Make army accountable to parliament, says Koirala

By Chintamani Dahal

BIRTAMOD, Dec 18 : Nepali Congress (NC) president Girija Prasad Koirala today demanded that army should be made accountable to parliament under statute.

"Army must be accountable to parliament. This is the normal practice of democracy," Koirala said while addressing a huge rally of party workers here. He said this would also enhance people’s faith in the army.

Recalling the royal massacre, Koirala said that he was shocked when the erstwhile army chief said that the security of the Royal Palace was not the duty of the army.

" If the army cannot protect palace and people, it is high time it is made accountable to parliament so that people and palace are protected," Koirala further suggested.

Koirala also obliquely criticized the king for "acting opposite to what he assures leaders in private."

Koirala expressed this view at a rally organised as part of the second phase of the mass awakening campaign, in protest against the royal move of October 4, in which the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba was unceremoniously dismissed.

" There have been productive discussion with king whenever I got audience. But what is also true is events take unexpected turn the next morning. In fact this is something which I have failed to comprehend," Koirala said addressing the rally.

Suggesting that the king should not obstruct the natural course of politics, Koirala warned of an accident if the political and constitutional process was unduly obstructed. "In fact such an accident could be unfortunate for the institution of monarchy."

Saying that it is difficult for the institution of monarchy "to gain equilibrium once the foot slips" Koirala further said that people can never be expected to live with the setback and that monarch should never fiddle with the aspirations of the common people.

Koirala also raised serious objection at the inclusion of his name in the committee formed to organise civic reception of King Gyanendra in Biratnagar on January 3. Saying that the event did not have much substance, Koirala said he was never asked for his consensus when the committee was instituted. "The committee smacks of Panchayat era efforts," Koirala said.

He also said that people have already felicitated the new king earlier on and that the latest effort on the part of the king was aimed at demonstrating the claim that the monarch too has a large following.

Reiterating the party’s consistent view that the only way out of the current political and constitutional crisis was the reinstatement of the House of Representatives, Koirala further reinforced the party’s view that there was no alternative solution of the crisis.

"If we lose trail of the track, we can embark on the right path only after we start from where we took the wrong way," Koirala said while reinforcing his views on restoration of the House of Representatives.

Claiming that he had no regrets issuing out of mistakes committed in the course of the last twelve years, Koirala said, "Of course, people who take up the challenge to do something make mistakes. But it is also true that one learns from mistakes and takes up the challenge again."

Koirala also said that the current scenario has arisen out of tug-of-war between apologists of the parliamentary democracy and monarchists. He also suggested that the king should not indulge in tug-of-war with the people.

No more land to landless squatters: Ministry

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : The Ministry of Land Reforms and Management has deferred the previous governments’ decision to distribute land to landless squatters terming it ineffective, a Ministry official said here today.

"There is a need to change the policy of distributing land to the landless squatters since the policy could not help to end the problems even after so many years," said Ministry spokesman Bharat Mani Risal. But he did not say when the new policy would come into effect.

Risal informed the press that the Ministry was undergoing homework to replace the existing policy to distribute land to landless people with other income-generating programmes.

"Implementation of such income-generating programmes is expected to be more effective to reduce poverty, a major objective of the Tenth Plan," Risal told reporters.

He, however, did not elaborate the modalities of the programme aimed at reducing poverty.

The government has already distributed land to more than 180,000 landless squatters after the restoration of democracy in 1990. There were two powerful commissions formed to solve the problems of landless after 1990. But the officials said the problems of the landless have not yet been solved.

A commission headed by Rishi Raj Lumsali, alone, had distributed land to more than 64,000 landless people during the minority government of CPN-UML, about seven years ago.

Another commission headed by Nepali Congress leader Shailaja Acharya, had earlier distributed land to thousands of people in 20 districts in the Terai.

The Ministry officials said minimal effect of the programme compelled the government to formulate the new policy aimed at stopping distribution of land to the landless people and launch programmes for generating income from alternative sources.

The officials also informed that the Ministry has thrashed up short and long-term strategies in this regard.

"There will be structural changes in the Ministry and lower-level units," Risal said. "Record of the Guthi land and other government-owned land will be kept and updated."

He also said the Ministry was seeking donors to make all land-related record-keeping system more scientific and up-to-date.

Nepal sets up semi-final date with Pakistan

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : A superb spell of bowling by Irfan Siddiqui led Nepal to an emphatic seven-wicket victory over Kuwait in the final round of super league match on Wednesday and booked a place in the semi-finals of the U-15 Asia Cup.

India defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets in the other match of the same pool confirming Nepal’s progress to the last four. Nepal will meet Pakistan in the semi-final on Friday.

Nepal, who put Kuwait into bat at Dubai Cricket Club ground II, bundled out Kuwait for paltry 92 runs in 31.5 overs. And it scurried to a deserving win gathering the required 93 runs in 18.4 overs for the loss of three wickets.

"It was a good victory," said team coach Roy Dias, talking to The Kathmandu Post on telephone from UAE. "I’m delighted with the way the team has performed throughout."

Openers Rohit Kohli and Kamad Etesham took Kuwait to 28 before the latter fell to a brilliant fielding at three. Kuwait lost three more wickets adding just 18 runs as Susan Man Shrestha and skipper Raj Shrestha mowed the top order.

Kuwaiti total of 92 was largely possible due to its prolific run scorer Pratheesh Rajpal and somewhat erratic bowling earlier on by Nepali bowlers giving away 26 runs in sundries, including 19 wides.

However, after Rajpal fell to Raj Shrestha for 26, the rest of Kuwaiti batting crumbled without any resistance as Raj and Susan Shrestha returned figures of 3-23 and 3-22 respectively.

But the real highlight of the day was the bowling of Irfan Siddiqui, who polished off the Kuwaiti tail claiming the last three wickets giving away just one run. The feat earned him the man of the match.

"We did well to restrict Kuwait under 100," added Raj Shrestha, Nepali team captain. "And the batsmen also scored quickly to accumulate a bonus point," he added.

Nepal, eager to collect an extra point, scored rapidly with opener Sunil Kumar Jain going great guns as he scored 24 off 22 balls. He put on 38 runs with Pawan Das (8 off 12 balls) before Das fell short of his crease.

Although Rajpal trapped Jain to leave Nepal on 39-2, Sarad Veswakar, continued his fine run with the willow to occupy the crease and remained unbeaten with 32 runs. After the fall of Paras Khadka (15), he and Mahesh Chhetri (two n.o.) sailed Nepal home to set up a semi-final meet with Pakistan.

Nepali team coach is optimistic that his boys would take their fine performance into the semi-finals.

"Pakistan is one of the top sides in the tournament," Dias said. "But we should not get intimidated by the name.

"The boys have shown great temperament winning six matches out of seven," he explained. "All they’ve got to do is to keep the basics right, keep it simple. And if things click as per our plan, I don’t think a surprise result is impossible."

EU calls for halt to rights violation

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : The European Union expressed its concern at the deteriorating security and law and order situation and violations of human rights, including those by security forces in Nepal.

Issuing a statement here today, the Danish Embassy, Presidency of the EU in Kathmandu, also "unreservedly" condemned the ongoing Maoist insurgency and increasing outrages. It called on the Maoists to "immediately stop the systematic campaign of killings, harassment and destruction". The EU regretted that killings of party activists and sabotage of physical infrastructure has continued, even after the recent Maoist call for a halt to such killings and destruction.

The EU noted with deep concern "the evidence of human rights violation committed by the security forces with impunity". It expressed the hope that the human rights cell set up within the security forces would achieve its objectives of improving the human rights record of the army. The statement urged the government of Nepal to take further immediate action in conformity with its international obligations.

Praising the work of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), the EU said it was looking forward to early publication of recent monitoring reports. It asked the government to implement the recommendations of the NHRC.

Stressing on assertive reform and development so as to tackle poverty, exclusion and discrimination, poor governance including corruption, the EU emphasised that "significant reforms cannot be carried out in the absence of rule of law in an atmosphere of impunity and fear". It also called on both sides to the conflict to support and facilitate delivery of relief and humanitarian assistance in all parts of Nepal.

Concern raised over increasing deaths of Nepali workers

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : With the death toll showing an upward spiral due to insurgency in Nepal, the deaths of Nepali workers abroad have also become a serious concern. There have been 96 deaths of Nepali workers working abroad till date, including Saudi Arabia (three), Qatar (39) and Malaysia (four).

According to recent figures issued by the Department of Labour and Employment and Promotion (DoLEP), the total number of workers who have gone overseas between 2049/ 50 and 2059/ 60 (Ashwin) stand at 259,044.

