Twenty missing in Myagdi landslide

By Ghanashyam Khadka

MYAGDI, July 29 – Floods and landslides triggered by heavy downpour have swept away at least 20 people in Myagdi district, authorities said Sunday. All the missing are presumed dead.

According to Myagdi District Development Committee official Chandra Bahadur Budhathoki, heavy downpour on Saturday night triggered landslides and flooding in several wards of Arman VDC, which sits on the banks of the Myagdi river.

Budhathoki, who travelled to the devastated village and returned late Sunday, said that at least 13 persons were missing and presumed dead in Arman VDC alone. Most of the damage occurred in wards 5, 6 and 7, he said, adding that at least 18 houses were swept away.

At least one other house was also destroyed in Barangja VDC which adjoins Arman. According to Budhathoki, six persons from the house are missing and presumed dead.

Meanwhile, one more person was reported missing in nearby Babiyachaur VDC. According to Madhav Malla, his father Bharat Bahadur Malla was swept away by floods Saturday night. "I managed to escape but I saw my father being swept away by the landslide," Malla said.

Myagdi officials said that despite notifying the Natural Disaster Relief Committee of the Home Ministry, the government is yet to respond. Even Naryansingh Pun, the member of parliament who represents this constituency, said he could not visit the district since he was flying out to Singapore.

The devastated Arman VDC is separated from Babiyachaur VDC by the mighty Myagdi river. A hanging bridge which connects the two banks was also swept away by the rising floods, hampering search and rescue efforts. The local chapter of the Red Cross has rushed in initial relief supplies, but it has not been able to reach Arman.

Locals fear that a big slide could be triggered again in nearby villages, causing more devastation. The fear is widespread because about one kilometre length of the river has been enveloped by mudslides triggered by the downpour.

Monsoon-induced disasters are a regular phenomenon in Nepal at this time of the year.

The road to talks is long and winding

By Damakant Jayshi

KATHMANDU, July 29 – Soon after coming to power, Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba seems to have played all his cards well. Deuba has gone further than any of his predecessors when it comes to creating a conducive atmosphere for talks with the underground Maoist rebels.

For instance, after initiating the path-breaking cease-fire last week came the release today of 15 Maoist rebels from different prisons in the country. More could be released in the days ahead.

However, except for its announcement to suspend hostilities, the Maoist leadership has yet to respond in kind. Over a hundred abducted policemen are still in their custody. This has given room for doubt in some quarters about the Maoists’ sincerity to hold dialogue with the government despite their stated desire made public by Comrade Prachanda, the leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist).

But analysts say, it is too early to read intentions of the Maoists. The cease-fire is less than a week old, and it could take some time for the abducted policemen are freed. After all, they point out, the policemen are a good bargaining chip for the rebels who still claim that more than 300 of their comrades have been rendered "missing" by the government.

Daman Nath Dhungana, former Speaker and prominent human rights activist termed the recent developments "the call of the hour". "It is the right direction at the right time," he said. When asked why the Maoists have not responded in kind, Dhungana replied that "we should not look into trifle issues. I believe that the government and the Maoists are developing a fine understanding. I appeal to all, especially the media, not to do anything to create distrust in the whole process.’

It does appear by now that both the government and the rebels are preparing for tough bargaining in the days ahead. At the same time, the two sides are also preparing the various political forces and public opinion in their favour. While Deuba has gone about selling his peace initiative to his own partymen and to other political parties, the rebels have also made concerted efforts to polish their public image. Today, he met Surya Bahadur Thapa, the Chairman of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, following on his yesterday’s meeting with the leader of the opposition, Madhav Kumar Nepal.

Prachanda’s statement Saturday that the Maoists were for multi-party democracy and not one-party rule, is being seen here as just such a move.

Whatever the case, the fact remains that the hard part for the Deuba government is just beginning. The Maoists are piling up demand after demand which, they say, must be met by the government before fruitful negotiations can begin.

Leftist human rights activist Padma Ratna Tuladhar, who is considered close to the rebel leadership, told The Kathmandu Post today that though the government moves so far had been positive, the rebels still had a list of demands which needed to be addressed.

"So far it was the first phase," Tuladhar said. "The second phase has begun with the release of the 15 jailed persons. Now the government should do make public the whereabouts of the ‘missing’ rebels."

The rebels’ other demand, according to Tuladhar, was to either to withdraw or suspend the mobilization of army, the Armed Police Force ordinance, and the Public Security Regulation-2001. But Tuladhar added a caveat. "Even if these demands are met, then only will we be entering the third and the most difficult phase – the dialogue and the agenda."

