Oli guns for Nepal

By Ghanashyam Ojha

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 K P Sharma Oli, an influential leader of the Communist Party of Nepal-Unified Marxist & Leninist (CPN- UML), has asked party general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal to get out of the race for the leadership of the party.

Talking to The Kathmandu Post, Oli said Nepal shouldn’t hanker for the post after leading the party for two consecutive terms. "Nepal’s leadership has been tested for past ten years and he has delivered what he could do best," Oli said adding that it is high time to evaluate the new leadership.

"Nepal should not feel humiliated nor harbour any such grievances but should democratically step down from the party leadership," Oli further added. Asked whether he was interested in replacing Nepal, Oli said that it was upto the conference. "But the time for a change in leadership has been urgently felt," Oli said.

He also charged Nepal of harbouring autocratic system in the party. "No one should remain in the leadership for more than two consecutive periods, it is an autocratic system," Oli said.

A dissident group, led by the party’s powerful leaders Oli, Bam Dev Gautam and Mod Nath Prasrit, has been urging for internal democratisation of the party, along with a change in the national and international political situation. They are in favour of a presidential system and are proposing for the election of the central committee including party president and general secretary by the general conference.

However, another coterie of the party leaders led by party supremo general secretary Nepal is still in favour general secretarial system. They opine that the conference should elect only the central committee, which would later select party general secretary, as per the system in a communist party.

Talking about the worse consequences of the previous system of electing only central committee by the conference, Oli said that many of the major leaders in the party were removed in the past, owing to their minority position. "The leaders should not be removed by quantity but by quality," Oli said, adding, "and such practice should be discouraged by the party leadership."

He stressed that the party statute should be amended, with a clause put in that no one should remain in the party leadership for more than two consecutive terms. "It is a democratic system everybody in the party should agree with," Oli said.

Similarly, Prasrit opined that the general secretary should share power with president. "General secretary should not remain burdened with responsibilities. Some of them should be handed over to the president," Prasrit said. "I also support the presidential system."

A member of the party Standing Committee said that the party leadership was suffering from the communist traditional dogmas and never allowed democracy within the party. "The party leadership must let loose democracy within the party before entering into the democratic system," he said. "It’s the party leadership which wants power centred in himself."

"The party should not be so rigid with its dogmatic ideals," he said flaying the ideas as put forward by Nepal. "The party has been taking part in elections in a democratic manner and it has completely turned a democratic party for the past few years but the leadership still talks of the age-old communist system," he said.

The party standing committee meeting today could not come to a consensus on the organisational and political paper presented by Nepal and the party statutory amendment paper presented by Amrit Kumar Bohara, chief of the party’s Union Department, as the leaders had divergent opinions on those papers. Oli made it clear that these proposals would be presented at the central committee meeting on Thursday, as no one could come to a consensus over them and everything would be decided at the seventh party conference in Janakpur. "It’s the general conference which will take decisions over these issues and no one should try to be high handed in the party," Oli said.

Koirala to expose brain behind royal massacre at opportune time

By Kiran Bhandari/ Shyam Sundar Sashi

JANAKPUR, Jan 1 Nepali Congress president and former prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala here today threatened to expose the ‘grand design’ that who was behind the Royal Palace massacre of June 1, 2001.

Addressing to the meeting of party cadres after arriving here for the run up to a rally in Sarlahi slated for Thursday, Koirala said he has been maintaining silence over the issue fearing that it would trigger fresh round of unrest.

"I deliberately choose to keep shut but I will expose everything on an opportune time," he said adding that ‘the time is not far away.’ Koirala said he would expose the brain and actors of the ‘grand design’ in which King Birendra and his entire family was wiped out.

Koirala also suggested that since the constitution has clearly spelt out that the nation cannot go without the elected parliament for more than six months, king would do well to revive the House of Representatives as part of the solution to the constitutional and political crises.

"King still has the chance to make correction in the constitutional process by reviving the House of Representatives," Koirala said.

Koirala also claimed that since the constitution has explicitly said that the elections must be conducted within six months after the dissolution, it goes without saying that the dissolution is subject to either timely elections or restoration of the House of Representatives. Reinstatement is the only way since the royal announcement under 127 has to be passed by the people’s representatives.

"If anyone says reinstatement is not possible, it is baseless," Koirala further said, adding that the verdict did not come from the Supreme Court to render the system as redundant.

Army operations to go hi-tech in 2003

By Surendra Phuyal

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 When the Royal Nepal Army (RNA) formally joined the civilian and the armed police forces to hunt down Maoist rebels in November 2001, the army, confined only to disaster relief, natural reserves’ security and UN peacekeeping operations, did not have much experience to counter the insurgency. The difficult terrain and the open and ‘porous’ Nepal-India border played spoilsport.