A declaration was issued today on "International Migrant Workers’ Day" terming the migrant workers’ job to be "dirty, dangerous and difficult" by Vidya Devi Bhandari, President of Akhil Nepal Mahila Sangh and Renu Rajbhandari, Women’s Rehabilitation Center (WOREC). A placard rally starting from Ratna Park to Badrakali was also organized for the first time, with participation of various concerned organizations.

The declaration further draws the attention of His Majesty the King and the Prime Minister to probe into the issue of the workers who have been exploited and are leading a miserable life in different destinations.

The government has recognized 16 countries as overseas employment destinations and 290 manpower agencies for supplying labourers. The preferred destinations include Saudi Arabia (87,298), Malaysia (75,331), Qatar (56,364), UAE (26,994), South Korea (3,172) and Kuwait (2,976), according to the department estimates. But this number does not include people going through personal efforts or unofficial channels.

According to estimates by the Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB), the contribution of foreign remittance to the Nepali economy is Rs. 12.66 billion. It also does not take into account the amount of remittance that is transferred via unofficial channels.

Probing on the issue, Leyla Tegmo Reddy, Director, International Labour Organization (ILO) said that migrant workers constitute a huge chunk of resources for the country. "This day would draw attention to the issue as well as highlight the difficulties and provide solution through counseling, training and providing job opportunities," she said.

Asian women, who constitute the fastest growing component of international migrant labour are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and require special protection, says an International Labour Organisation report.

The report suggests that the UN, its specialised agencies such as ILO and inter-governmental organisations and NGOs should take advantage of the momentum of growing concern over the plight of migrant female workers and promote more concerted actions to protect this vulnerable group.

According to the ILO report, about 1.5 million Asian women, both legal and illegal, are working abroad, with a large proportion of them in other Asian countries - the Gulf countries and the fast growing Asian economies of the East.

Chinese tourists love Nepal, regret steep airfares

By Satyendra Timilsina

BEIJING, Dec 18 : While government officials are vowing to promote Nepal, especially in regional markets to enliven the tourism industry, experts here point out limited and costlier air traffic as a major hurdle behind the success of government’s efforts.

Just two flights per week of the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation, the national flag carrier that joins Kathmandu with Shanghai, is not sufficient, they say adding, "Even the current airfare in this sector is much higher compared to the nearby places of Chinese attraction."

Ma Weigung, former Chinese Cultural Attache to Nepal says there is higher prospects of exploring Nepal’s religious tourism potential, but higher airfare has remained one of the major obstacles. "Higher airfare has also affected in the cost of tour packages for Nepal."

According to the current cost estimates, a week-long tour package for Nepal for an individual tourist costs more than 8,000 yuan (equivalent to Rs 76,000). But the similar package for Thailand is less than 3,000 yuan (equivalent to Rs 28,500).

It is not just Thailand, but even other nearby countries like Singapore and Malaysia are also selling their respective tour packages at relatively lower prices, said Su Hao, the Nepal expert at China Radio International (CRI).

Su, who was associated with the Chinese Embassy in Nepal for a couple of years before 1990 said, Nepal can be sold in the Chinese market as a tourist hub with abundant natural beauty. "Chinese tourist would be attracted with natural scenery and historical sites," he added.

Adding more to what Su said, Ma Weigung adds, Nepal should focus on attracting Buddhist monks into the country. "As China has denser Buddhist population, more Buddhists can be attracted by Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Gautum Buddha, the founder of Buddhist religion."

However, Ma adds, "More Buddhists can come to Nepal from China if a suitable tourism track is formed linking the Buddhist shrines of Nepal and India." Ma even suggested for the construction of Buddhist pilgrimage circuit linking the Indian shrines of Sarnath, Bodhgaya and Kashinagar with Lumbini.

The joint pilgrimage package between Nepal and India would be helpful in attracting considerable Buddhist monks expressed Ma, informing that couple of religious groups are willing to travel South Asian Buddhist shrines in a near future.

Meanwhile, the Nepali government officials have stated that they would initiate dialogues with the Japanese government and the Indian government to link Buddhist circuits with Lumbini to attract Buddhists from Japan, Korea, Thailand and other Buddhist religioun dominated countries.

Not only Buddhists, but the Hindus too, come to Nepal with great religious respect. However, due to less effective promotion, Nepali tourism sector has not been able to draw eyes of more than one billion each Hindus and Buddhists and promote religious tourism effectively.

While the number of religious tourist in Nepal is under five per cent of the total tourist arrivals, most of the Nepal visitors are currently pleasure-seeking tourists, marking more than 59 per cent of total tourist incoming.

