also markedly reduced.
On November 8, 2006, the government and the Maoists signed a comprehensive accord to establish a constituent assembly to draft the country’s new constitution which will decide the fate of the monarchy, to establish an interim government, and to establish an interim parliament.
This agreement, in the preamble, has openly mentioned respect for human rights and democratic values and principles. The accord showed concern over “disappearances” and need to accelerate the process of returning displaced people to their villages.
Many Nepali people continue to speak aloud showing concerns about the country’s human rights and political situation. However it is true, the hope and jubilation followed the declaration of the dissolved parliament reinstated, which resulted peace process. Many people including Human rights activists complained that the peace agreement could not create any monitoring mechanisms to tackle violations. Both warring parties, and particularly the Maoists, regularly violated the letter and spirit of the ceasefire code of conduct.
Till to day the human rights violators from both sides seem enjoying impunity. There were many incidents that drew the attention of many Nepalese as well as international observers regarding gross violation of the human rights. For instance the Human Rights Watch in its recent reports writes, “Both sides failed to institute accountability for past violations by their troops. The Maoists freed some of those responsible for a 2005 bombing attack in Chitwan, which killed 35 civilians and injured dozens of others, after sentences of two to three months of “corrective punishment.” The UN’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) monitoring mission complained of ongoing failure by the renamed Nepali Army (formerly the Royal Nepali Army) to honor its commitment to provide access to documents related to disciplinary procedures and courts martial”.
Maoist forces have not released any of the thousands of children under age 18 believed to be serving in their ranks, and Nepali rights groups reported ongoing recruitment campaigns throughout the country. Farmers and businesses increasingly complain about being forced to “donate” to the Maoists. However, the Maoist leadership issued a directive to its cadres to halt beatings, abductions, killings, and extortion but without any effect. Nepali human rights groups continue to register ongoing violations by Maoist cadres.
Nepali human rights groups as well as monitors from the OHCHR in Nepal documented dozens of abductions of individuals by the Maoists, including at least 16 members of other political parties.
From Monday onwards the Maoists will be the part and partial of Nepal Government. They will be joining the interim legislature as well. However, still many issues concerning human rights are yet to be addressed. The new government will have ample of challenges.
Nepal ranks near the bottom of nearly all indexes of human well-being and development. The decade of brutal conflict seriously hampered development initiatives in health care and education. Economic was shattered because of the frequent strikes and bandhas. Continuous fights made people difficult to travel from one place to another resulting lack of business and commerce. The tens of thousands of displaced people are still living under very bad conditions with tremendous economic pressure. Although, after the peace agreement some displaced Nepalese returned to their homes, but thousands of others remained displaced. They have not returned because of a fear of ongoing suppression by Maoists.
Nepal has more than 100,000 refugees from Bhutan. Thousands of Tibetans continue to cross over glaciers and mountain passes to escape the Chinese government’s atrocities. Some of them also want to visit the exiled Dalai Lama. The Tibetan Welfare Office in Nepal which had been serving fled Tibetans even during Maoist’s reign in China and Mahendra in Nepal was closed in 2005 shortly before the King took power. The office is still closed. However, the number of Tibetans crossing the high mountain glaciers has not reduced. Even dictatorial Panchyat system the absolute rule of present King’s father had allowed the office to function in Nepal on humanitarian ground.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Thursday, January 11, 2007
UN officials seek authorization for new Nepal mission
Reuter reports UN officials seek Security Council authorization on Thursday for a new mission in Nepal
The council last month approved an advance group of 35 monitors in response to formal requests from both sides that the United Nations intervene immediately to monitor disarmament of the rebels and make sure the army stays in their barracks.
The Nepalese clamored for United Nations intervention, according to Ian Martin, the special UN representative for
The new UN operation, which the Security Council is being asked to approve, is called the UN Mission in
Nepali Maoists avenge Belgian minister
The Belgian government about five years ago sold sophisticated firearms to the Royal Nepalese Army. By then Nepal's Maoist guerrillas were fighting with the Nepali Army. Now a Belgian minister was taxed by the insurgents while visiting Nepal on a trekking holiday.
Nepal's official media said Vincent Quikenborne, Belgium's general administration minister, was forced to pay an unspecified amount as tourist tax to the communist rebels on his trip to western Nepal in Myagdi district.
The minister told the state-run Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) news agency such Maoist action, after a peace pact with the government and agreeing to stop extortion, was not good for Nepal's image.
According to the local media, NRS 100 is being imposed as "tourist tax" daily by a regional rebel organization, the self-styled Tamuwan Autonomous People's Republic, in western Kaski district.
Tourists heading for treks and climbs in the well-known Annapurna mountain range area have no option but to pay up.
A German trekker, D. Bradler, said he had paid NRS 800 for an eight-day trip and had been issued a "receipt" by the rebels.
A group of five Koreans paid NRS 45,000, the state media said. Asked about the "tax", a Maoist leader said the party had decided to levy it as long as the Maoists were not included in the government. However, from Monday the rebels will be in the government and hopefully such tax will not exist.
Nepal's official media said Vincent Quikenborne, Belgium's general administration minister, was forced to pay an unspecified amount as tourist tax to the communist rebels on his trip to western Nepal in Myagdi district.
The minister told the state-run Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) news agency such Maoist action, after a peace pact with the government and agreeing to stop extortion, was not good for Nepal's image.
According to the local media, NRS 100 is being imposed as "tourist tax" daily by a regional rebel organization, the self-styled Tamuwan Autonomous People's Republic, in western Kaski district.
Tourists heading for treks and climbs in the well-known Annapurna mountain range area have no option but to pay up.
A German trekker, D. Bradler, said he had paid NRS 800 for an eight-day trip and had been issued a "receipt" by the rebels.
A group of five Koreans paid NRS 45,000, the state media said. Asked about the "tax", a Maoist leader said the party had decided to levy it as long as the Maoists were not included in the government. However, from Monday the rebels will be in the government and hopefully such tax will not exist.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Hindu Nationalist Team meets Maoists Guerrillas
India's main opposition Bharatiya Janata Party, which is considered as a nationalist Hindu Party is sending a delegation to Nepal to meet Maoist guerrillas and others political actors while Nepal is awaiting a historic change in the government.
A five-member team, headed by the party's foreign cell chairman Surendra Arora, is arriving Kathmandu Wednesday on a four-day tour.The BJP, which still supports King in Nepal, will be meeting the Maoist guerrillas for the first time. The Maoists are sure to join the interim parliament on Monday.The BJP team is expected to meet various Maoist leaders including Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai, who also heads the party’s foreign relations department.
In addition, the visitors will meet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, and other leaders from the rulling alliance. The visitors are also expected to hold consultations with Pashupati Shamsher Rana, chief of the Rastriya Prajatantra party, a once pro-king party that has now seemed to distance itself from the king.
Ashok Singhal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad which is a close ally of the BJP visited Nepal soon after King Gyanendra's power grab in 2005 and supported the move. However, the BJP has decided not to visit the king or raise the issue of religion at this juncture.
After last April, Nepal's parliament declared the Hindu kingdom a secular country as well as curbed the powers of the king. The move, till recently, was opposed by the BJP, who want Nepal to remain a Hindu state with the king as head of state.
