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.

Wishing Happy New Year to All!

I wished New Year 2007 would bring Peace and Prosperity to the people living all over the world. Last night I had a nice dream. I dreamt people all over the world were singing John Lennon's song “Imagine”.

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 New Delhi on Monday over the grisly discovery of the remains of 17 people, including a dozen children, who had been missing for years.

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 Pakistan.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Nepal.”

“Government, political organization comprising the individuals and institutions authorized to formulate public policies and conduct affairs of state. Governments are empowered to establish and regulate the interrelationships of the people within their territorial confines, the relations of the people with the community as a whole, and the dealings of the community with other political entities”, Encarta Encyclopedia.

According to the Encarta Encyclopedia, “Government applies in this sense both to the governments of national states, such as the federal government of the U.S., and to the governments of subdivisions of national states, such as the state, county, and municipal governments of the U.S. and the governments of the provinces of Canada. Such organizations as universities, labor unions, and churches are also broadly governmental in many of their functions”.

The self-proclaimed "new regime" of the Maoists at the local level in many places of Nepal falls under what categories of Government, at least I don’t know. I know as according to popular view government must be for the people confined to its scope and domain. Has the Maoists government at Sati-Mahakali served the interest of the people?

The Maoists might say yes! It has, why not! Nevertheless, the reports in the media tell us otherwise. It has become a boon for vehicle smugglers there in Kailali.

Wait; what does this mean? Are not smugglers the people? Should not they be benefited when there is the self proclaimed government of the liberators? Cannot government serve the interest of bad guys?

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 India, which are subsequently supplied to other cities across the country.

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.

Nepal customs rule categorically says no vehicle can be brought in to Nepal from India except Bhairahawa and Birgunj. "If they are brought from elsewhere except these two points, they are smuggled and bear no legality at the transportation office."

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.

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.

Declare Nepal a Hindu State!!!

The Hindu religious leaders of India and Nepal were very much displeased with the decision of the Nepalese Parliament of May 18, which formally invalidated the epithet of Hindu Kingdom. Earlier, Nepal used to be the only Hindu state in the world.

After the declaration of the Parliament the only Hindu Kingdom Nepal now has changed into a secular country. However, after 7 months the Hindu leaders have demanded Nepal be declared a Hindu State and its constitutional monarchy restored at the Vishwa Hindu Mahasammelan (VHM) at Gorakhpur on Saturday according to the Hindustan Times.

Sants (or sadhus) should take initiative to establish Hinduism in Nepal according to the religious leaders. They also criticized the Indian Government stand on Nepal and blamed no Indian political party was taking Maoists' activities seriously.

According to the Hindustan Times, Shankaracharya of Goverdhan Peeth, Puri Swami Nishchalanand Saraswati said the saints would have to work to control the religious and political system in Nepal. He said, "Today we should take vow to work till Hindu Kingdom status is restored in Nepal".

Nischalanand further pointed out, "As the political system failed to protect Hinduism in Nepal, it was the duty of saints to provide guidance to the citizens of Nepal. We are not against formation of democratic government in Nepal; still Constitutional Monarchy could be restored as is the practice in several Christian, Islamic and Buddhist countries”.

Over 500 delegates from Nepal are taking part in the VHM. They drew the attention of the 'Dharmacharyas' towards the pathetic condition of the Hindus in Nepal. They said ISI of Pakistan was spreading its network in Nepal to create disturbance in India, according to the report.

The Hindu discontentment at this point of time seems not very much alarming to bring a substantial turmoil in Nepal. But we have seen the past experience of Pakistan and the Taleban movement in Afghanistan. Therefore the political parties of Nepal must learn lessons from them.

Gorakhpur declaration is of very seriously. More than 80% of the people of Nepal are the Hindus. If the Hindus start feeling discriminated and marginalized naturally rise of the Hindu nationalism will sweep away tiny Nepal.

Is Koirala’s Failure Synonym to Country’s Failure?