Though the number of Chinese tourists, so far, is less than two percent of total tourist arrivals, Nepali tourism entrepreneurs are expecting good number of Chinese tourists after People’s Republic of China recognised Nepal with Approved Destination Status on November 26 last year.

Even after one year of ADS recognition there has not been impressive tourist inflow from China. Experts have been pointing out the insufficient tourism promotion along with the higher airfare as the major reasons behind the lower interest of Chinese people over Nepal.

The sluggish pace of tourism promotion in China can be gauged when an official at the Nepali Embassy at Beijing informed that there does not exist even a Nepali tourism information desk in China.

"Nepal is celebrating a two-year tourism promotion campaign, but it is much difficult to find any Chinese who are aware of this," said Lin Yun Zheng, a Chinese tourist guide.

And if Nepal wants to attract Chinese tourists, then effective promotion is needed along with the slashing down of airfares and increased air services, he added.

RPP central committee backs Chand Govt

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) will be extending full co-operation to the Prime Minister Lokendra Bahadur Chand-led government.

"The party will continue its full support to the government," said the party’s new chairman, Pashupati Sumsher JB Rana, who took over the chairmanship from today, after the first meeting of newly elected central committee.

Though chairman Rana claimed it was continuity of the party’s previous decision, the analysts say the decision made today was targeted at removing the confusions created by the double standards adopted by party leaders in the past, by signing agreements with other political parties.

RPP under Surya Bahadur Thapa’s leadership had formally thanked the party leader Chand for assuming premiership of the nation but at the same time, the party had joined hands with six political parties to protest the king’s October 4 move.

Today’s decision of the party to fully support the government has hinted at possible withdrawal of the party from the six party-alliance being thrashed up to protest the king’s October 4 move. Nepal Sadbhavana Party, a constituent party of the alliance has formally severed its relation with the parties.

Govt setting up camps for displaced, ex-Maoists

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : The Government is setting up camps for the displaced people and the Maoists who surrendered before the security forces, Home Minister Dharma Bahadur Thapa said here today.

Responding to queries of Remote Area Committee (RAC) members in the National Assembly today, Thapa said the rehabilitation camps would be run with the assistance of donor communities.

"Agreement with the donors has already been made," Thapa said but he declined to say which were the donors interested to contribute the programme.

Thapa said that the government was going to provide skill-oriented training to the displaced people who fled their homes due to Maoist threats and also to the Maoists who surrendered before the security forces.

People of both the categories are facing perpetual threats from the Maoists and gave up their homes. The actual number of such people is yet to come.

Minister Thapa also said that the government was considering sending the interested people who gave up their link with the Maoists and surrendered before the people for employment in foreign countries.

Government had announced last year that those who gave up their linkage to the Maoists and returned to normal life would be awarded. Some 14000 lower level cadres of the Maoists have surrendered before the security forces so far following the government decision.

The Ministry sources, however, said the plan has no immediate hope claiming the programme was still in the data-collection level. Government is currently distributing displacement allowance equivalent to Rs 100 per person a day under Ganeshman Singh Peace Campaign.

Charge-sheet against Wagle filed

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : The Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) today filed a charge sheet against former minister Chiranjivi Wagle at the Special Court.

A joint bench of judges Top Bahadur Magar, Bhupa Dhoj Adhikary and Damodar Prasad Sharma could not complete the court hearing from Wagle today, due to shortage of time.

Wagle has been charged with amassing over Rs 32.9 million through illegal means while assuming significant ministerial positions in the past.

UNEP-SAARC workshop on hazardous waste begins

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KATHMANDU, Dec 18 : Officials from the South Asian region have gathered in the capital for a three-day workshop towards the effective implementation of the international conventions on management of chemicals and hazardous waste.

During the meet, the representatives mainly officials from the environment ministry will discuss ways to better manage hazardous chemicals and wastes such as pesticides.

The officials will discuss ways to implement existing laws in the sub-region in the backdrop of the signing of the three international conventions - the Rotterdam Procedure, Stockholm Convention and Basel Convention, organisers said.

The event is being organised jointly by United Nations Environment Programme and SAARC Secretariat.

According to Nirmal Andrews, the Regional Director of UNEP, while most Asian countries are party to all the three international conventions in question, Nepal and India are party only to the Basel convention of 1989.

"We are focussing mainly on the capacity building in SAARC region so that the hazardous and chemical wastes are well-managed," Andrews said. "And the biggest stumbling block is the non-compliance or non-implementation of existing laws."