However, the Indian party held an internal meeting in Lucknow last month to assess the situation in and around India and rethink its strategy, where it was decided to drop the cry for a Hindu kingdom.
Yet, there are many people within the BJP who support Nepal’s King as the only Hindu Monarch in the world.
The visit will try to strengthen relations between Nepal’s political parties and the BJP. The BJP is concerned about Indian Left parties’ growing popularity in Nepal. They supported the pro-democracy movement and are regarded as allies both by the seven-party ruling alliance and the Maoist guerrillas.
A five-member team, headed by the party's foreign cell chairman Surendra Arora, is arriving Kathmandu Wednesday on a four-day tour.The BJP, which still supports King in Nepal, will be meeting the Maoist guerrillas for the first time. The Maoists are sure to join the interim parliament on Monday.The BJP team is expected to meet various Maoist leaders including Chairman Prachanda and Baburam Bhattarai, who also heads the party’s foreign relations department.
In addition, the visitors will meet Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, and other leaders from the rulling alliance. The visitors are also expected to hold consultations with Pashupati Shamsher Rana, chief of the Rastriya Prajatantra party, a once pro-king party that has now seemed to distance itself from the king.
Ashok Singhal of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad which is a close ally of the BJP visited Nepal soon after King Gyanendra's power grab in 2005 and supported the move. However, the BJP has decided not to visit the king or raise the issue of religion at this juncture.
After last April, Nepal's parliament declared the Hindu kingdom a secular country as well as curbed the powers of the king. The move, till recently, was opposed by the BJP, who want Nepal to remain a Hindu state with the king as head of state.
However, the Indian party held an internal meeting in Lucknow last month to assess the situation in and around India and rethink its strategy, where it was decided to drop the cry for a Hindu kingdom.
Yet, there are many people within the BJP who support Nepal’s King as the only Hindu Monarch in the world.
The visit will try to strengthen relations between Nepal’s political parties and the BJP. The BJP is concerned about Indian Left parties’ growing popularity in Nepal. They supported the pro-democracy movement and are regarded as allies both by the seven-party ruling alliance and the Maoist guerrillas.
Tuesday, January 9, 2007
President Bush’s Nomination to UN and Election 2008
Since a lot of things were not completed during 2006 in the UN, vigorous initiatives have to come forward especially dealings with
With the beginning of 2007, the UN leadership has changed. However, the deputy to the chief in the UN seems expressive in support for
In US also the beginning of 2007 brings new ambassador to UN a US Muslim diplomat who was expressively supportive of
It seems
In the international arena, Khalilzad’s nomination to the UN can change the dynamics of the present
Democrats have recently shown themselves progressive and courageous by letting the Muslim representative take the oath of the office in the house touching “The Koran”. They may find themselves in moral dilemma to approve the nomination. It may have political as well as social consequences.
If they approve nothing is substantial different but just replacement of a Christian. If they reject the nomination, the Muslim minority of
Monday, January 8, 2007
Nepal on road to peace
AP and AFP report from Kathmandu Nepal's Maoist rebels will begin disarming and join an interim parliament on Monday as part of a peace process to end years of bloody conflict.
The agreement was reached last night during a meeting between Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist rebel Prachanda and leaders of the seven ruling parties in Kathmandu.
"The top leaders of the seven parties and the Maoists on Monday reached an understanding to pass the interim constitution on January 15," said Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Tourism and a peace negotiator.
Rebel spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the existing parliament would be dissolved on Monday and immediately be superseded by an interim legislature, which would include 73 seats for Maoist rebels.
On the same day, the rebels would begin handing over their weapons at seven main camps set up to lock up their arms and confine thousands of their fighters under UN supervision.
"The process of locking up our weapons under UN monitoring will begin on the same day we join the interim parliament," Mr Mahara said.
Nepal's Maoists last week said the Government had endangered a power-sharing pact and elections by not sending an interim constitution agreed almost a month ago for parliamentary approval.
The power-sharing pact followed mass protests in April last year that led King Gyanendra to return power to parliament after 14 months of direct rule. The rebels and the new parliament subsequently agreed to a ceasefire, a political process leading to elections by June this year and a constituent assembly that will rewrite the constitution and decide the monarchy's fate.
Under the peace deal, agreed last November, the Government has agreed to let the Maoists have 73 seats in a new 330-seat parliament in return for placing their arms and armies in camps under UN supervision.
Thirteen UN arms monitors have arrived in Nepal and will operate in two teams, one from Kathmandu and the other from Nepalgunj, 510km west of the capital.
The UN said on Sunday it was ready to start registration of Maoist and government weapons from next week as part of the deal to end Nepal's decade-long civil war, which claimed at least 12,500 lives.
The monitors are expected to eventually spread to the seven guerilla camps across the country.
There are 21 rebel camps in total, but the weapons are to be kept at the seven main camps where they can be monitored by the UN.
The UN's chief official in Nepal, Ian Martin, was to fly to New York overnight to brief the UN Security Council, which is expected to approve a full mission to Nepal to assist in the peace process.
The agreement was reached last night during a meeting between Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist rebel Prachanda and leaders of the seven ruling parties in Kathmandu.
"The top leaders of the seven parties and the Maoists on Monday reached an understanding to pass the interim constitution on January 15," said Pradeep Gyawali, Minister for Tourism and a peace negotiator.
Rebel spokesman Krishna Bahadur Mahara said the existing parliament would be dissolved on Monday and immediately be superseded by an interim legislature, which would include 73 seats for Maoist rebels.
On the same day, the rebels would begin handing over their weapons at seven main camps set up to lock up their arms and confine thousands of their fighters under UN supervision.
"The process of locking up our weapons under UN monitoring will begin on the same day we join the interim parliament," Mr Mahara said.
Nepal's Maoists last week said the Government had endangered a power-sharing pact and elections by not sending an interim constitution agreed almost a month ago for parliamentary approval.
The power-sharing pact followed mass protests in April last year that led King Gyanendra to return power to parliament after 14 months of direct rule. The rebels and the new parliament subsequently agreed to a ceasefire, a political process leading to elections by June this year and a constituent assembly that will rewrite the constitution and decide the monarchy's fate.
Under the peace deal, agreed last November, the Government has agreed to let the Maoists have 73 seats in a new 330-seat parliament in return for placing their arms and armies in camps under UN supervision.
Thirteen UN arms monitors have arrived in Nepal and will operate in two teams, one from Kathmandu and the other from Nepalgunj, 510km west of the capital.
The UN said on Sunday it was ready to start registration of Maoist and government weapons from next week as part of the deal to end Nepal's decade-long civil war, which claimed at least 12,500 lives.
The monitors are expected to eventually spread to the seven guerilla camps across the country.
There are 21 rebel camps in total, but the weapons are to be kept at the seven main camps where they can be monitored by the UN.
The UN's chief official in Nepal, Ian Martin, was to fly to New York overnight to brief the UN Security Council, which is expected to approve a full mission to Nepal to assist in the peace process.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Prime Minister and Supreme Court displease with draft interim constitution
Prime Minister and the Supreme Court of Nepal are not satisfied with the draft interim constitution, which is to be promulgated soon. Regarding new interim constitution, a full court meeting of the Supreme Court Justices on Sunday came up with a 13-point recommendation for amendment in the draft.