Prime Minister of Nepal Girija Prasad Koirala on Saturday said that the government would not take any steps that could jeopardize Nepal's peace and democracy.

Indeed, there are many questions arising with PM’s above saying. Have any one thought why the Prime Minister was forced to comment on the peace process and democracy? With the present political development in Nepal, it seems underneath the surface a lot happens. As a political observer, I can only imagine how terrible violence atrocities would have taken place in Nepal if all political parties including the Maoists had not united under the towering leadership of GP Koirala who navigated the transition smoothly till today. Yet a lot has to be accomplished. However, the present reactions to government nominations might make everyone feel that the honeymoon of the party alliances is under threat.

At this juncture, all Nepalese political parties must be united rising above the party line. In the past we saw the parties were fighting for nominations of their yes men in the lucrative jobs. This present fiery demonstration against the government decisions reminds the same old disease that has stretched up to the Maoists also. It is interesting to watch the Maoists moves in the present day politics of Nepal. They are receiving a big sum of tax payers’ money. They are just silently smiling. People are paying them. They are not yet at the government but they want share in the appointments. What difference do we find in these political parties? The only differences; the Maoists have strong armed men to bargain?

How will the senior leader GP Koirala lead the country smoothly in this transition? As he always says, “He can fail but the country should not fail”. Right at this moment what will happen if he fails? Will there be any other respected towering leadership who can be acceptable to all the political forces including the Maoists and the Monarchists?

Although, the Monarchists are not in control but I think they still hold power to create disturbances. For taming the diminishing monarchist without further bloodshed, Koirala is the only answer. Who can boldly stand upright in front of the foreigners regarding trusting the Maoists? It seems none, except GP. He can simply give his own past history as an example.

The parties who are in favor of change should coolly think before agitating. They are reminding people how parties can be misdirected from their prime goals to a petty interest. Appointments are not for life long. After the formation of an elected government any appointment can be reversed. It is not a very big political issue. May be for now, parties did not have an opportunity to nominate their yes men in the lucrative posts.

So what alternative people of Nepal find if Koirala government fails? Is he not the most trusted one to lead the country in this transition? Have not all political parties including the Maoist shown their faith on GP Koirala’s towering leadership. Does not he the one who has been shouldering the country in this the most difficult time?

Really one can think of Prime Minister’s task of leading the country towards peace and democracy even trusting quite opposite political forces the Monarchists and the Maoists. Just imagining the situation, my whole body starts to shake with terror how bloody it will be if this attempt of PM for peace and democracy fails at this juncture. Is not his failure synonym to country’s failure?

The PM expressed his commitment towards handling issues of national importance based on the seven-party alliance and the Maoist agreements. We in Nepal know that GP’s commitment means sure to occur. His life is an open book for all.

What can we make out of the report in the media that PM Koirala told a delegation of human rights activists on Friday he had told Prachanda, the Maoists supreme he would keep some seats on the NHRC and the ambassadorship for France for the Maoists? For me it is good will of PM to keep some vacancy till the arm management completes.

Can the PM right now nominate the Maoists in such positions before arms management? Yes! He can as the head of the state and the government. However, if he nominates a fellow Maoist will a country like France accept a person leveled as a terrorist as an ambassador?

NHRC is a free intuition for guarding human rights of Nepali people. The Maoists are the party in violation of human rights. How can their representatives be nominated before they are in the government? Nobody has ever forgotten the Maoists cadres are human rights violators too. If they become part of the commission without leaving their weapons it is sure that NHRC will lose its credibility. The human rights violators from the Maoists party will surly enjoy impunity. Credibility lost NHRC is useless.

Ex-Gurkhas Participation in Arms Management

On Thursday in Kathmandu a vital decision was made to deploy 111 former Nepali servicemen in the British Army and Indian Army to monitor arms and armies management process until the UN monitors are on the ground. The decision was taken in a tripartite meeting of the government of Nepal, the Maoists and the United Nations. The meeting held at the Peace Secretariat in Singha Durbar decided to announce the vacancy to hire the ex-Gurkha servicemen immediately.