But the experiences of the year 2002, which arguably remained the most violent in recent history-both in terms of human casualties and damage to basic physical infrastructure and economy—have taught many lessons to the security forces. And, most importantly, the military strategists at Bhadrakali.

Moreover, the security forces now enjoy solid support-logistical and otherwise—from the armies of such friendly countries as India, the United States of America, the United Kingdom and even China, the nation of the great helmsman Mao Zedong, from whom the Maoists claim they are inspired.

So in 2003, the security forces are poised to be well equipped. Preparations are already underway to arm the RNA soldiers with such modern assault rifles as M-16A2 and Minimi machine guns. And the army plans to pass on its more than 30 year-old SLRs and LMGs to the civilian police. Already, the newly created Armed Police Force (APF) has been armed with SLRs and LMGs.

The 55,000-strong army is being upgraded, as is the APF and the civilian police force. The security forces are being trained in launching counter insurgency tactics in various ‘CO-IN’ schools in India, the UK and the US. Very soon, the military air wing of the RNA will have a fleet of one-and-a-half dozen aircraft, which will include at least six MI-17s, one M-28 Air Truck and several light aircraft.

But the big question is: Would the well-armed and equipped army in particular and security forces in general, be able to effectively counter the seven-year-old insurgency that has ravaged the impoverished nation’s economy and claimed the lives of over 7,000 Nepalis? Equally important, does having modern arms and better logistical support mean more successful operations?

RNA officials privately concede that since the underground rebels have graduated to brigade-level formation of their ‘people’s liberation army’, they will continue to have "nuisance value" of a sort. The 4,000-strong guerilla force can easily foil operations and even launch daring attacks on far-flung district hubs, where presence of security forces is negligible.

But they argue that once the soldiers get arms like M-16 and Minimis they will feel more confident. "The SLRs and LMGs have become pretty old now," says Colonel Deepak Gurung, the RNA spokesman. "They have started to create problems such as stoppage in battlefields. But the M-16s are much better. Once our boys get them, they will be more efficient."

But arms alone will not help, say RNA officials and analysts. In order to effectively counter the bloody insurgency with the least amount of bloodshed, the army will need programmes to go to the people so that it could win their hearts and mind.

"The army will need support from all the political parties," wrote Lieutenant General Krishna Narayan Singh Thapa in the first issue of Nepal magazine two years ago, when the debate on whether or not the army should be deployed to fight Maoist insurgency was raging.

He made nine-point suggestions, while highlighting the army’s active role in national security including counter insurgency. He added, "The army can maintain peace and security in the country and help create intense pressure on the rebels to resume peace talks. But there is a need for effective socio-economic development package."

But today, defence experts say that the idea of re-introducing security and development packages in the backwater districts, most of which are hotbeds of the insurgency, has became totally irrelevant, if not impossible. More so, in the backdrop of the successive governments’ failure to introduce packages like ISDP (Integrated Security and Development Programme) in the mid-west.

The army is currently implementing ISDP only in Gorkha district with some "encouraging signs of increasing public support" But that, too, has failed to achieve desired results lately due in large part to a lack of funds and support from donors who seem less confident. So except for Gorkha, ISDP has become a thing of the past.

Clearly, the only thing the security forces have, or are going to have, is new arms and new hardware, coupled with support from the friendly armies. "It’s already too late to talk about development at this point when the Maoists have taken their war to the phase of strategic balance," says defence analyst Dr Indra Jeet Rai. "By launching deadly attacks in Sandhikharka (Arghakhanchi) and Jumla in recent months, they have shown that they have the capability to hurt."

Adds Gopal Siwakoti Chintan, a human rights lawyer, who teaches at Nepal Law Campus: "Modern arms may enhance the capability of our army to counter foreign armies in the event of foreign invasion, but not the domestic insurgents. The lethal arms could make matters even worse, when the rebels begin to take away the arms. So the best solution lies in resuming negotiations. That’s not unlikely."

Tourists give Nepal the slip in 2002

Post Report

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 The unending cycle of violence have greatly affected the domestic tourism sector, reveals the latest tourist arrival statistics. As per the newly released tourist arrival data, the sector observed a whopping decline of over 27 per cent in 2002, as compared to total arrivals in 2001.

According to data made available by Nepal Tourism Board (NTB), a total of 215,922 tourists visited Nepal by air in 2002, whereas during the previous year was 298,456.

Despite some improvements in the Indian tourist arrivals, the alarming decline over 35 per cent in the arrival of third country tourists was the main reason behind such a heavy decline.

As a sign of relief to some extent, the arrival of Indian tourists, which alone commands one-third of the total arrivals, has recorded a marginal increment of two per cent.