Additionally, Tuladhar also said that during the negotiations – if there are negotiations – the Maoists would again reiterate their demand for an interim government and new Constitution. "Now if during the talks the government puts forth its views that the Constitution is non-negotiable, then in my view the Maoists might not continue with the talks," he said.

The conditions raise serious questions. Is Deuba willing to negotiate even if the Maoists do not scale down their most stringent demand? How much political support will the Prime Minister have even if he chooses to negotiate?

Analysts refuse to delve that far out at the moment. So far, just the fact that the two sides are contacting and sizing up each other is achievement enough. The hard part can wait for later.

Speaking to The Kathmandu Post, former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Ram Chandra Poudel praised the peace initiatives. "I wish the talks would follow soon," he said. He, however, refused to comment further.

Bill against human trafficking to be presented

Post Report

KATHMANDU, July 29 -The campaign against the ever rising problem of girl trafficking is likely to receive a shot in the arm as the activists begin gearing up to present the effective bill in 20th session of the Parliament.

This was made known at the workshop on ‘Trafficking in Human Beings (Control) Bill’ organised by the Forum for Women, Law and Development in conjunction with UNIFEM.

"Girls who are trafficked are subjected to both mental and physical torture and perpetrators get off scot-free. Previously drafted bill has few practical errors which needs correction," said Sapana Pradhan Malla, a noted women’s rights activist. " The punishment for the perpetrators should be much harsher so as to deter them from trafficking." said Malla

Reportedly, 5000-7000 girls are trafficked each year from Nepal to different parts of the world but only 100-135 cases related to trafficking are filed. "The perpetrators of the crime are emboldened by the lenient attitude towards them by the state. This, coupled with the nexus between the traffickers and the politicians making the problem formidable to tackle with." alleged Malla.

Likewise, addressing the inaugural function of the workshop, Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya admitted that there are loopholes in the previously drafted bill, which should immediately be corrected.

"Girl trafficking has become as the grave social problem which must be dealt carefully ," said Upadhyaya.

He further added, "The bill related to combating the girl trafficking for the 20th session of the Parliament must be more practical and effective."

Also present on the occasion were Kamala Pant, former State Minister for Children, Women and Social Welfare and Mahendra Yadav, chair person of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Committee.

Indosuez’s French partner to divest its shares

By Bijay Ghimire

KATHMANDU, July 29 - Citing lack of security and the country’s worsening economy, Credit Agricole Indosuez (France) one of the world’s biggest banks and joint venture partners of Nepal Indosuez Bank Ltd has decided to divest its shares.

Nepal Indosuez Bank Ltd established in 1986 is one of the oldest joint venture banks in Nepal. Credit Agricole Indosuez had come to Nepal on special requests of His Late Majesty the King Birendra.

Nepal Rastriya Bank and Finance Ministry have already given their green signal on the arrangement made by Credit Agricole Indosuez in this regard with a local company and its associates.

It is also learned that Credit Agricole Indosuez was unable to obtain approval from Nepal Rastra Bank and Finance Ministry on their application, which was submitted two years ago, seeking majority share in Nepal Indosuez Bank.

According to source, Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has requested the Bank not to divest its shares. Despite budget announcement of the fiscal year 2001/2002, where foreign investors of the currently operating joint venture commercial banks would be granted permission to increase their share from 50 per cent upto two-third of total shares, the decisions by Credit Agricole Indosuez to divest its share, and providing of concurrent approval on it by Nepal Rastra Bank and Finance Ministry, are certainly not in the best interest of the Bank and the country as well, the source added.

However, Governor Tilak Rawal said that as Credit Agricole had incorporated the Indosuez Bank, it has decided to divest from Nepal. "Credit Agricole is a big bank it does not invest in small proportions and that it had closed its branches from several other countries as well," Rawal said.

Underground Maoists come out in the open

KATHMANDU, July 29 (PR) - For the first time, organizations affiliated to the underground Nepal Communist Party (Maoist) today held an open public rally in the heart of the capital city.

Representatives from these five organizations praised the new government headed by Sher Bahadur Deuba for "recognizing the Maoist movement and initiating the peace talks."

A crowd of about 1,000 people had gathered at Indra Chowk, listening to the speakers, openly laud the Maoist leaders and the new development and at the same time blasting former Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala for his approach towards the insurgency.

Police stood at a distance mainly to keep the traffic away from the venue. This was the first time that the authorities have allowed such a meeting to be held. In the past, such meetings would have been immediately disrupted by the police and the speakers held in custody.

