Dalits commission to visit Maoist-affected areas

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KATHMANDU, Dec 31:The Dalit community has been victimised from both the government and the Maoist rebels engaged in the ongoing ‘people’s war’ and the Dalits are being suspected on the basis of their surnames. This was revealed at the press conference organised by the National Dalits Commission (NDC) here today.

Dalits are the main victims of untouchability, violence, terror, and deprived of human rights. However, the concerned body has not been able to detect the exact state of the Dalits. So NDC is organising an inspection tour in thirteen districts of the country to find out the real condition of these community.

NDC is a semi- governmental organisation which is working for the upliftment of the Dalit community. Meen Biswokarma, member of NDC said, "NDC is a neutral organisation which is working for the Dalits and it is a body which advocates for the welfare of this community."

The troupe will visit the highly Maoist-affected areas like Acchaam and Kailali of far- western region, Dang, Rolpa, Humla, Jumla and Bardiya of mid- western region, Arghakhanchi and Syangja of western region, and Solukhumbu, Khotang, Siraha and Dhading of eastern and the central region.

All the places will be visited in four phases starting from the first week of January, which will be completed in the period of two weeks.

The tour aims to bring out the real condition of the Dalits including the reason behind their involvement in the ‘people’s movement’. Human Rights activists like Padma Ratna Tuladhar, Daman Nath Dhungana, Durga Pokharel, Sudeep Pathak and Subodh Raj Pyakurel will also accompany the tour.

The commission will present the report to the government after the completion of their tour. The commission will also make a documentary to expose the human rights situation of the Dalits in the Maoist-affected areas.

Rights groups raise concern over arms purchase

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KATHMANDU, Dec 31:Human rights groups Tuesday voiced concerns over the purchase of arms by the government and warned of adverse consequences if the latter continues to suppress and imprison the innocent citizens.

Speaking at a talk programme organised by Amnesty International (AI) Nepal Group ‘3’ Kathmandu, on the ocassion of AI Conscience Day, rights activists said the weapons deal of the government is incompatible with its peace proposals to end current Maoist crisis.

Expressing shock at the arrival of Belgian ‘sophisticated’ arms within a few days, they said that it was not conducive to the on-going peace efforts to resolve the Maoists crisis.

Radha Krishna Mainali, a standing committee member in the CPN-UML expressed shock and disbelief at the overwhelming number of people being killed in the recent years. "The number of people killed during the insurgency has risen from 300 to 8,000. Still the government is purchasing weapons from abroad. How can the people hope for peace?" he enquired.

Pointing out the recent incidents of rape of women and the death of innocent citizens in the military operation, AI Nepal’s director Raju Sarkar said, "as a member to the UN, Nepal is bound to respect human rights."

Similarly, vice-chairman of the National Assembly, Rampreet Paswan, the chief guest at the programme, said more impoverished people have become the victims of human rights violations in Nepal.

Sudeep Pathak, president of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) warned of adverse consequences within a week if the proposals for government-Maoist dialogue is delayed further. "We are entering a dangerous phase this week, which coincides with the royal felicitation programme scheduled in Biratnagar."

Raising concerns over the weapons deal, he said, " Belgian weapons are arriving here and soon two more countries are sending in some more weapons."

"As we are now talking about human rights, two women in Chisapani, who were raped in military barracks are speaking out their agonies publicly today," said Dr Gopal Krishna Siwakoti, co-ordiantor of AI Nepal Group. He said that a typical situation has arisen, where the people are bound to revolt for peace and security of their lives.

The speakers urged the government, the army, and the Maoists to respect human rights, humanitarian laws and its basic norms to avert further crisis .

Yuba Raj Ghimire, editor of Kantipur Publications, Indira Rana, member of National Human Rights Commission, Gauri Pradhan of CWIN were also present at the programme.

Role of monarchy highlighted

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KATHMANDU, Dec 31:‘Monarchy has always played a vital role in the history of Nepal’. ‘His Majesty the King has always provided a sense of security to all the Nepalese people and monarchy is the symbol of national unity’. These were some of the remarks made at an orientation programme organised by the Auspicious Birthday Celebration Main Civic Committee, under the chairmanship of Rajesh Kaji Shrestha.

"His Royal Highness Crown Prince Paras Bir Bikram Shah Dev is a source of inspiration for the young generation", said Keshar Jung Rayamajhi, Chairman of Raj Parishad Standing Committee while speaking on the topic "Constitutional Monarchy and Democracy for National Unity and Integrity".

He also recalled that the late Chinese leader, Mao Tse Tung referred to the king as a nationalist and patriot, when he met Mao in 1959.

Speaking at the function, Rayamajhi appealed to concerned organisations to stop the ongoing non-violence and terrorism. He further added that this was the right time for all the political parties to prove themselves and instead of wasting time should work toward restoring peace.

Senior journalist Shirish Shumsher J B R said that people should know their responsibility after the royal proclamation and emphasised that the people should have the proper representation in democracy.