The meeting concluded some of provisions in the draft interim constitution run counter to the concept of the independence of the judiciary and decided to submit recommendations to the Prime Minister. Earlier, Prime Minister GP Koirala himself has made his dissatisfaction public regarding the power given to the Prime Minister. Only one branch of the government the Parliament is yet to criticize the draft interim constitution. One can easily make out how the interim constitution will be workable when two branches of the government judiciary and executive have reservations. Is this a democracy that two branches of the government are dissatisfied with the constitution?
We know there are many systems of government. But people like democracy as the best among all other available systems. Although it is not out of criticism, critics also say there is not any other better form of government than democracy.
Why do critics like democracy? A democratic government always incorporates flexibility and amendments. It welcomes apposition and comments. Democracy tries to include every one giving equal opportunity. It is operated with the consent of people. The people representatives are periodically elected by the majority vote. The representatives form the government. The three branches of the government are operated within check and balance system. State power is vested on elected leadership but is checked so that she/he cannot become a dictator.
All the three branches of the government legislation, judiciary and executive have their importance in controlling mechanism. They are independent by themselves. Democracy is not a dogma that is made by a few people to grab the state apparatus and rule the country.
It seems the interim constitution has been drafted by the political leaders to hasten the peace process for meeting the stipulated dates and time frame. However, the important document of the country requires an ample of time and energy of many people for valuable inputs. Now at the verge of declaration of the interim constitution valid criticisms are coming.
Thus, I think the political parties need to understand declaration itself is not important but the declaration of nice and workable document based on democratic principles is important at this moment. Let the parties rethink this document and try to correct the dissatisfaction of the institutions as the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court.
The meeting concluded some of provisions in the draft interim constitution run counter to the concept of the independence of the judiciary and decided to submit recommendations to the Prime Minister. Earlier, Prime Minister GP Koirala himself has made his dissatisfaction public regarding the power given to the Prime Minister. Only one branch of the government the Parliament is yet to criticize the draft interim constitution. One can easily make out how the interim constitution will be workable when two branches of the government judiciary and executive have reservations. Is this a democracy that two branches of the government are dissatisfied with the constitution?
We know there are many systems of government. But people like democracy as the best among all other available systems. Although it is not out of criticism, critics also say there is not any other better form of government than democracy.
Why do critics like democracy? A democratic government always incorporates flexibility and amendments. It welcomes apposition and comments. Democracy tries to include every one giving equal opportunity. It is operated with the consent of people. The people representatives are periodically elected by the majority vote. The representatives form the government. The three branches of the government are operated within check and balance system. State power is vested on elected leadership but is checked so that she/he cannot become a dictator.
All the three branches of the government legislation, judiciary and executive have their importance in controlling mechanism. They are independent by themselves. Democracy is not a dogma that is made by a few people to grab the state apparatus and rule the country.
It seems the interim constitution has been drafted by the political leaders to hasten the peace process for meeting the stipulated dates and time frame. However, the important document of the country requires an ample of time and energy of many people for valuable inputs. Now at the verge of declaration of the interim constitution valid criticisms are coming.
Thus, I think the political parties need to understand declaration itself is not important but the declaration of nice and workable document based on democratic principles is important at this moment. Let the parties rethink this document and try to correct the dissatisfaction of the institutions as the Prime Minister and the Supreme Court.
Saturday, January 6, 2007
USA at the Cross Roads
It seems illusionary and I often wonder watching news in the
I cannot at least suggest what it should be and what should not be. I am not the Judge. I am an observer. As an awaken independent that has came to the US to enjoy liberty and human rights, am I not at least free to express my feelings and thoughts that I appreciate or not?
I think the most concerning issues in US today are
However, I believe both issues are important enough to bring sustained impact in the course of
However, I feel instead of uniting American people against enemy, the
Can the new house with the democrats in majority bell out the
The political impact of cut and run from
The next thriving issue is Immigration. From all over the world, people are still coming to US for better opportunity and share the American dreams as it used to be in the past. Millions of people in
The American history suggests it is a nation of the immigrants. It is true no matters who he/she is except the Native Americans, all Americans are either immigrants or children of immigrants. The past is, once you are in
However, at the same time
While watching news channels it seems some people who were once immigrants are against others specially the Mexicans. What an irony? The land of immigrants is against immigration.
However, the question arises are those people really against all immigrants? Has the same kind of treatment done against whites illegal? It was reported in CNN there was not any white person who felt victim of the authority after a raid in a factory. The inhuman treatment was done to the people. Some critics call it racial profiling. This has really become a very big issue in US.
It is sure; the demography of the
Thursday, January 4, 2007
JTMM, CA Elections and Restructuring of Nepal
Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) is the splinter group of the Maoists. There are two groups in JTMM. One is led by Goit and other by Jwala Singh. Both groups are against the Peace Process going on in Nepal. JTMM has stood with their point of view that Terai region does not belong to any King of the Shah dynasty. Goit has remarked that Nepal has no right to rule the region.
Goit has asked Nepali rulers to leave Terai and has demanded that indigenous people of Terai be allowed to run army, police and administration in Terai region. He has also asked that revenue collected from Terai be utilized for Terai development and has demanded an end to infiltration of Nepalis into the region.
In a way, I see his demand is to create an independent Terai State. How can this be possible and can it survive? However, before addressing these questions the bigger question may arise. Can Nepal still survive with disintegration of the Terai?
No doubt, we in Nepal are in the process of restructuring the state. No political parties are against the restructuring but none of the key players have come to a consensus about the nature of the restructuring. There are many thoughts. Some are advocating that the restructuring should be done based on ethnicity and region. They believe to accommodate wide diversity and to create an inclusive society all ethnic minorities have to be given their rights in the regions they primarily come from. The stand seems perfect and democratic.
However, the critics argue, since Nepal is such a small country with so many ethnicities living it will be impracticable to provide all ethnic minorities having their own federal governments. How many governments within a government are needed to adjust all diversity? I don’t know. I have not done any calculation. Has any one idea, more than 50?
If restructure of the country is arranged in spite of all odds it will not do justice. Perhaps, the majority of Nepali will be marginalized.
What will be the consequences if majority of the population is marginalized? Can such a nation survive? Saddam’s Iraq was the past. However, one can learn from the massacres during his reign.
The majority of the people living in Nepal who do not fall into the category of ethnicity will definitely be left out from the process of inclusiveness. One can think how dangerous it will be to divide Nepal into ethnicities.
Let us take example of the Terai region itself. In the Terai how many ethnicities are living? There might be more than ten I suppose. But I am sure; the majority of the people living in the Terai region do not fall into the category of the ethnicity. In Nepal, we have identity of the people in many forms. They are in cast, religion, region, ethnicity, and language they speak.
Let me clarify more here with my example. I am a Pahadi, Hindu Brahman Nepali speaking (Khas) language. I must site examples of my three friends only. Ramesh Tripathi is the name of my first friend. He is a Madhesi, Hindu Brahman Nepali speaking (Abadhi and Hindi) language. The second friend is Umesh Lal Shrestha. He is a Pahadi, Hindu Cherty Nepali speaking (Newari) language. My friend Megha Tamang is from the hills. She is a Pahadi, Buddhist Baishaya Nepali speaking (Tamang) language.
In this way each Nepali can be classified. There are many similarities as well as differences we can find while comparing each of them.