The arrival of American tourists, Nepal’s second largest visitors after India, recorded yet another heavy decline of over 45 per cent, while tourists from the United Kingdom and Japan went down by over 40 per cent and 24 per cent respectively.

Clear skies predicted, weather permitting

By Suvecha Pant

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 Despite a shower spell yesterday, the weather will become clear this week, say meteorologists. And this time this forecast is more accurate than before.

According to an official at the Weather Forecasting Division, the forecasters have been desperately working hard to get the forecasting data as accurate as possible, as the king is slated to visit Biratnagar on Friday.

Showing the paper that gives the weather for the next week, Bijaya Kumar Baidya, chief, Weather Forecasting Division said, "The accuracy of the data is a matter of honour for the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology."

Accurate forecasts are important for this week, as the weather has affected flights in the Terai regions, during the past few days. The data provided by the forecasting division will be an insight on the possible weather during the royal visit.

"The weather prediction is fair this week in the eastern region," Baidya said. Yesterday, showers affected the eastern region with Kathmandu experiencing an above average winter rainfall of 15 millimetres.

Baidya said that the Forecasting Division would closely watch the winter rainfall, as its pattern would determine the monsoon rainfall.

Despite this forecast, currently the long term forecasting of the Weather Forecasting Division is still inaccurate. This is mainly due to the lack of accurate data. Currently the Forecasting Division uses data downloaded from the Internet and received from the Japanese and American satellites.

However, if all goes well, Nepal could link up with the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) as early as July or before this monsoon.

"The Ministry of Science and Technology in both India and Nepal are working hard towards achieving the link-up," said Adarsha Prasad Pokharel, Director General, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, adding, "This would mean better and more reliable weather predictions."

The link-up with INSAT is part of the "Programme of co-operation in Science and Technology" signed by the two ministries late August last year.

"The link-up would be beneficial as the data can be viewed at any time, with more accuracy and more detail," he added. Since, INSAT hovers above the Nepal-India region, Nepal’s weather patterns can be seen more clearly.

"It would also mean better precipitation forecasting or flood forecasting during the monsoon as both qualitative and quantitative predictions can be made through the inputs of satellite data," said Pokharel. "This would help farmers and better flood management."

"Ultimately the quality of forecast would be better and it would enhance the capability of the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, and weather prediction," he added.

The Weather Forecasting Division based at the Tribhuvan International Airport, which is to be the Nepali station once Nepal is linked up to INSAT, is eagerly awaiting for that day to arrive.

"Currently weather related data of our region is obtained through the regional telecommunications hub (RTS) or landlines which is based in Delhi," said Baidya.

"The disadvantage of this system is that if the phone lines are down data cannot be obtained. The hub was out of order for quite a few hours yesterday," he added. "INSAT will give immediate data of the region."

Anti-graft drive by CIAA a nefarious ploy: Deuba

Post Report

JANAKPUR, Jan 1 Former Prime Minister and president of Nepali Congress (Democratic) Sher Bahadur Deuba has termed the current anti-corruption drive, as a concerted ploy to defame the multi-party political system.

"Corruption was a reality even under Panchayat oligarchy. But it was not spread around by the press since media freedom was not there," Deuba said while speaking at a function organised by the Dhanusa chapter of Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ).

Saying that it was he who paved the way for a tough anti-graft law, which placed the onus of proving innocence on the accused, Deuba said, " I was committed to get rid of corruption in public life. But what we are seeing now is the ombudsman body, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), being guided along with the ulterior motives." He also said that CIAA must be left alone in its functioning, instead of its acting like a puppet of the power centre.

Commenting on the charges faced by some influential leaders of the party, Deuba said, "No one can be healed just because CIAA has leveled charges against them. They have to be proved in the court of law?"

Deuba, who spent most of the time criticising Girija Prasad Koirala, declined to comment on the possible unification of the two parties saying, " Since it was he (Koirala) who expelled us from the party, the question concerning possible unification should be posed to him."

Saying that the country was making rapid strides in the development path after the restoration of democracy, Deuba conceded that the development of the country received a setback after the commencement of the Maoist insurgency.

Kathmanduites herald 2003 in style

By Tashi Dolma Thinley

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 The New Year’s eve never was like this! screamed a group of people jay walking at Thamel last night, that appeared no less than the famed Times Square of New York.

Thousands of denizens were seen throughout the capital, despite the gloomy weather, looking for a place, where they could bid adieu to the year gone by and usher in the New Year. Restaurants, bars, pubs and discos were all choc-o-bloc with not just the usual party animals but people transcending all ages.

Thamel was the in place to head towards on the last evening of 2002.

But yesterday, the fun was not limited to Thamel alone. People were seen looking for something ‘bigger and better’, in terms of crowd pull and better bargains. As Deepak Khadka, manager of Yak and Yeti Hotel, located in Durbar Marg says, "Now people seek for quality events and we are meticulous about the fact that people demand something in return".