It must not be surprising why the Gurkhas are to be used in these critical hours in the country.

Gurkhas are Nepalese known for their bravery and fighting skills. Gurkha soldiers come from several different ethnic backgrounds within Nepal. Gurkhas are renowned as bravest of the braves’ fighters in the face of the earth. They are famous not only for their fearless fighting skills but also for honesty and discipline. At present they are deployed in different regions of the world including Afghanistan and Iraq. They have experiences of disarming rebels in many countries. The Gurkhas were used in peacekeeping works as well in many places.

The ex-Gurkha servicemen hired will help in initiating the process of arms and armies management that includes registration and verification of arms and the People’s Liberation Army fighters and Nepal Army soldiers.

It is a wise decision to use ex-Gurkhas in this process in their own country. This is an honor to all Nepalese people as an award for their bravery, honesty and obedience. This will be another example how people of the same country can also be used in conflict transformation. It does not always require foreigners for peace keeping and conflict transformation.

Lots of Talk, Little Do!

In 2005 we have seen many disasters in frequent succession. We have seen man made disasters in the form of devastating wars and armed conflicts. We have seen natural calamities in the form of hurricanes, landslides, earthquakes, and one great tsunami. These tragedies have taken the lives of millions and displaced hundreds of millions. A vast number of people continue to suffer unattended in the aftermath of these catastrophic events.

In the face of so much global devastation, what can be the future? Now we are talking about a bird flue with the potential of becoming pandemic. If not well prepared with our modern technology, on pandemic level several million people will suffer and die.

There are many people looking into to the causes and impacts of these natural disasters. Several experts are of common view that we have so excessively tampered with nature that we have sufficiently warmed the globe. Natural calamities are the unavoidable results.

Take for instance last year hurricanes in the USA. Many experts say global warming contributed to the magnitude and direction of the hurricanes. It seems logical too, given to increase in the water temperature. The impact of global warming is also evident in the rise of water level in oceans and seas. Eventually, many islands and other costal regions will have to be evacuated. Scientists can predict, for instance, the Maldives islands in the Indian Ocean will entirely cease to exist should the water level raise a mere few feet. When this will happen however, nobody can predict.

The modern science can tell us something about future happenings and expected impacts. Even though, science cannot yet predict the exact date, time, and magnitude we still need to be prepared to save lives.

In the wake of recent world disasters, are we serious about minimizing the impacts by acting on the causes under our control? The answer is often unenthusiastic. We are so reluctant to sacrifice our own ease and comforts. Instead, we want others to do this while we cheer them on.

We see many political pundits, bloggers, actors, comedians preachers and teachers who set the later example. They have great thoughts and many wonderful things to share. Their knowledge and skills are so great they can inspire us all. If they in turn did what they promoted in a sustained manner, just think how they could benefit humanity.

Why don't people follow their own great ideas? Often we see people believing in "Do as I say, don't do as I do". There is a tendency to preach but not to stick to one's preaching. Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King lived up to their preaching. They never became examples of “My teachings are for you to follow, but not for me". Can those great, well respected democrats be compared with the present day leaders who preach one thing and do another? Hypocrisy!

People around the world know that the cause of global warming can be substantially reduced by using less freone and gasoline alone. Many people preach this while still consuming an abundance of fuel at home at work and commuting back and forth between the two. They drive gas guzzling SUVs, they use refrigeration beyond need.

Experts say the simple boycotting of personal gas burning transportation would substantially decrease the green house effect. Yet, who is willing to exemplify this "silly" idea? The experts themselves? They are the ones who know the most about the causes and devastating effects of global warming. How about the politicians, pundits, bloggers, comedians and actors who promote environmental responsibility and readiness? What nation is ready to take the great lead? America? India? At least from within these nations came great historical success in the field of boycotting for the good of humanity.

Mahatma Gandhi once said" If you are with some people walk with them. If you don't have any; then walk alone. People will come to join you".

Negative-Positive Events Continue!!

