Six Nepali girls rescued from bothel in Pune

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Kathmandu, May 21: Six Nepalese girls were rescued from a brothel in Pune, Indian recently after police raided the local red-light area at the call of the Mumbai branch of Maiti Nepal. The girls were brought to Nepal today along with the two girl traffickers, Navaraj Lamsal and Sanjay Shrestha, who had sold them. They however said they have several aliases.

Lamsal of Dhading and Shrestha of Sankhu, Kathmandu, who at the age 20 and 18, were already notorious girl traffickers, were arrested three days ago by the Indian police in Pune, India, after a tip from Mumbai branch of Maiti Nepal. Lamsal had already taken twelve girls and sold them at Pune.

They were arrested from Shri Krishna Lodge in Pune, where they had booked a room for a month. Only two weeks back they had taken two girls - Pratima and Sita of Pokhara – to Pune and sold them in a brothel for Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 30,000.

The two traffickers have now been brought to Nepal and are in police custody at Hanuman Dhoka. The two girls were crossed the border through Siddharthanagar and were sold at Sushma’s brothel in India.

But it was lucky for the girls that the traffickers had disclosed their plan and their whereabouts in Pune to one Tek Bahadur. While staying in Pokhara, Lamsal and Shrestha had kept Tek Bahadur as a servant to help them in the kitchen.

When the two girls, and also those two, were found missing police was informed. Maiti Nepal suspecting the obvious informed its branch in Mumbai. Then Tek Bahadur was nabbed and was questioned and he narrated everything that it was them who had taken the girls to Pune and also their address. This was conveyed to Maiti Nepal’s Mumbai office.

The Mumbai office then acted swiftly and with the help of the Indian police caught those in the lodge.

Manoj Acharya, President of Maiti Nepal (Mumbai) said he had to take a girl named Babita Lama who had been rescued from brothel and disguise themselves as traffickers to catch Lamsal and Shrestha.

Lamsal and Shrestha had not yet received the payment of the girls. Acharya told them that in that case they had to get the girls back. Just then, the police, as planned, raided the lodge and arrested them. The two were then taken to the brothel to identify the girls. There he also identified four other girls he had sold before at the same brothel. Lamsal said three more girls, also his victims, could not be found.

Then all the six girls were taken out of the brothel under the charge of Maiti Nepal (Mumbai) and were brought to Nepal.

Talking before the press today at the Maiti Nepal office, Lamsal said that he started trafficking girls one year ago and has already sold 12 girls to brothels in India.

Lamsal said he has passed S.L.C. in 2053 B.S. and was studying I.Com. in Saraswati Campus. He said while studying in the Campus he had worked as cook for six months at the house of Rishi Dhamala, President of Reporters’ Club.

He left after some misunderstanding and while looking for job met with one Bikash of Hetauda and through him he met Rudra Bahadur Katwal and to Rakesh, whom he called as their boss.

Lamsal said Rudra told him that they were gold merchants and to bring the gold from India, they needed girl because the girls are not checked in the border. But actually they all were girl trafickers.

Later, he said, he met a woman called Sushila. Sushila was tricked and was sold by Rakesh. Lamsal said he came to know about it, but was threatened by them. Instead of looking for Sushila, he too got involved into selling women.

For Sanjay, it was the third time. They both said there about 25 to 30 people working with Rakesh and others in selling girls to India.

China South-West Airlines
PAC accused of delaying decision

Kathmandu, May 21 (RSS): The House of Representatives Public Accounts Committee today also could not reach any decision on the irregularities pertaining to the aircraft lease deal between Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) and China South-West Airlines.

The subcommittee constituted under the committee with MP Buddhi Man Tamang as chairman has already concluded that there have been widespread corruption and irregularities in the aircraft lease deal.

The MPs belonging to the ruling party complained over the committee not taking any decision even after months have elapsed since the Subcommittee presented its report to the Committee.

Earlier, the Committee had stated that a decision would be announced on Friday, but it has not been able to do so even on Monday and this clearly proves that there had been corruption, according to ruling party MPs.

As the involvement of erstwhile Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation Bhim Rawal in corruption would be proved, the UML had been trying its best to prove him innocent, Nepali Congress MP and PAC member Dilli Raj Sharma said.

But Committee chairman Subas Nembang said that corruption had taken place during the tenure not only of Bhim Rawal but before that also.

Likewise, the Committee has directed the Ministry of Finance to furnish within 7 days the names of those who had received financial assistance and donations and the sum of money involved.

Parties urged to stop Bandhs

Kathmandu, May 21 (RSS): Various industrialists, businessmen, economists and intellectuals in the country have urged the political parties to stop Bandh programmes for good as such general strikes or Bandhs have a negative impact on the country's economy and the day to day life of the people.

At a face to face programme organised here today to discuss the propriety of the three-day general strike called by six left parties and its likely impact on the country's economy, Minister of State for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Krishna Prasad Sitaula said it is not reasonable on the part of political parties to organise Bandh programmes as no one other than themselves want such Bandhs.

Bandh programmes affect mostly the workers, who have to earn their bread every day, he said calling upon the three-day Bandh organisers to reconsider their decision.