In the mean time I wonder, what would be the perfect way to restructure the nation. I love the diversity uniting together under the same nationhood. If the political parties for gaining power indulge in divisions I feel, the continuation of the nationhood can be affected. A lot of water has flown in the rivers of Nepal after the Maoists have initiated the divisions. Is not JTMM the product of the division? Does the Maoists leadership have the answer to this question?
Although, JTMM does not command popular support for their demand, it can be a potential threat for future Nepal and her peace and prosperity. As, both fractions of JTMM come from the Terai which has open boarder with Indian it can be a very difficulty task for the government of Nepal to monitor JTMM activities. After all they know all tricks of the Maoists who could sustain their arm insurgency for more than a decade.
The JTMM Goit faction has stated that it would not allow the elections of Constituent Assembly (CA) in Terai region, reports Nepal Samacharpatra daily. He thinks CA election is the conspiracy hatched by Nepalis (Pahadies). Goit even does not recognize himself as a Nepali. He has called on political parties, organizations, intellectuals and individuals of Terai region to organize a roundtable conference to write new constitution for Terai.
Will the activities of JTMM be enough instances for the instigators of the division of Nepal in cast, religion, region, ethnicity, and language?
I am a believer in human rights and democratic principles. They are the uniting factors. Even in the name of human rights and democratic values if divisions are made, may be, one can win an argument for the satisfaction of an ego but at the same time, it is sure the divisions in Nepal means end of our nation.
Goit has asked Nepali rulers to leave Terai and has demanded that indigenous people of Terai be allowed to run army, police and administration in Terai region. He has also asked that revenue collected from Terai be utilized for Terai development and has demanded an end to infiltration of Nepalis into the region.
In a way, I see his demand is to create an independent Terai State. How can this be possible and can it survive? However, before addressing these questions the bigger question may arise. Can Nepal still survive with disintegration of the Terai?
No doubt, we in Nepal are in the process of restructuring the state. No political parties are against the restructuring but none of the key players have come to a consensus about the nature of the restructuring. There are many thoughts. Some are advocating that the restructuring should be done based on ethnicity and region. They believe to accommodate wide diversity and to create an inclusive society all ethnic minorities have to be given their rights in the regions they primarily come from. The stand seems perfect and democratic.
However, the critics argue, since Nepal is such a small country with so many ethnicities living it will be impracticable to provide all ethnic minorities having their own federal governments. How many governments within a government are needed to adjust all diversity? I don’t know. I have not done any calculation. Has any one idea, more than 50?
If restructure of the country is arranged in spite of all odds it will not do justice. Perhaps, the majority of Nepali will be marginalized.
What will be the consequences if majority of the population is marginalized? Can such a nation survive? Saddam’s Iraq was the past. However, one can learn from the massacres during his reign.
The majority of the people living in Nepal who do not fall into the category of ethnicity will definitely be left out from the process of inclusiveness. One can think how dangerous it will be to divide Nepal into ethnicities.
Let us take example of the Terai region itself. In the Terai how many ethnicities are living? There might be more than ten I suppose. But I am sure; the majority of the people living in the Terai region do not fall into the category of the ethnicity. In Nepal, we have identity of the people in many forms. They are in cast, religion, region, ethnicity, and language they speak.
Let me clarify more here with my example. I am a Pahadi, Hindu Brahman Nepali speaking (Khas) language. I must site examples of my three friends only. Ramesh Tripathi is the name of my first friend. He is a Madhesi, Hindu Brahman Nepali speaking (Abadhi and Hindi) language. The second friend is Umesh Lal Shrestha. He is a Pahadi, Hindu Cherty Nepali speaking (Newari) language. My friend Megha Tamang is from the hills. She is a Pahadi, Buddhist Baishaya Nepali speaking (Tamang) language.
In this way each Nepali can be classified. There are many similarities as well as differences we can find while comparing each of them.
In the mean time I wonder, what would be the perfect way to restructure the nation. I love the diversity uniting together under the same nationhood. If the political parties for gaining power indulge in divisions I feel, the continuation of the nationhood can be affected. A lot of water has flown in the rivers of Nepal after the Maoists have initiated the divisions. Is not JTMM the product of the division? Does the Maoists leadership have the answer to this question?
Although, JTMM does not command popular support for their demand, it can be a potential threat for future Nepal and her peace and prosperity. As, both fractions of JTMM come from the Terai which has open boarder with Indian it can be a very difficulty task for the government of Nepal to monitor JTMM activities. After all they know all tricks of the Maoists who could sustain their arm insurgency for more than a decade.
The JTMM Goit faction has stated that it would not allow the elections of Constituent Assembly (CA) in Terai region, reports Nepal Samacharpatra daily. He thinks CA election is the conspiracy hatched by Nepalis (Pahadies). Goit even does not recognize himself as a Nepali. He has called on political parties, organizations, intellectuals and individuals of Terai region to organize a roundtable conference to write new constitution for Terai.
Will the activities of JTMM be enough instances for the instigators of the division of Nepal in cast, religion, region, ethnicity, and language?
I am a believer in human rights and democratic principles. They are the uniting factors. Even in the name of human rights and democratic values if divisions are made, may be, one can win an argument for the satisfaction of an ego but at the same time, it is sure the divisions in Nepal means end of our nation.
Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Nepali Maoist Chairman Directs Cadres to Allow Police Posts in Villages
After a wrangling over reestablishment of police posts and allowing the return of VDC secretaries, Maoist chairman Prachanda finally has directed his party ranks to cooperate the government in reinstating the police posts as well as returning the VDC secretaries to the respective villages. This is a very positive timely step for the peace process, which continues in
Wednesday, Prachanda issued a special direction and has asked the party cadres to allow VDC offices and the police to operate in Terai areas right away. But for the hills, he has ordered his cadres for a consultation with other parties. He has also ordered his members to help the secretaries in carrying out election works. He has further asked his party workers to create an environment wherein each party activists can conduct their activities.
Let us hope, this time the directives of the Maoists supremo will be implemented as word and spirit. Previously, in many instances even Prachanda’s instructions were not seriously executed.
The Maoist supremo has alleged the ruling parties came up responsibly during the talks, for making rumors that the Maoists were not allowing reinstatement of police posts and return of VDC secretaries to delay the constituent assembly elections.
He however has added, the CPN (Maoist) is ready to make all kinds of sacrifice to make the constituent assembly polls happen in mid-June, and for a new
Prachanda's statement came after growing criticism from all quarters of the society for obstructing to reinstate police posts destroyed or removed during the conflict. The VDC secretaries were called back from the villages as they were unable to work at their stations during insurgency.
In many places the Maoists have forced the police officials out of their reinstated posts in over the last few days, which made Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala warned the Maoists that they would have to take responsibility for any delay in the CA polls because of such activities.
If positives things go on happening, CA election will be held in stipulated time and New Nepal will be brought into life as every one is wishing for.
Tuesday, January 2, 2007
Nepal's PM Koirala: This can even turn me into an autocrat
Differences are deepening between the Maoists and the government of Nepal over issues of restoration of police posts, nominations of ambassadors and promulgation of interim constitution. However, tension has not yet burst up to a point of no return.