Khadka was overwhelmed with the size of the crowd they pulled in last night. Despite the plethora of events lined up for the occasion, he was ecstatic that the two events that his hotel organised last night viz; Sinners in Heaven and Moulin Rouge stood out head and shoulders above the rest.

By midnight, a 900-strong crowd were on their feet, grooving to the pulsating beats of the lively music. But then again, the one to garner all the accolades seems to have been the Moulin Rouge show, which many swore was the "classiest piece of action".

Despite the steep cost of the ticket, an exhilarating audience of over 350 party animals, clad in tuxedos, satin gowns and heavy sequined saris radiated the place in a warm glow.

Ranjit Rana, an invitee to the event gushed, "It is wonderful that we got to see such a show of international standards. It is truly worth every penny we shelled out and I will eagerly look forward for such occasions in the future."

All this augurs well for the future. It is definitely not about the class or the cost of the events, but what this signifies is a ‘rush’ that we now see in Kathmanduites. It is a rush for fun, entertainment and relaxation and also on another scale, an escape from a daily humdrum existence, warped in political uncertainty and the larger than life face of terrorism.

The message that emanated loud and clear was: We want to let our hair down in a peaceful manner. And what better testimony to this that despite the boisterous crowd who came in droves to eat, drink and make merry, not a single incident of drunken driving, brawls or accidents occurred, as can be vouched by the officials manning the Durbar Marg police station.

It was not that all roads headed towards these hot spots. Giving these "must see" shows the royal miss, quite a few of the enterprising lot were seen taking a languid stroll in the winter breeze, while others had a blast, holed up in special private dos.

After the end of an year living under the constant umbrella of unrest, instability and terror, the people now look forward to an era of peace, prosperity and a return to sanity.

It is on this optimistic note that the revelers—euphoric and drunk with ecstasy— wound their way to their homes, as the new dawn of 2003 rose above the foggy skyline of Kathmandu.

New helmet ruling sees majority fall in line

Post Report

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 The scene in the capital roads today became different from that of other days, as motorcycle pillions were seen wearing helmets, abiding by the new traffic regulation of compulsory helmet to motorcycle pillions, that came into force in the Kathmandu Valley from today.

Some people were seen carrying helmets on their motorcycles’ carrier box, whereas others were standing on the roadside with helmets on their hands for lift. Some were also seen defying the regulation.

Police officials at the Valley Traffic Office (VTPO) said that the enforcement of the regulation was a "great success". "People supported us in translating the regulation into action more than expected," said Dipak Bahadur Shrestha, deputy superintendent of police at the VTPO.

He told The Kathmandu Post that "more than 90 per cent of pillions" wore helmet today. The VTPO has arranged 43 check-points in the valley to ensure that no one breached the regulation.

According to the VTPO, 100 to 150 cases were detected today in each checkpoint. But, being today the first day of the implementation of the regulation, the police did not fine Rs 200 to the regulation breakers as per the Traffic Act. "We requested the pillions defying the regulation today to get down and were made to walk, making them aware of the new regulation," the police official said.

"But from Thursday on, we will not exempt any case of the regulation violation," Shrestha warned.

Pillions and motorcycle drivers had a different story to share-inconvenience of carrying and managing an extra helmet while travelling. "I have to carry an extra helmet wherever I go," Sudhir Shakya of Sankhamul complained.

However, other welcomed the regulation on the ground of safety to the pillion. "If it helps reduce accident in the capital, why do not pillion wear helmet?" Sundar KC from Chabhil questioned.

The VTPO had informed the public about the traffic regulation more than a month ago. The compulsory helmet regulation has already been in force in Koshi zone. The VTO is going to impose compulsory seat belts in public vehicles within two months.

‘Judiciary also guilty of violating constitution norms’

Post Report

KATHMANDU, Jan 1 Krishnajung Rayamajhi, former Supreme Court Justice said today that the judiciary of the nation also violated the words and spirit of the constitution specially while appointing the justices.

"The violation of the constitution from the judiciary has created obstacles on the way to consolidate the institution as an impartial and efficient one," Rayamajhi said.

He was speaking at a function organised by a forum for the constitutional lawyers in the capital Wednesday.

Rayamajhi who resigned from the Supreme Court Justice last month said that along with other areas, which violated constitution judiciary also did the same. "The present crisis is the outcome of the violation of the basic norms and values of the constitution," Rayamajhi said.

Talking about the delay in appointing the justices in the apex court, Rayamajhi said that the delay is caused by the constitutional irresponsibility of the Judicial Council.

"The nepotism, gender and caste still play prominent role while appointing judges," Rayamajhi claimed. He also charged the apex court of not trying to curb corruption also prevalent in judiciary.