Bhuwan Pathak, central member of National Democratic Party opined that the strong relationship between the king and his people would have a positive effect on the development of the country. "However, some powers do not want both parties to get together for their selfish interest," he said. He blamed the major political parties like the Congress and the Communists, for the present situation of the country.

Mahesh Kumar Upadhyaya, former vice-chancellor of Tribhuvan University said that throughout history, the kings of Nepal have always played an important role in taking the right decision in favour of the country, when neighbouring countries had proposed various schemes only for their advantage.

Hiranya Lal Shrestha, former member of parliament emphasised that there should be a four sided talks involving the king, political parties, Maoists, and civil society to solve the problem of the country and to restore peace. He further added that instead of formal democracy, there should be a participatory democracy.

Solar energy lights up Khadachakra

By Tularam Pandey

MANMA (Kalikot), Dec 31:With the introduction of solar energy, life is becoming fairly easy in Khadachakra, the remote mountain headquarters of Kalikot district, which often faced shortages of fuel. Even Sanjeetey Sunar, a supposed low-caste, has been successful in installing a 65 watt capacity solar panel, which lights up his house at night.

Sunar had to pay an extra sum of Rs. 35,000 for the installation of a solar panel provided by Bionic Energy, with loan provided by the Agriculture Development Bank (ADB). He is completely thrilled that he does not have to burn the oil-fed lamp any more.

The acting chief of the ADB branch Manma, Sher Bahadur Khadka says that under this solar programme they had selected 10 local residents, and until December 17 had provided them with Rs 168,000 already.

Under the second phase of rural Solar Energy Programme, Bionic Energy has conducted solar-panel installation in this district which has been deprived of hydro-electricity, road, communications, air-ways, health, and drinking water facility.

According to Krishna Prasad Acharya, the district branch chief, about 100 solar-power systems have already been installed at Khadachakra Bazar of this remote district by various companies. Bionic Energy has a target of installing about 80 solar-panels. He adds that from October last year till date, Bionic Energy has installed more than 40 solar-panels.

This Alternative Energy Promotion Centre under the Ministry of Science and Technology, with the financial assistance from the Danish government, solar energy programmes have been conducted in Achham, Dailekh, Bajura, Jajarkot, Bajhang, and Kalikot.

The regional convenor of the Bionic Energy, Deepak Bahadur Shahi says that for each panel taken to easily accessible parts, grant donation of Rs 7,000 has been arranged and Rs 10,000 for remote parts, while Rs 12,000 has been set aside for the remotest parts of the country. According to Shahi, installation of such a panel allows one to light four electric-bulbs, watch television, and listen to radio and cassettes at a time. The American-made solar-panels have a guarantee of 20 to 25 years, while the solar-battery is guaranteed for four years, it is learnt.

Acharya says that many residents in the region have adapted to solar power for lightening their homes, and many more are interested in installing them. Due to transportation problems, not everyone has been able to avail of this scheme. However, the army has not allowed the entry of solar-wires to areas outside of the headquarters fearing misuse of these wires.

People at the district headquarters are willing to pay Rs 25,500 after the deduction of the grant amount, to electrify their homes with this system. It is almost a dream come true for many to have their homes electrified. The villagers are grateful for the solar-scheme initiated by Bionic Energy, whereby they do not have to stay in darkness.

In the fiscal year 1995/96, the Micro Hydro-electric Project Lalitpur had completed the Sannigad Hydro-power station of 500 Kilowatts capacity by April of 2000 with the financial assistance of Rs 100 million from the government, but the Maoists had not allowed this power-station to distribute the electricity from here. It is learnt that from this power-station which is situated about 20 miles away in the west from this district headquarters poles for drawing the electrical lines have been set-up upto Raku VDC through Murma and Mahelmudi.

Bio-gas company proprietors found absconding

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BHOJPUR, Dec 31:Proprietors of ‘Bio-gas Construction and Technical Service (BCTS) Pvt. Ltd’, a private bio-gas company, are all absconding after having cheated 23 farmers from Bhojpur, Okhaldhunga and Khotang districts. They also managed to extract around one million rupees from the government before disappearing.

The proprietors of the private company, Kamal Prasad Ghimire from Jhapa, Gyanendra Gautam from Terhathum and Dal Bahadur Thapa and Jaya Bahadur Khadka from Bhojpur districts, had been operating in those districts for the past three years. They left behind many incomplete projects among the many farmers from the districts, who had dealings with the company, according to the victims. The aggrieved farmers have recently filed two separate complaints, demanding action against the culprits and return of the amount they are entitled to from BAP.

"The group of four had extracted around over Rs 900,000 from the Bio-gas Assistance Programme (BAP), a government undertaking formed to help the farmers for bio-gas project," said Ramesh Basnet, an ex-employee of BCTS, "They managed to extract the amount by furnishing forged documents from farmers." Basnet added that the BCTS has not cleared his pay yet.

Government provides Rs 11,500 each to the farmers for construction of a bio-gas plant which the culprits had extracted from the BAP.

"I informed the District Administration Office and BAP. However, there has been no response," said Basnet.