The CPN (Maoist) on Tuesday called a Kathmandu Valley bandh (general strike), to protest the government decision of appointing ambassadors in different countries including India, China and US. The strike crippled life across the valley.

Maoist spokesperson Krishna Bahadur Mahara viewed the unilateral action of naming the ambassadors and formation of NHRC (Human Rights Comission of Nepal) by the government could seriously influence the current peace course.

While talking to media personals Mahara said, "Our party decided to announce 6 hour bandh (from 10 am to 4 pm) today in the valley and from 10 in the morning to noon outside the valley protesting the Government decision." He added, “The decisions including nomination of the ambassadors were a violation of the government-Maoist agreements reached in the past.”

Although it was a complete bandha, Kathmandu residents could be seen heading to their destinations on foot, but at the same time the Maoist cadres could be seen enforcing their strike on vehicles. The observers felt irony of the Maoists call.

The Maoist cadres burnt tires at various parts of the valley interrupting the traffic flow. Ramesh Dhungel of Kavre was seriously injured in the capital today after the Maoists beat him. Amotorcycle was torched and a private car vandalized during today's protests. The agitators misbehaved taxi drivers in addition to letting off air from the bicycle tires.

Similarly, today's strike affected life outside the capital as well. Maoist cadres halted traffic at Dhading's Gajuri and Naubise stretch while Dolakha's Charikot market remained shut today. Likewise, the strike also affected traffic on the different highways across the country. The Maoists also padlocked the District Development Committee office in Rasuwa.

Serious violation of agreements: Prachanda

Maoist Chairman Prachanda told state-owned Rastriya Samachar Samiti on Monday night, "We are involving in the government soon and have requested the incumbent government not to take any remarkable political and so other decisions alone. However, the government made such decision bypassing us. So, it is a serious violation of the agreement and accord between the party and the government”.
He made it clear that the political decisions have been carried on with the joint agreement of the government and the Maoist following the Eight Point Understanding. "However, the government made a unilateral decision this time."

PLA fighters protest Gov. decision

Meanwhile, Maoist People's Liberation Army (PLA) fighters came out of the PLA First Division camp at Chulachuli in Ilam district to protest the government decision to appoint ambassadors.

Commander of the PLA First Division Shantu Darai "Parwana" said some 800 PLA fighters with their weapons left the cantonment site for an hour this afternoon to protest the government decision.

Apex court upholds Citizenship Act

The Supreme Court (SC), on Monday, upheld the Citizenship Act 2006. The single bench of Judge Tahir Ali Ansari revoked a writ petition that had been filed at the apex court challenging the act.

The apex court has said that the Citizenship Act had been introduced in accordance with the House of Representatives Declaration and as per the Doctrine of Necessity.
Advocate Amita Shrestha had filed the writ petition asking the court to withdraw the Citizenship Act claiming that non-Nepalese could become citizens because of the new act.

Socialist International chief Ayala supports Nepal peace process

Talking to media persons at the Tribhuvan International Airport on arrival in Kathmandu Monday afternoon, Secretary General of the Socialist International (SI), Luis Ayala expressed hope for lasting peace in Nepal with the common effort of the eight parties. He has said he fully supports the ongoing peace process in Nepal.

Prachanda's Praise for India: Reaction of Indian Maoists!!