On Monday Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala warned the Maoists in Biratnagar before he headed to Kathmandu that the elections to the Constituent Assembly might not be held on time if they do not allow the restoration of police posts. The PM said, "They have to allow restoration of police posts in all the places from where they were displaced in the past. They have to allow the VDC secretaries to visit the villages. If they do not, then they will be held responsible for the consequences."
PM Koirala further added that he would not withdraw the appointments of ambassadors. It is widely believed that these statements will certainly irritate the Maoists. On the issue of governmental appointments, the Maoists had flexed their muscle and imposed valley bandh on December 19.
In the mean time, Koirala has expressed his dissatisfaction about the interim constitution, which was signed by the top leaders of eight parties. He has clearly pointed out the provisions of the interim constitution that creates a very powerful Prime Minister without any check and balance.
"I believe that the unlimited powers vested in a Prime Minister can turn him into an autocrat. This can even turn me into an autocrat," he said.
The Maoists seem angry with the remarks of the Prime Minister. According to Dev Gurung one of the Maoists top leaders and a member of the Maoist talks team, the restoration of all police posts were not essential for CA polls. He rather suspected that the Prime Minister himself might be against holding the constituent assembly elections.
The lengthy process of monitoring arms management has delayed in promulgation of the interim constitution, formation of the interim parliament and the government. Almost all other processes have been halted for a time being.
On Monday Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala warned the Maoists in Biratnagar before he headed to Kathmandu that the elections to the Constituent Assembly might not be held on time if they do not allow the restoration of police posts. The PM said, "They have to allow restoration of police posts in all the places from where they were displaced in the past. They have to allow the VDC secretaries to visit the villages. If they do not, then they will be held responsible for the consequences."
PM Koirala further added that he would not withdraw the appointments of ambassadors. It is widely believed that these statements will certainly irritate the Maoists. On the issue of governmental appointments, the Maoists had flexed their muscle and imposed valley bandh on December 19.
In the mean time, Koirala has expressed his dissatisfaction about the interim constitution, which was signed by the top leaders of eight parties. He has clearly pointed out the provisions of the interim constitution that creates a very powerful Prime Minister without any check and balance.
"I believe that the unlimited powers vested in a Prime Minister can turn him into an autocrat. This can even turn me into an autocrat," he said.
The Maoists seem angry with the remarks of the Prime Minister. According to Dev Gurung one of the Maoists top leaders and a member of the Maoist talks team, the restoration of all police posts were not essential for CA polls. He rather suspected that the Prime Minister himself might be against holding the constituent assembly elections.
The lengthy process of monitoring arms management has delayed in promulgation of the interim constitution, formation of the interim parliament and the government. Almost all other processes have been halted for a time being.
Monday, January 1, 2007
Wishing Happy New Year to All!
Perhaps I had the good dream because I watched New Year coverage of CNN before I went to bed. The coverage was so lively and interesting that people were feeling happy welcoming new year 2007. The New Year count down programs around the world was so fabulous and good it would not be forgotten till next year.
I heard many songs while watching the coverage. Among all the songs that I liked most was Imagine, which is my all time favorite.
You can imagine now how happily I had gone to the bed last night. Each and every part of my body was energized and waiting for the new dawn with positive events.
I thought while I was on bed the wars and insurgencies around the world would end and there would be no more blood shed. The people all over the world would not have any problem to recognize the difference of opinion as a democratic value and accepted human rights and there would not be any need of wars to decide the differences. While thinking all positive things, I felt asleep and started dreaming that every body without any discrimination was taking part in a big party. There was nothing except peace, happiness, and enjoyment.
However, my dream was short-lived. I was awakened with telephone ring. I answered it and was shocked with the news that the grand child of my best friend died. What a bad wake up in the New Year 2007. The baby was born on Thanks Giving day
I then could not sleep at all with such horrible news. Then I was restless and wanted to read or see something good. However, I could not find any good news rather so many bad ones. Among the bad ones I gave attention to the news of an Indonesian passenger plane carrying 102 people disappeared in stormy weather on Monday, and rescue teams were sent to search in the area where the aircraft sent out a distress signal.
My second attention went to another news item that an angry mob clashed with police near
And the last but not the least, a young boy who tried to copy hanging scenes from the execution video of Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein died in central
The death of so many people is a regular act of nature. However, I could comfort myself a little bit looking at the bigger picture. Every one who has come to this world has to leave one day sooner or later. I know it is so easy to tell this reality, but at the same time so hard for those people whose loved ones are gone. Only time can heal them.
I can do nothing but wishing. May New Year 2007 Bring Peace and Happiness to All!
Sunday, December 31, 2006
National Reconciliation Day; Peace Campaign
Dec 31 is the National Reconciliation Day for the Nepali Congress (NC), and its sister organizations. They organize various programs across the nation to observe the day.
On this day 31 years ago late B P Koirala the first elected Prime Minister and his colleague late Ganesh Man Singh had returned to Nepal from India with the proposal of national reconciliation. Since then NC has been celebrating the day as National Reconciliation day.
To day issuing a message, Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress (NC) Girija Prasad Koirala said that national unity and reconciliation was needed to make people sovereign and to safeguard nation’s interest.
Koirala added, nationalism and sovereignty are two inseparable fundamentals. Every Nepali should be inspired by the motto: “We will not remain if the country ceases to exist”. To mark the day a message is issued by the Prime Minister’s office that states, "The country will have to bear the impact in the first place if the people have no sovereign right and the National Unity and Reconciliation Day is a reminder of the importance of making people sovereign."
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the Reconciliation Day, NC formally launched a nation wide Peace Campaign in all 75 districts of the country to create a fear-free environment for independent elections to the constituent assembly. During the campaign the NC cadres will go door to door for collecting suggestions so that they can take an official position on monarchy.
Sending NC cadres to the villages are right and timely move. Since it still remains the sense of fear produced by the decade-long insurgency in the villages, the party can bring a positive impact on people by eliminating fear after the campaign. The Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held at the official residence of Prime Minister GP Koirala had decided to send all the CWC members, NC Members of Parliament and central leaders to the districts under the "Peace Campaign" to create political awareness and to strengthen the congress fraternity.
Parties should send their leaders to every nooks and corners of Nepali villages where insurgency had affected most and people simply cannot express their opinion. Without practicing free expression in public the rights given to the people through interim constitution will have no meaning at all.
How will the Maoists cadres respond to the NC’s Peace Campaign? This is an acid test of the Maoist leadership. People all over the world are watching Nepal's Peace Process.
On this day 31 years ago late B P Koirala the first elected Prime Minister and his colleague late Ganesh Man Singh had returned to Nepal from India with the proposal of national reconciliation. Since then NC has been celebrating the day as National Reconciliation day.
To day issuing a message, Prime Minister and President of Nepali Congress (NC) Girija Prasad Koirala said that national unity and reconciliation was needed to make people sovereign and to safeguard nation’s interest.
Koirala added, nationalism and sovereignty are two inseparable fundamentals. Every Nepali should be inspired by the motto: “We will not remain if the country ceases to exist”. To mark the day a message is issued by the Prime Minister’s office that states, "The country will have to bear the impact in the first place if the people have no sovereign right and the National Unity and Reconciliation Day is a reminder of the importance of making people sovereign."