Economist Dr Badri Prasad Shrestha said any political problem should be solved politically by fostering understanding among the parties concerned.

President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) Pradip Kumar Shrestha said it is not reasonable for political parties to organise Bandh programmes which deprive the people of their right to work and live a normal life. he also gave the information that the FNCCI is considering organising a seminar involving all political parties in an effort to improve the present state of affairs.

Vice-president of Nepal Association of Travel Agents (NATA) Narendra Bhatta said a one-day Bandh programme causes a loss of Rs. 30 million to the tourism sector. On top of that such general strikes have tarnished Nepal's image in the international sector thereby discouraging tourists from visiting the country, he added.

Tourism expert Karna Shakya was of the view that the act of organising Bandh programmes and causing trouble to 24 million people in the name of demanding a single individual's resignation is against the spirit of human rights. He also attributed the wretched condition of the country to dirty politics.

Nepal Chamber of Commerce president Rajesh Kaji Shrestha suggested that political parties should find alternatives to Bandhs as such programmes never help solve any problem.

CPN-UML MP Dr Dilli Raj Khanal claimed that the three-day Bandh programme has been organised to improve the country's law and order situation and control corruption.

Reporters Club president Rishi Dhamala presided.

MPs flay burning of Project vehicles

Kathmandu, May 21 (RSS): Members of Parliament representing Gulmi and Arghakhanchi districts have in a joint statement today said that the incident of setting a vehicle of the Gulmi-Arghakhanchi Rural Development Project (GARDEP) in Chiurine of Rupakot VDC of Gulmi district ablaze on may 8 has drawn their serious attention.

The vehicle carrying local and foreign GARDEP officials was on its way back after an inspection of the project.

The attack carried out without understanding the importance of the activities run for the rural people under the project with European community grant assistance following the demand and planning of local users and elected bodies, they said in the statement, is a display of irresponsibility by the concerned sector.

Stating the future of many projects in drinking water, school buildings, road construction, agriculture development and health running in the two districts have been left uncertain as a result of the attack, the statement also says that the local people are concerned that their district would fall back by many years in terms of development in case the project is pulled out.

Strongly condemning and denouncing the act of setting ablaze vehicles of projects working to develop infrastructure and uplift the living standard of the people, the MPs have demanded that His Majesty's Government make special arrangement for the project's security.

They have also urged the European Community to give continuity to the project.

MPs issuing the joint statement are Dilliraj Khanal of Arghakhanchi-2 and Fatik Bahadur Thapa, Pradip Kumar Gyawali and Gokarnaraj Bista representing Gulmi-1, 2 and 3 respectively.

Fewa Fest Generates Enthusiasm

By Ramesh Poudel

The Fewa Festival 2058, held to revitalise, promote and sustain tourism in Pokhara, concluded on Saturday. Organisers say the Festival has given momentum to the tourism prospect of Pokhara both at the national and international level and also to preserve the culture and traditions of Pokhara.

The fete was a new experience for the tourists who were in Pokhara during the celebration. The huge participation of the locals as well as the visitors gave the festival a carvinal look. Tourists also took part in the festivities, dancing to the steps and the tunes of the Thakalis, Gurungs, Magars and others. There were also various games organised for the tourists.

On the concluding day of the Festival, MP Shukra Raj Sharma distributed prizes to the winners, both Nepalis and foreigners, of different events.

Dave Yaley, a tourist from New Zealand was completely satisfied with his Pokhara visit this time. "I can never forget this festival. This festival showed the Nepalese culture and its people are as beautiful as Machhapuchre and Fewa Lake."

This festival has surpassed all other festivals held in Pokhara in participation, variety and the enthusiasm it generated among the people and tourists alike.

Tourism entrepreneurs have also been encouraged by the success of the Pokhara Festival. But they are still not contended with the tourist arrivals in Pokhara.

According to Padma Bahadur K.C. of Tourism Office, Pokhara, in 1999 there were 105,000 tourists who had visited Pokhara. Of them 40,000 were Indian tourists.

That number has decreased in the year 2000. In fact, the country itself witnessed a decline in the number of tourists. And they blame the political situation.

Bidya Bimal Baral, President of Tourism Entrepreneurs Association of Pokhara, says tourism holds a very important role in the country’s economy. "This," he said, "The political parties must understand clearly." They should also realise that political disturbances like bandh has a very negative effect on tourism, he said.

He also asked the political parties to refrain from bandh, as a political tool.

Secretary of the Association, Hari Subedi said the economy of Pokhara depends on tourism and Indian tourists are a significant percentage of tourists who come to Pokhara.

"So, Pokhara must feature clearly in all our tourism promotion campaigns in India." He even said that if Pokhara has a direct air link with the Indian cities, it would be a big boost to tourism in Pokhara.

Hospitality: A Nepali Tradition

By Bhimsen Thapaliya

WHEN a group of American volunteers reached a village east of Kathmandu, it was already late and dark. Wornout by fatigue, they were badly in need of a place for a night's rest. If they found a good shelter, they were ready to compromise on food. As they approached the nearest house, they were hesitant and skeptical. They thought that the host’s reaction might not be friendly for waking him at such an odd hour. Despite feeling uneasy and hesitant, they had no choice but to call the family man and request for a shelter. Contrary to their doubts and fears, the couple in the house welcomed them heartily. The whole family was busy in arranging accommodation for the guests.