Nepali Maoist Party chairman Prachanda’s praise for India marked by strong critics from his all time alliance the Indian Maoists. Azad, spokesperson of Communist Party of India (Maoists) in a statement, pointed out "Prachanda's repeated praise for India's role in bringing about the agreement creates illusions among the masses about India rather than preparing them for fighting the Indian expansionists who are keen on skirmishing Nepal in future," He was surly referring to Prachanda's interpretation some while ago. Prachanda whole heartedly praised India for facilitating the 12-point agreement between the political parties and Maoists in New Delhi last year to launch people's movement, which forced King Gyanendra to give up powers.
Azad seems skeptical of India's role in helping Prachanda to agree an agreement. It is very important to note the statement posted online a few days ago states India is aiming to disarm and isolate the Maoists as it is aiming to grab the natural wealth of Nepal particularly its huge hydro potential and to make it a safe haven for the imperialists and Indian comprador capitalists. In its public reaction to their Nepali comrades' decision to join the peaceful democratic political mainstream, the Indian Maoists have criticized the decision of Nepali Maoists to deposit their weapons in cantonments. They view this as a surrender to the capitalist regime.
The statement adds it is more surprising the assertion by the CPN(Maoist) that their current "tactics" in Nepal would be an example to other Maoist parties in South Asia. The statement further clarifies, “Comrade Prachanda had also given a call to other Maoist parties to reconsider their revolutionary strategies and to practice multiparty democracy in the name of 21st century democracy”. However the statement emphasizes, “Our CC makes it crystal-clear to CPN (M) and the people at large that there can be no genuine democracy in any country without the capture of state power by the proletariat and that the so-called multiparty democracy cannot bring any basic change in the lives of the people".
The Indian Maoists have said that such move by Nepali Maoists was detrimental to the interests of the revolutionary movements not only in Nepal but also in South Asia. "There can be no genuine democracy in any country without the capture of state power by the proletariat,'' the Communist Party of India (Maoists) said.
Advising the Nepali Maoists to withdraw from the agreement with the Seven Party Alliance party spokesman Azad appeals the Maoists of Nepal to rethink about their current tactics. The tactics of the Nepalese Maoists have actually changed the very strategic direction of the revolution in Nepal. The statement reads, "The surrender of arms of PGA would only make people defenseless.”
The Indian Maoists have further said that depositing arms could lead to reversal of gains made by people of Nepal. They have also questioned the decision to allow the United Nations to monitor the depositing of arms saying that the UN itself is an instrument in the hands of imperialists.

Did King of Bhutan Learn from Nepal?

The announcement of abdication by Bhutanese king Jigme Singye Wangchuck to make way for his son to the throne has drawn mixed reaction from the Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal.

While some refugee organizations have described the announcement as a ruse to baffle the international community that the authoritarian Druk regime is heading towards democratization, while some political observers from South Asia took it as a positive learning from the King of Bhutan from neighboring Nepal. However, there are hundreds of thousands of Bhutanese refugees living in Nepal for more than a decade because of the atrocities to the ethnicity different from the King himself.

On Saturday, Association of Press Freedom Activists (APFA) – Bhutan unveiled the Human Rights abuse in Bhutan with a press note stating, "During his 34 years of autocratic rule in Bhutan, King Jigme Singye Wangchuck suppressed his citizens and is responsible for gross violation of human rights and eviction of above one hundred thousand innocent citizens."

The organization stated that hundreds of citizens were tortured, killed, raped and treated inhumanly in jails by the Royal Bhutan Army commanded by King Jigme. The limited rights granted to people during the reign of third King were seized and the national legislature was turned into a rubber stamp, the state mechanism became his propaganda machinery and the national treasury was grossly misused for family luxuries

His desertion from taking the responsibility of all the misdeeds carried out during his tenure could not be forgiven.

However, the organization extended congratulation to the new King and expressed hope that the long-standing refugee problem would find a better approach towards repatriation of refugees during his reign.

On the other hand, the Druk National Congress (DNC) a political party has welcomed the appointment of Khesar 26, as the fifth King of Bhutan.

At a special sitting of the cabinet On Thursday King Jigme announced to step down, formally handing over the responsibility of the head of the state to his Oxford-educated son. But it has not been reported when the new king would be crowned.

The current event of succession of throne in Bhutan is not adequate to draw a conclusion that she is heading towards Democracy. However, it will not be too early to forecast that Bhutan will also pay a big price if people’s aspirations in the country are not met. Bhutan alone cannot be left behind in the march towards Democracy and Human Rights.