Nine rebels shot dead in encounters

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KATHMANDU, Dec 31:The Defence Ministry today said that the security forces shot dead nine Maoist rebels during its latest incidents of encounters in Bardiya, Bajura, Kailali and Nawalparasi districts. The Ministry, however, did not mention the times and places of the encounters.

The Ministry said that the security forces recovered pipe bombs, socket-bombs, appliances for detonating landmines, combat uniforms and Maoist literature from the scene. The forces also confiscated rifles, guns and explosives while conducting search operation in the Jogbudha area of Dadeldhura district on Sunday.

Our reporter in Nuwakot said that Maoist rebels on Monday killed a local businessman in Thulogaon Village Development Committee (VDC). Locals suspect that the businessman, who could not be verified immediately, was killed for passing information to security forces about a cultural programme organised by the rebels in the same VDC.

Meanwhile, our reporter in Sindhuli said that the security forces recovered a large amount of food grains, firearms, clothes, other logistical supports and five water buffaloes after raiding a Maoist hideout in the Balajor VDC. Local security officials said that the army personnel burnt the food grains and clothes after the locals refused to receive those materials. The forces also shot dead five water buffaloes kept in the Maoist training centre. About sixteen 303 rifles and other explosives were also recovered from the VDC, located about 35 kilometres from Sindhuli’s headquarters, Sindhuli Madi.

In yet another incident in Dang, the Maoist rebels on Monday looted all the property while raiding two houses belonging to Jhabendra Prasad Chaudhary and his brother Narendra in Pachhaha Village of Gobardiha VDC.

One of the family members said that the rebels looted all their clothes, kitchen utensils, cash and movable assets, goats and chickens by locking them in a room from outside. They said that the rebels did not even spare any clothes left for the children. The Chaudhary brothers are politically associated with the Nepali Congress.

Snowfall causes flight passengers stranded in Simikot

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SIMIKOT (Humla), Dec 31:The life at Mugu, Dolpa, and Humla of remote and inaccessible Karnali zone has been greatly affected by the snow-fall which started from Tuesday morning. All the headquarters of these districts have been covered by thick white snow, with about one-feet deep snow at Humla, as learnt from the flight office there.

This snow-fall has stranded hundreds of flight passengers at the Simikot airport awaiting for flight to Nepalgunj. Even at Nepalgunj airport all the flights have come to a stand-still for uncertain period due to the thick fog which started a week back. Some of the teachers who have come from villages and the locals complain of the money they have been paying to the hotels and lodges due to this inconvenience.

It is learnt that due to this snow-fall the communication with the northern part of Humla district have been completely disrupted, and movement from various villages to the district headquarters have come to a halt as well. Here the temperature has fallen below the zero-level, and the employees at the government offices have been working with the aid of fire.

The national dallies have not hit the stands in Humla since this disruption of flights. And since most of the commodities of daily use are brought from Nepalgunj through air-cargo, this stand-still is expected to even soar up the prices of consumer goods in the days to come. At present a Kg of sugar in Humla is sold at Rs. 90, while the cooking oil stands at Rs. 150 per liter.

This snow-fall has also disrupted the two-hours of electrical supply provided by the solar system there, and the telephone service provided through the V-Sat technology by employing solar-energy is in the verge of closing down as well.

This year’s snow-fall which is greater than the previous year is however considered to be a boon for the farmers there. The former VDC chairman, Bishnu Bada contends that this snow-fall is like a fertilizer for the farmers there, as it withers down the leaves and other degradable materials, and makes the soil fertile. He added that the rainfall that comes down during the December and early January is very beneficial for the farmers and thus increases the food production, while which comes around the February and March months are destructive to the crops.

Similarly, the life at the far-western region of Mahendranagar has come under the influence thick fog followed by frosty-wind. Moreover, down-pours have started hit many parts around this city from Tuesday morning.

But this rain has been a Blessing in Disguise to the farmers growing wheat, while it is expected to be nuisance to the mustard plants says the Assistant Rural Development officer at Kanchanpur, Bishnu Prasad Adhikary. He added that this rain water will be supplementing the wheat farms which are devoid of irrigation facility.

Slack business affects mule-train owners

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DHURMI (Udayapur), Dec 31:Though the carriage of goods by mules, to Okhaldhunga and Solukhumbu districts from Dhurmi bazaar of Udayapur usually takes place in the winter, the business has failed to pick up this year due to the negative security situation, say sources. More than three dozen mule-train operators have been left jobless and contemplating alternative source of income.

This unique and traditional form of highland transport has almost come to a standstill due to the frequent searches by the security forces and potential threats from the Maoist rebels along the way, said a mule train owner.

Though the business was doing well until last year, around 250 mules are loitering at Dhurmi bazaar as there are no loads to carry, according to mule train owners stationed here. "The slack inn business is a severe blow to us. Feeding the mules, paying tax to the DDC and paying the mule operators without any business has almost ruined us. We are now forced to seek an alternate," said Jiwa Lal Khanal, a mule train owner.

"With a mule costing Rs 30,000 to Rs 35,000, it seems impossible that we will recover the investment with business being what it is," said Nanda Lal Poudel, another mule train owner, who had migrated from Baglung.