As there was not enough rice, the family started milling rice despite the insistence of the guests to sleep with light snacks only. The hosts could not even imagine of allowing the guests to sleep without dinner. Within an hour, food was ready and the guests were treated to their (hosts’) satisfaction.

The Nepalese sense of hospitality is rated highly by foreign visitors. Expressed in a natural way rather than as a result of training and premeditation, politeness, friendliness and readiness to help a stranger have remained as the unique asset of the people of this country. It is not just the ready smiles and polite words. To treat a foreign guest in a selfless spirit is a Nepalese tradition.

In the villages, where traditional lifestyle still rules the roost, treating a guest is regarded as a religious duty. It is widely held belief that a guest who turns up at your house, especially in the evening, is God manifest. You cannot turn him away. If you do so, it is a sin. "We have no spare room" or "There is not enough food available" are the kinds of replies you are most unlikely to hear from your host. Rather, let-us-share-whatever-we-have attitude is the ruling principle.

There are stories of the God making rounds to evaluate human virtue and vice. In many instances, he takes human form and comes to test you. Who knows if he is coming to ask for a shelter for the night? By turning away a visitor in the evening, you might probably turn away God himself. This Guest-is-God mantra is the basic guiding principle in the Nepalese way of hospitality.

In the Nepalese villages, treatment of a guest is a matter of religion and moral status rather than of commercial consideration. When you provide food and shelter to a foreign visitor, especially a wayfarer who stops for a single night, the host never charges money. The folks believe that all the benevolence you earn with selfless service will be ruined once you take money in exchange. It is a matter of Punya (virtue) and Paap (sin). While the former will gain you paradise, the latter will take you to hell after death.

In the areas linked by roads, people have slowly discovered that their agricultural products can be a cash earner. However, in the isolated villages still untouched by the wave of commercialisation, people refuse to sell items like fruits, vegetables and dairy products. If you want to buy fruits, for example, the house owner will say, "We don’t sell fruits. Instead, we will offer you some free." Fruits are regarded as the Prasada (offerings) for the God. Therefore, they are not the things to be sold. Instead of selling such products are shared among the neighbours, offered to gods at religious events and cultural ceremonies such as weddings.

Rajasthani Food Festival at Everest

BY A STAFF REPORTER

Rajasthan, the largely desert state of India, is known for its warriors - the Rajputs -- but no less for its varied cuisine.

The Rajasthani Food Festival at the Far Pavilion of the Everest Hotel is offering 30 different varieties of food, both vegetarian and non-veg, from Rajasthan – representing the tastes from the palace to those of the nomads of the desert.

There is bread made out of millet and barley, fried corn together with the cob, meat and non-meat items, spicy and not-so spicy food -- but all of them rich, tasty and varied.

Of the 30 different food items offered at the buffet menu, there three different varieties of chapatis, rice, meat and vegetables and desserts all have Rajasthani touch and, more than anything else, they are delicious to suit almost everyone’s palate.

True to Rajasthani style after dinner, pan (beetle) nut with almost a dozen different ingredients are offered.

The food is prepared by Kanwar Vijay Singh and his wife Kanwarani, two internationally-renowned chefs from Udaipur, Rajasthan.

Says Singh, the cuisine are authentic and are prepared in a variety of styles – fried, roasted, baked – as is eaten in Rajasthan. "No colours, except the spices, have been added. The colours have been developed from the food itself."

Authentic Rajasthani food is dying down these days, as it is finding it hard to compete with the fast food, says Singh.

Making traditional Rajasthani food requires a lot of effort and is also time-consuming.

"Each item takes anywhere between 30 to 45 minutes," says Singh.

The food festival marks the first time food from Rajasthan, as they are found in its home, is being served in Kathmandu.

Even the restaurant bears a Rajasthani ambiance to go with the food.

Serving the dishes are, men in white Rajasthani dress and a red turban and women in richly embroidered deep red ghangra-choli and shawl. The walls are also decorated with Rajasthani paintings.

Adding to the gastronomic delight are traditional dances and music, all from the land of warriors.

A three-member troupe was especially brought from Rajasthan for the festival.

Walia said the troupe which also includes a boy has been to many parts of the world performing the traditional music.

The women dancers offer dances like a fire dance, where the dancers dance with a pot of fire on their heads.

To go with the whole atmosphere, the festival is being organised at the 7th floor of the hotel.

The cool breeze that blowing reminds one of the Hawa Mahal, the famous windy palace of the Pink City – the capital of Rajasthan. For the Indians, who stay at the hotel, it is a reminiscent of Rajasthan- both in terms of food and culture.

The Rajasthani food festival is the third in the series Everest Hotel has organised after the Bengali and Punjabi food festivals.

Rajiv Walia, food and beverage manager of the hotel, said it was the hotel’s tradition of popularizing food from distant lands. The festival, which started on May 18, will continue till May 27.