The flexibility shown by the authorities follows the call for cease-fire between the new government and the Maoist rebels a week back and agreement to progress towards peace talks to resolve the "People’s War" that has lasted over five years.

Immediately after getting elected, Deuba announced the unilateral cease-fire suspending all actions against the rebels while the rebel leader Prachanda promptly agreed to suspend all pre-planned actions to create conducive environment leading to the peace talks.

The government has also released some rebels in custody with a pledge to free more of them and withdraw cases against them. The speakers applauded Deuba for the move cautioning everyone that there could be moves to upset the new but positive developments.

"Koirala is trying his best to disrupt the peace initiatives and we all need to save the new developments," said Purna Poudel, General Secretary of the All Nepal National Independent Student’s Union (ANNISU, Revolutionary).

ANNISU (Revolutionary) is the student wing of the Maoist group which is considered to be one of the most active wings operational in the open. "The activities of the Maoists is not terrorist acts but a political problem and if the authorities try to resolve it using force it would be very unfortunate for them," said Poudel.

Koirala, in his last days in office, had moved the Royal Nepal Army to rescue nearly six dozen policemen who were held hostage in Rolpa. Koirala’s desperate attempts were foiled by foul weather that stalled the operation.

"If Deuba tendency was to transform in to the Girija tendency, the results would be catastrophic. So to prevent this we urge all the people of this nation to unite against such elements," said Poudel.

Similarly, Arjun Bista, coordinator of the Nepal Dalit Freedom Centre, said there should be referendum on whether the nation would want to continue with the system of monarchy.

"The Cabinet needs to publicly announce that the Maoists issue is a political one and continue with the dialogues," said Shova Khanal, central member of the All Nepal Women’s Federation (Revolutionary).

Leaking roof, crumbling building keep inmates sleepless

By Gopal Devkota

BIRGUNJ, July 29 – The 431 prisoners of Birgunj Jail, one with the highest number of inmates prisoners in the country, have not been able to sleep since last three days due to torrential rains and leaking roofs.

"It has been three days now that we have not been able to sleep", says Gyan Chand Sharma one of the inmates. "We have to get up once starts raining…our days have become nights and nights have become days", he adds.

Birgunj Jail has 12 blocks with 4-8 rooms in each block but all the rooms of the jail leak. In order to plug the leak, the roofs have been covered with plastic sheets but when it rains heavily they become useless.

The jailer Dambar Niraula says that the authority has done its best to prevent the leak but due to insufficient budget allocation they are not able to do anything more. "Tell me how are we going to repair the entire premises with a budget of Rs 10,000 a year?" he laments.

It is not only the roofs that leak but water gush in from the windows and doors as there is no such thing called frames on them.

Built on 1937, the jail was built to accommodate 1500 inmates but due to lack of maintenance the buildings are in very poor condition and now the dilapidated jail accommodates around 500 inmates only. Inmates say that now the building is unsafe even for 500 prisoners kept there.

The inmates remember last year’s incident vividly when they narrowly escaped from what would have been a fatal disaster.

One-day last monsoon, the inmates heard a loud noise, a short while after they finished their dinner and had come out of the kitchen. The kitchen structure had collapsed. If it had been little sooner then hundreds of inmates could have died.

" We remember last year’s incident and fear that a similar one may occur again," says Ram Nagina, another inmate.

After three days of continuos downpour, every block is filled with water and all the blocks look as if they will fall at any moment. Jailer, Niraula says that talks for shifting the jail had started some 5 years ago but had died down without a stone being turned.

Released Maoists hopeful about talks

Post Report

DAMAULI, July 29 – Maoist rebels who were released by the government today, have expressed "positive signal" towards the peace talks that both the government and Maoists are gearing up. They have also said that both the government and the Maoists should indulge in talks to resolve their differences.

"If the government stops using arms then the Maoists should also do so and come forward for peace talks...It’s not violence but talks that should solve the problem," said Amod Prasad Poudel, one of the 15 rebels who were released today.

Poudel, who spent two years and four months in prison, also said that he would like to express his good wishes for the good move of the government on focusing on talks. "The government should also release others who are in custody," he said while coming out of Tanahun Jail today.

"The trustworthy environment the government put forward for the Maoists should not be broken down," he further said. "The talks is of major concern to everybody...the talks could have started a long time back if ever the government had wanted, however, it is good that it is at least taking place now."

