‘ India has played a positive role’ -- C.P.Gajurel 
As the United States increasingly grow wary of the Nepalese Maoists despite the latter’s publicly declared commitment to pursue a peaceful politics, the Maoists have mounted verbal attacks on the US in recent weeks. While the world’s only super power still suspects the intentions of the former communist rebels, the battle-hardened Nepalese comrades have drawn closer to the South Asian regional power. Even as the Maoists see the US as a key obstacle to the current peace process and their ultimate goal of overthrowing monarchy, they laud India for what they see as a positive role. The policy towards the “imperialist” America may have hardened, but there has been a sea-change in the Maoist policy towards the “expansionist” India. This was as much evident from a recent interview (March 7) a top Maoist leader gave to the BBC Nepali Service. Excerpts of a ten-minute interview with the chief of international relations department of the CPN-Maoist, C.P. Gajurel:
Prior to the royal coup in February, 2005, India had a different policy towards Nepal . It had been backing the monarchy and helped a lot to save the monarchy. India ’s policy changed after the royal coup. It did not supply the arms that had already been on pipeline. It suspended the arms supply. The subsequent move of king Gyanendra to import arms from China further angered India . This escalated the Indian hostility towards the royal regime. On the other hand, as the seven-party alliance could not intensify the anti-king agitation, India felt the need to bring the seven parties and us (the Maoists.) together.
At the government level?
Yes, of course, at the government level. Then, we (the seven parties and us) had our first meeting near Delhi . The meeting was impossible without India ’s approval. India ’s role has been positive in the subsequent developments. It has continued to date.
Are you implying that India shares your position on the future of monarchy?
Not necessarily absolutely. But India has made it clear that it will respect whatever verdict Nepalese people will give. So, if a republican regime is established here, India will accept it.
So, your one-time foe has turned a friend now?
We view India from its policy on Nepal . When it stood against the Nepalese revolutionaries, we opposed India . But now that India has backed the on-going process in Nepal and vowed to back a logical end to it, our policy towards India has also only naturally changed.
NIBL INVESTS IN CONSERVATION
A leading commercial bank in the country has announced to organize annual marathon to generate funds to support conservation efforts.
 |
NIBL officials at press meet : Social responsibility |
The Nepal Investment Bank Limited (NIBL) is all set to organize annual marathon on March 17. The funds raised will be utilized for the renovation and preservation of Patan Durbar Square .
At a press meet on March 13, the NIBL officials informed that they plan to raise over Rs 2.5 million. This amount will then be matched by the US-based World Monuments Fund.
According to the bank, nine different events of marathon will be held in four categories – 21 km, 10 km, 5 km and 1 km. A total of half a million rupees cash award will be given to the winners of the nine events.
Prithvi Bahadur Pande, chairman and executive director of the bank, said, “We are committed to continue our support to various social and sporting activities as the bank grows.”
Pande said that the marathon even will be held every year to build awareness among people about the need to preserve monuments that are our cultural heritage.
“NIBL, through its first Annual Marathon, has taken this opportunity to support Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT) by way of raising funds for the restoration and conservation of Patan Durbar. This project was selected amongst various others in the World Monuments Nepal Watch List and UNESCO World Heritage Centre,” states a press release by the bank
Nepal Investment Bank Limited has assisted and contributed to various conservation/heritage related projects as well as numerous sporting activities in Nepal . In the area of conservation, NIBL started by contribution towards the restoration of the Kal Bhairab Temple and the Pancha Kumari Maitidevi Temple .
In sports, NIBL has been a generous contributor in various sporting activities of the likes of tennis, golf, athletics, cricket, boxing, etc. NIBL also supported the Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon and the 35th National Athletics Championships. NIBL is the exclusive sponsor of the Friends Club Kupondole.
Nepal Investment Bank Limited’s total support and contribution to heritage and sports has been to the tune of Rs 31 lakhs 81 thousand since the Nepali Management took over the Bank in 2002.