Nepal without “Head of State"

The ruling Seven Party Alliance (SPA) and the Maoists have finalized the interim constitution draft early Saturday morning. They agreed to transfer all authorities of the head of state to the prime minister during the transitional period. However, The King still resides at the Royal Palace.
Intense debate over the Kings’ position could not change the existing situation; the parties arrived at a consensus not to mention anything on the status of the King, who has been already stripped of all powers, until the constituent assembly decides the fate of monarchy.
Top SPA and Maoist leaders finalized the 168-article the interim constitution which will, however, come into force only after the Maoists disarms or the management of arms completes. The arms management process includes cantoning the Maoist army, verification of their arms, locking up arms in containers and installing electronic devices by the UN.
As per the new constitution, all the people born before or residing in Nepal since the 1990 movement will be regarded as Nepali citizens. This may be a controversial issue.
Although the Maoists have been insisting to replace the existing national animal cow with something else but they agreed to the traditional national symbols including national animal the Cow. All most all the Maoists are in favor of slaughtering the cow. In Nepal traditionally cow has been regarded as the symbol of goddess and is worshiped. A law is intact against Killing and eating cow meat.
As per Saturday's agreement, the rights to education, healthcare and employment are addressed in the directive principles of the state policies and will be guaranteed through separate laws.
The present parliament restored last April will promulgate the draft new constitution while an interim legislature after inclusion of ‘non-elected’ Maoists will endorse it.
Many observers believe that there can be a tacit understanding between all political forces regarding the position of the King in the new Nepal. Therefore, the present draft Constitution is silent on the head of the state. The King might stay as a ceremonial Person without any political say.

Peace in Nepal: The way towards a new democracy?

THE Comprehensive Ceasefire and Peace Agreement between the Seven-Party Alliance Government and the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) signed between Nepalese Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and the Maoist chief Prachanda is a historic development that marks the Himalayan country’s burden with the 10-year-old insurgency. No less important is that the Peace accord between them signals a definite demonstration towards a democracy with the Maoist rebels as a full-fledged partner. Although the actual inking of the agreement was delayed, the critical part — of managing the Maoists’ weapons under UN supervision — had already gone through without a hitch. In the event, the differences that delayed the oath taking ceremony of a new interim government do not appear to have been of great significance.

With the accord signed, sealed and delivered to the people of Nepal, the Maoists would now be a part of mainstream politics. The CPN (Maoist) is slated to join the 330-member interim parliament and the interim government of Mr Koirala. According to the agreed timetable, elections would be held before June 2007 for a 425-member constituent assembly, which would not only draft but also adopt a new constitution that can be a radical progress towards a republic.

However, the monarchy is certain to be confined if not discarded altogether. Differences over this detail are unlikely to deter Nepal’s progress towards a new democratic society. The Maoists have all but given up their anti-India and anti-West rhetoric. Their acknowledgement of Washington and New Delhi’s guiding presence at the crucial stage of transition has pledged well for Nepal, Nepal-US, and Indo-Nepal relations.

New Book on Conflict out on Friday

A pictorial book of Nepal's decade long conflict – A People War, is set to hit bookshops on Friday.
According to a press release issued by nepa~laya today, the book is being published by the same company and was envisioned by senior journalist Kunda Dixit.

The book consists of 180 images by over 75 photographers from Nepal and abroad. The pictures are accompanied by captions and an introductory preface in English and Nepali.

The pictures were selected by an international selection committee earlier this year out of nearly 2,500 entries from 113 photographers.

In addition to Dixit, the committee included Bangladeshi photographer Sahidul Alam and Singaporean war photographer Shyam Tekwani, both internationally-acclaimed photojournalists involved in media training.

It is belived the book is a tribute to the resilience and strength of the Nepali people who endured a decade of conflict, with the pictures telling stories of suffering and loss, but also that of survival and hope for the future. “The book is also a testimony to the professionalism and commitment of the photographers who documented the conflict in these memorable images that will remain etched in our minds,” the press release quotes Dixit as saying.

The 217-page hardcover full-colour coffee table book is distributed within Nepal by Educational Book Shop and is priced at Rs 2,500.