Meanwhile, on the occasion of the Reconciliation Day, NC formally launched a nation wide Peace Campaign in all 75 districts of the country to create a fear-free environment for independent elections to the constituent assembly. During the campaign the NC cadres will go door to door for collecting suggestions so that they can take an official position on monarchy.
Sending NC cadres to the villages are right and timely move. Since it still remains the sense of fear produced by the decade-long insurgency in the villages, the party can bring a positive impact on people by eliminating fear after the campaign. The Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held at the official residence of Prime Minister GP Koirala had decided to send all the CWC members, NC Members of Parliament and central leaders to the districts under the "Peace Campaign" to create political awareness and to strengthen the congress fraternity.
Parties should send their leaders to every nooks and corners of Nepali villages where insurgency had affected most and people simply cannot express their opinion. Without practicing free expression in public the rights given to the people through interim constitution will have no meaning at all.
How will the Maoists cadres respond to the NC’s Peace Campaign? This is an acid test of the Maoist leadership. People all over the world are watching Nepal's Peace Process.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
Amnesty International Call Fell Deaf Ears!
Amnesty International's call for Saddam's execution order to be cancelled fell on deaf ears. Although, I am a nonviolence activist pro peace and justice, I am neither sad nor glad at the execution. A dictator was dead after a trial. Justice was done according to Iraq's law. However, I am anti capital punishment. Execution of human being is a violence. I believe even the state should not have right to take life of people. It is against human civilization.
Meanwhile, Saddam Hussein has been executed amid growing concern that a civil war in Iraq will flare.
United States president George W Bush said: "Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime. Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law."
Al Jazeera - Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi president, has been hanged, according to Iraqi and US officials. Reports on Al Hurra, a US-backed television station, said that Saddam was executed shortly before 6am (03:00 GMT) on Saturday. Iraq's deputy foreign minister, Labeed Abbawi, said: "He has been executed. It has been officially announced that he has been executed." A US official also confirmed the hanging but gave no further details. The White House had no immediate comment.
BBC - Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been executed by hanging at an unspecified location in Baghdad, for crimes against humanity. Iraqi TV said the execution took place just before 0600 local time (0300GMT). The news was confirmed to the BBC by the Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister, Labeed Abawi.
Reuters - Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging shortly before 6 a.m. (10:00 p.m. EST) on Saturday, U.S.-backed Iraqi television station Al Hurra and Arabic satellite channel Arabiya said. Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Labeed Abbawi also said the execution had taken place. "I believe so, yes. He has been executed. It has been officially announced that he has been executed," Abbawi said, speaking by telephone to BBC News 24.
AP - Saddam Hussein, the shotgun-waving dictator who ruled Iraq with a remorseless brutality for a quarter-century and was driven from power by a U.S.-led war that left his country in shambles, was taken to the gallows and executed Saturday, Iraqi
state-run television reported.
Meanwhile, Saddam Hussein has been executed amid growing concern that a civil war in Iraq will flare.
United States president George W Bush said: "Today, Saddam Hussein was executed after receiving a fair trial -- the kind of justice he denied the victims of his brutal regime. Fair trials were unimaginable under Saddam Hussein's tyrannical rule. It is a testament to the Iraqi people's resolve to move forward after decades of oppression that, despite his terrible crimes against his own people, Saddam Hussein received a fair trial. This would not have been possible without the Iraqi people's determination to create a society governed by the rule of law."
Al Jazeera - Saddam Hussein, the former Iraqi president, has been hanged, according to Iraqi and US officials. Reports on Al Hurra, a US-backed television station, said that Saddam was executed shortly before 6am (03:00 GMT) on Saturday. Iraq's deputy foreign minister, Labeed Abbawi, said: "He has been executed. It has been officially announced that he has been executed." A US official also confirmed the hanging but gave no further details. The White House had no immediate comment.
BBC - Former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein has been executed by hanging at an unspecified location in Baghdad, for crimes against humanity. Iraqi TV said the execution took place just before 0600 local time (0300GMT). The news was confirmed to the BBC by the Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister, Labeed Abawi.
Reuters - Saddam Hussein was executed by hanging shortly before 6 a.m. (10:00 p.m. EST) on Saturday, U.S.-backed Iraqi television station Al Hurra and Arabic satellite channel Arabiya said. Iraqi Deputy Foreign Minister Labeed Abbawi also said the execution had taken place. "I believe so, yes. He has been executed. It has been officially announced that he has been executed," Abbawi said, speaking by telephone to BBC News 24.
AP - Saddam Hussein, the shotgun-waving dictator who ruled Iraq with a remorseless brutality for a quarter-century and was driven from power by a U.S.-led war that left his country in shambles, was taken to the gallows and executed Saturday, Iraqi
state-run television reported.
Friday, December 29, 2006
C A Election and Police Posts
Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala's said, Maoist Chairman Prachanda has agreed to reinstate police posts that were dislodged during the insurgency. However, the Maoist cadres torched a re-established police post at Rajahar in Nawalparasi district.
Five policemen including Sub Inspector Tek Bahadur Kunwar were injured when the Maoist attacked the Rajahar Police Post on Friday and thrashed unarmed police team.
The condition of Kunwar, is reported critical. His head and face was damaged in the attack. The other injured policemen are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
After beating the policemen severely, the Maoists torched the post that was just reinstated.
PM Koirala is at his hometown Biratnagar. He claimed Friday morning that the Maoist Chairman Prachanda, on telephone, had agreed to return of the police posts everywhere in the country.
However, earlier today, the Maoists had blocked the Mahendra Highway in order to pressure for the return of the police team. The Maoists also burned tyres and chanted anti-government slogans. According to them police post was reinstated against the Government-Maoist Peace agreement.
But a political observer can never be positive about a situation without police posts before Constituent Assembly election countdown begins. At least, the primary requirements for the CA election in mid-June 2007 have to be reestablishment of the police posts in all VDCs of Nepal.
Police posts are necessary to update voter lists and bring normalcy and law and order. When the Maoists are against reestablishing police posts or the government units in the villages of Nepal a lot of questions arises.
Without law and order how can voter list be updated? Will the CA election be free and fair without any pressure? Will the people of Nepal be ready to go to the polls in spite of force and threat? In the real sense, can the election of the CA decide the fate of Nepali people given the law and order less situation that might continue during the election period? Can CA election be conducted at the present atmosphere?
All the international election monitoring teams like officials from the Carter Center must bear in mind that situation of Kathmandu may not reflect the total situation of the entire country. Right now also we can see law and order more effectively maintained in the capital and the surrounding areas. But always alarming reports are coming from outskirts.
Five policemen including Sub Inspector Tek Bahadur Kunwar were injured when the Maoist attacked the Rajahar Police Post on Friday and thrashed unarmed police team.
The condition of Kunwar, is reported critical. His head and face was damaged in the attack. The other injured policemen are undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
After beating the policemen severely, the Maoists torched the post that was just reinstated.
PM Koirala is at his hometown Biratnagar. He claimed Friday morning that the Maoist Chairman Prachanda, on telephone, had agreed to return of the police posts everywhere in the country.
However, earlier today, the Maoists had blocked the Mahendra Highway in order to pressure for the return of the police team. The Maoists also burned tyres and chanted anti-government slogans. According to them police post was reinstated against the Government-Maoist Peace agreement.