According to Poudel, he was arrested with five other accomplices while propagating the works of All Nepal Farmers Organization (Revolutionary) in Chaindanda of Satiswaha VDC. Though the court later released him three times on bail, Poudel was again remanded to custody as per the Public Security Act.

"I had never dreamt that I was really released until the Chief District Officer himself congratulated me on my release," he said.

Likewise, our correspondent from Sindhuli, Mohan Ghimire, adds - one of the three rebels who were released from Sindhuli today expressed "good hopes" over the talks between government and the Maoists. "But I can’t say anything more as it has been five years already since I was in prison," he added. Modnath Timsina and Rudra Prasad Hada were the other two rebels who were released in Sindhuli today.

According to the released Maoists, one more rebel identified as Ganga Shrestha, who was also arrested as per the Public Security Regulations, is still in the Sindhuli jail.

‘India conspiring to inundate Lumbini’

Post Report

KATHMANDU, July 29 - Political leaders, water resource experts and Buddhist scholars today accused India of conspiring to inundate the land of Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha which has been already declared as the World Heritage site by UNESCO.

India started building Russiawal-Khurda Lautan barrage over the Danav River on the Nepal-India border, just about 6 km south-east of the 2,500 years old Buddhist shrine four months ago. The experts say "the construction will directly affect the natural flow of the rivers and the shrine can submerge at any time.

The barrage is being constructed only 200 metres south of the Nepal-India border.

Dr Mangal Siddhi Manandhar, a lawmaker from the Communist Party of Nepal (United Marxist and Leninist) and geographer said that India is taking undue advantage of the timidity of Nepalese government by constructing one after another dam to block the rivers flowing south from Nepal. He said this while addressing an interaction programme organised by Democratic National Youth Federation Nepal on Sunday.

"We must take this issue to the international arena and seek their support to fight against the Indian bulldozing," he warned.

Lawmaker Gokarna Bista said the construction of the barrage is a well-designed conspiracy of India to inundate the birthplace of Lord Buddha and create another fake Lumbini somewhere in the Indian territory.

Another geographer Netra Prasad Dhital, who had visited the site and prepared a report on it, said the barrage may inundate over 200 villages of Marchawar area. Member of National Human Rights Commission Kapil Shrestha said the unilateral act from Indian side has foiled the rights of hundreds of thousands of Nepalese as well as Indians.

"We must collect international opinion and their support on this issue," he said adding he would seek help from Indian human rights groups to press on the matter.

Dipak Gyawali, a water resource expert, said that the real feelings of the dwellers of Marchawar area should be sympathetically heard.

Signatures against PSR to be handed over

Post Report

KATHMANDU, July 29 - The Campaign for Preserving the Democratic Rights, Nepal is going to hand over the signatures of over 100,000 citizens collected as a part of their protest campaign against the Public Security Regulation to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba tomorrow.

The press release issued by the organisation said that signatures will be handed over to the Prime Minister after a rally. It also said that people from different walks of life including elderly citizens, human rights activists and artists have been invited to participate in the rally.

The government over a month ago formulated the Public Security Regulation. The regulation was mired in controversy as different political parties claimed it to be against the democratic norms.

According to the press release, the handing over of the signatures was delayed by the postponement of the Prime Minister’s swearing in ceremony.

UML, Unity Center for political solution

Post Report

KATHMANDU, July 29 – The main opposition party in the parliament CPN-UML and another left party CPN-Unity Center today had a serious and cordial meeting on the present state of the country, states a joint press release issued by the parties.

The release undersigned by Madhav Kumar Nepal, leader of the main opposition and Prakash, General Secretary of the Unity Center states that the meeting focused on the present crisis of the country and possible political solution to it.

"We appeal to all the democratic forces and civil bodies to give their best efforts towards solving the present crisis with realization that it can be done only by progressive change of the society and not by regression and army mobilization or use of force," states the release.

The release also states that the two parties have taken governments approach of solving the Maoist problem through dialogue positively.

It is becoming clear day by day that leftist force is the only alternative that can provide the Nepali people with responsible leadership and we appeal to all the left parties to leave grudges and work towards protecting the sovereignty and nationality, the release adds.

Meanwhile, Yubaraj Gyawali, a Central Committee member of CPN-UML has denied reports that he had a meeting with Bam Dev Gautam, General Secretary of CPN-ML, a breakaway faction of the main opposition and discussed on the possibilities of reunification of the two left parties.

"The report is baseless and I don’t know why and how the paper printed the false report," he said. Gyawali also said that there is no such plan and reunification of the two left parties is not possible in the near future.