But a political observer can never be positive about a situation without police posts before Constituent Assembly election countdown begins. At least, the primary requirements for the CA election in mid-June 2007 have to be reestablishment of the police posts in all VDCs of Nepal.
Police posts are necessary to update voter lists and bring normalcy and law and order. When the Maoists are against reestablishing police posts or the government units in the villages of Nepal a lot of questions arises.
Without law and order how can voter list be updated? Will the CA election be free and fair without any pressure? Will the people of Nepal be ready to go to the polls in spite of force and threat? In the real sense, can the election of the CA decide the fate of Nepali people given the law and order less situation that might continue during the election period? Can CA election be conducted at the present atmosphere?
All the international election monitoring teams like officials from the Carter Center must bear in mind that situation of Kathmandu may not reflect the total situation of the entire country. Right now also we can see law and order more effectively maintained in the capital and the surrounding areas. But always alarming reports are coming from outskirts.
Thursday, December 28, 2006
Taiwan quake disrupts Internet links
Internet connections stopped in Nepal following a strong quake in Taiwan's southern coast Tuesday night.
However, two Internet service providers in the country could manage to prevent the interruption caused by the snapping of optic fiber links undersea near Taiwan.
The shake, that triggered a tsunami alert in Taiwan, damaged two of the seven undersea cables near Taiwan, used by many countries to route calls and Internet traffic. Besides Nepal, connections have also been affected to China, Japan, India and Southeast Asian countries.
Some Net service providers were doubly affected since they lease lines from Singapore's SingTel company, which itself has been affected by the Taiwan quake.
Though two Nepal companies that provide connections directly from the US were operating, the speed was sluggish and files took much longer to download.
Internet telephony and messaging services have also been affected.
Mercantile, one of Nepal's largest ISP providers said it had no idea when services would resume since the problem was in Taiwan.
People without internet services in China, India, Japan and Nepal have to wait and see how things move fast in Taiwan.
However, two Internet service providers in the country could manage to prevent the interruption caused by the snapping of optic fiber links undersea near Taiwan.
The shake, that triggered a tsunami alert in Taiwan, damaged two of the seven undersea cables near Taiwan, used by many countries to route calls and Internet traffic. Besides Nepal, connections have also been affected to China, Japan, India and Southeast Asian countries.
Some Net service providers were doubly affected since they lease lines from Singapore's SingTel company, which itself has been affected by the Taiwan quake.
Though two Nepal companies that provide connections directly from the US were operating, the speed was sluggish and files took much longer to download.
Internet telephony and messaging services have also been affected.
Mercantile, one of Nepal's largest ISP providers said it had no idea when services would resume since the problem was in Taiwan.
People without internet services in China, India, Japan and Nepal have to wait and see how things move fast in Taiwan.
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
Is the Doom Ahead?
Nepal is a land of breathtaking diversity. It is a country that provides a memorable experience to those who have visited with the most diverse interests. Nepal possesses the diverse variety of attractions found nowhere in the world. She is a natural and cultural heritage, a living museum and abode of gods. Within a span of 100 miles, in Nepal one can find the majestic highest pick of the Himalayas the Mt. Everest to the tropical jungle in the Gangetic plains homelands of the Bengal tigers and one horned rhinoceros. The people of this mysterious country form a rich and intriguing ethnic tapestry. Nepal is full of superlatives, myths and legends. Even legendary Guarkha soldiers are from Nepal.
Yet, beyond its natural beauty, Nepal is also a vibrant living museum of ancient civilizations with wonderful traditions of art and architecture. Nepal is comprised of people from different ethnic groups. They are more than 50 in number. But surprisingly, each maintains age-old customs and language. This is an unfathomable land that revels in apparently mystifying diversity but still retains a harmonious national character.This character is the tradition of honesty, loyalty, simplicity, hospitality and bravery that touch the heart of every single person who come closure to a Nepali person.
However, when I read news articles on political developments of Nepal , I usually find myself in wilderness. Every part of my body starts trembling because I see the diverse harmonious character of my beautiful birth place is plummeting. I read and can see the petty politicians are dividing simple people along ethnicity, religion, region and language.
No doubt, every ethnic group should get freedom in practicing their culture without any bar. This is a democratic norm and it is according to the principle of human rights. But indulging in division creation for sake of political gains will bring furious violent conflict. I think I don’t have to mention in details the conflict of Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Lebanon, Lanka, Kashmir and etc. This is what I am afraid of. And I see the country is heading towards Tragedy. I have been writing and trying to communicate with the political leaders about it.
Nepalgunj violence is a spark not fire. If it is not put off (I don’t mean suppress) at this right moment and instead oiled only the doom is ahead.
Yet, beyond its natural beauty, Nepal is also a vibrant living museum of ancient civilizations with wonderful traditions of art and architecture. Nepal is comprised of people from different ethnic groups. They are more than 50 in number. But surprisingly, each maintains age-old customs and language. This is an unfathomable land that revels in apparently mystifying diversity but still retains a harmonious national character.This character is the tradition of honesty, loyalty, simplicity, hospitality and bravery that touch the heart of every single person who come closure to a Nepali person.
However, when I read news articles on political developments of Nepal , I usually find myself in wilderness. Every part of my body starts trembling because I see the diverse harmonious character of my beautiful birth place is plummeting. I read and can see the petty politicians are dividing simple people along ethnicity, religion, region and language.
No doubt, every ethnic group should get freedom in practicing their culture without any bar. This is a democratic norm and it is according to the principle of human rights. But indulging in division creation for sake of political gains will bring furious violent conflict. I think I don’t have to mention in details the conflict of Balkans, Iraq, Afghanistan, Rwanda, Lebanon, Lanka, Kashmir and etc. This is what I am afraid of. And I see the country is heading towards Tragedy. I have been writing and trying to communicate with the political leaders about it.
Nepalgunj violence is a spark not fire. If it is not put off (I don’t mean suppress) at this right moment and instead oiled only the doom is ahead.
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Government Boon for Smugglers!!
The word government may refer to the people who form the supreme administrative body of a country, as in the expression “the government of Prime Minister Churchill or Girija Koirala in
After the Maoists started issuing license plates of their "people's government" to smuggled vehicles, the flow of new vehicles into Nepal from India by escaping tax to the Nepal government, has skyrocketed in recent times.
According to sources, the open border of Kailali district has been used to smuggle jeeps, cars, vans and motorcycles from
According to the report, black marketers contact local smugglers having close ties with the Maoists leaders and bring in such vehicles. The vehicles reach any desired destinations without being stopped anywhere with the people's government license plates, which are later replaced with Nepal Government license plates.
Maoists are able to collect huge sums in "tax and customs charges" for vehicles.
The Maoist chief of their government Laxman Chaudhary aka "Roshan", said such registration process was begun after their government was established.
With such dual registration of the vehicle, the criminals can escape the authority with just changing the license plates of the vehicles used for crimes. The Police personals say it is difficult to check any vehicle bearing Maoist number plate.
"We do not know the process and type of action if such vehicles with the Maoist government's license plate violate traffic rule, we are helpless" said Mahendra Chand, in-charge of Regional Traffic Police Post at Attariya. He wondered if the victims have to go to the Maoists.
Monday, December 25, 2006
Buddha Boy in Jungle “Miracle”
His name is Ram Bahadur Bomjon. He is popularly known far and wide as Buddha Boy. He had disappeared from the jungle of Ratanpuri in Bara district, nine months ago. He has reappeared nearby the area on Sunday one day before Christmas.
The 17-year old Bomjon, who was meditating without any food or water in the jungles in south Nepal, disappeared in March 2005. Now he was found in the jungles near Pathlaiya-Nijgadh road section of the East-West Highway. Local villagers found Bomjon in dense forest located 5 km west of the highway yesterday night.
His continuous meditation without any food and water and the disappearance got extensive national and international media coverage. However, the boy suddenly abandoned meditation site at Charkose Jhadi area after meditating without food and water for ten months.
The young man who was found last night claimed he had still not eaten anything except herbal medicines during his meditation period after March 2005. His disappearance was for almost 10 months and the boy looked good and fit. If we believe his claims it must be “Miracle”.
It is reported he would meditate near the historical Halkhoriya pond his previous meditation site. The Buddha boy has said that he does not want his new meditation site to be noisy and his followers be allowed to see him from a distance. When he was asked what should be done with the donations that his followers would make, he advised to spend the donation in a right manner without misusing it.
After he was spotted a large number of people, including his family members and security personnel have arrived at the place to see him. The spot started becoming a crowded place where people come from different parts of the country. Both the devotees and the skeptical people alike are willing to see him. However, their motive might be different.
The story of his meditation resembles the life of Gautama Buddha, who was enlightened more than 2,500 years ago. We can find similarities and dissimilarities in both stories of meditations. Amusingly, Bomjon's mother's name, too, is Maya Devi- the name of Buddha's mother. Gautama Buddha was the son of a king while Ram Bahadur Bomjon is son of an ordinary farmer in Ratanpur village of Bara district. Coincidentally, Buddha was born only 160 miles from Bara in 540BC in the plains of Nepal.
Although, his supporters and followers claim, he had meditated without eating and drinking for months it requires to confirm by doctors, scientists, and the experts in these modern days.
The 17-year old Bomjon, who was meditating without any food or water in the jungles in south Nepal, disappeared in March 2005. Now he was found in the jungles near Pathlaiya-Nijgadh road section of the East-West Highway. Local villagers found Bomjon in dense forest located 5 km west of the highway yesterday night.
His continuous meditation without any food and water and the disappearance got extensive national and international media coverage. However, the boy suddenly abandoned meditation site at Charkose Jhadi area after meditating without food and water for ten months.
The young man who was found last night claimed he had still not eaten anything except herbal medicines during his meditation period after March 2005. His disappearance was for almost 10 months and the boy looked good and fit. If we believe his claims it must be “Miracle”.
It is reported he would meditate near the historical Halkhoriya pond his previous meditation site. The Buddha boy has said that he does not want his new meditation site to be noisy and his followers be allowed to see him from a distance. When he was asked what should be done with the donations that his followers would make, he advised to spend the donation in a right manner without misusing it.
After he was spotted a large number of people, including his family members and security personnel have arrived at the place to see him. The spot started becoming a crowded place where people come from different parts of the country. Both the devotees and the skeptical people alike are willing to see him. However, their motive might be different.
The story of his meditation resembles the life of Gautama Buddha, who was enlightened more than 2,500 years ago. We can find similarities and dissimilarities in both stories of meditations. Amusingly, Bomjon's mother's name, too, is Maya Devi- the name of Buddha's mother. Gautama Buddha was the son of a king while Ram Bahadur Bomjon is son of an ordinary farmer in Ratanpur village of Bara district. Coincidentally, Buddha was born only 160 miles from Bara in 540BC in the plains of Nepal.
Although, his supporters and followers claim, he had meditated without eating and drinking for months it requires to confirm by doctors, scientists, and the experts in these modern days.
Sunday, December 24, 2006
Carter Center in Nepal’s CA Election!!
The Carter Center under its program “Peace with Justice” is engaging in different parts of the world. The center emphasis that peace with justice requires resolving conflict according to rules agreed to by all, beginning with the shared commitment to human rights and democratic values.
Today, no government in the world denies sharing this belief. However, in practice there are still many governments operating in many countries with wide gap between the rhetoric and realities. Keeping the legacy of the center it is sending a two-member team to Nepal early January to begin monitoring of preparations for elections to the proposed Constituent Assembly.
According to Director of Democracy Program at the Center, Dr David Carroll the Center is sending a team led by senior representative Darren Nance. The team comprises with Sarah Levit-Shore, an assistant coordinator for the Center's Nepal program. This team is supposed to monitor the election preparations and provide recommendations as appropriate to key electoral actors in Nepal.
The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former US President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The center that has monitored elections in 61 countries worldwide. The center is the only international institution invited in Nepal both by the government and the Maoists for observing the proposed CA polls which will be held by mid-June, 2007. It has accepted the invitation and confirmed its involvement in observing the forthcoming CA polls.
The Center is planning to send long-term observers (LTO) to Nepal 'roughly" five months in advance of the elections. LTO will monitor the election environment in the districts and help build confidence in the democratic process. The LTO will comprise of individuals with expertise in the field of elections, human rights, and conflict and security issues. Besides, they will be individuals familiar with Nepal's history and politics.
Some of the elections in the different countries previously monitored by the center were criticized not free and fair. The center therefore has a lot of criticism in its monitoring efforts. Many skeptics have argued that the Carter Center has become an institution to issue a license to many dictators as democratically elected leaders.
Mostly in young democracies and the countries ruled by dictators it is very hard to monitor the elections. Regarding Nepal however, the situation will be different because the center seems aware of shortcomings. It is hoped the LTO will minimize the inaccuracy of free and fair election.
Today, no government in the world denies sharing this belief. However, in practice there are still many governments operating in many countries with wide gap between the rhetoric and realities. Keeping the legacy of the center it is sending a two-member team to Nepal early January to begin monitoring of preparations for elections to the proposed Constituent Assembly.
According to Director of Democracy Program at the Center, Dr David Carroll the Center is sending a team led by senior representative Darren Nance. The team comprises with Sarah Levit-Shore, an assistant coordinator for the Center's Nepal program. This team is supposed to monitor the election preparations and provide recommendations as appropriate to key electoral actors in Nepal.
The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former US President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. The center that has monitored elections in 61 countries worldwide. The center is the only international institution invited in Nepal both by the government and the Maoists for observing the proposed CA polls which will be held by mid-June, 2007. It has accepted the invitation and confirmed its involvement in observing the forthcoming CA polls.
The Center is planning to send long-term observers (LTO) to Nepal 'roughly" five months in advance of the elections. LTO will monitor the election environment in the districts and help build confidence in the democratic process. The LTO will comprise of individuals with expertise in the field of elections, human rights, and conflict and security issues. Besides, they will be individuals familiar with Nepal's history and politics.
Some of the elections in the different countries previously monitored by the center were criticized not free and fair. The center therefore has a lot of criticism in its monitoring efforts. Many skeptics have argued that the Carter Center has become an institution to issue a license to many dictators as democratically elected leaders.
Mostly in young democracies and the countries ruled by dictators it is very hard to monitor the elections. Regarding Nepal however, the situation will be different because the center seems aware of shortcomings. It is hoped the LTO will minimize the inaccuracy of free and fair election.
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