NC meet decides to bury differences, forge unity

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: The three-day meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Working Committee concluded at the party’s central office here late this evening with the top brass deciding to bury differences and put up a united front to fight the present problems confronting the nation.

"Total unity within the party is the need of the hour," said former Prime Minister and founder leader of the Nepali Congress Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, the last speaker of the eight-hour-long meeting. "We should all be focussed on this."

Party President Girija Prasad Koirala, in his closing remarks at the meeting, called upon the party rank and file to forget minor differences and forge unity. "Let’s move ahead by forging a broad democratic alliance and consensus among the political parties that have faith on constitutional monarchy, parliamentary democracy and the present constitution to protect the nation and democracy," Koirala said. " The nation is at a critical juncture," he added.

Koirala said it was not good in a democracy to clamp an emergency and suspend civil rights and asked the government to end this situation as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba clarified on the issues raised by the party’s central leaders.

Today’s meet approved the report presented by the party’s General Secretary Sushil Koirala and decided to give directives to the government to implement it.

The meeting also decided to publish the final draft of the Nepali Congress Regulations 2054 B.S. by assigning the task to a committee coordinated by the General Secretary. Other members are Basudev Risal, Chiranjibi Wagle, Arjun Narsing K.C and Narahari Acharya.

Likewise, the meeting decided to appeal to all the parliamentary parties to endorse the proposal submitted by the government yesterday on the constitutionally declared State of Emergency.

The meeting also expressed condolences on the death of Nepal Sadbhavana Party leader Gajendra Narayan Singh and said that this was an irreparable loss to national politics.

The meeting also expressed condolences to the families of Nepali Congress’s Surya Bhakta Adhikari, Keshav Wagle and Hapu Gurung, who died recently. The meeting also expressed condolences on the deaths of Nepali Congress activists, teachers, security personnel and general people who have become victims of Maoist terrorists.

Lawsuit against 2 pilots over forged document

Kathmandu, Feb. 12 (RSS): The Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) has filed lawsuits at the Appellate Court Patan against two pilots of Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation (RNAC) for joining the service by submitting forged certificates.

Pilots Rabin Gauchan of Kathmandu-14 and Bhupesh Sherchan of Kathmandu-1 who were appointed as junior co-pilots had submitted their forged certificates of I. Sc. (first division) obtained from the secondary Education Council, Uttar Pradesh .

According to the Corruption Elimination Act 2017, if the accused are convicted, they will be sentenced from two years to six years in prison or fined or both and they will not be entitled to any perks or facilities after retirement.

3,000 new tax payers under VDIS

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: The government has taken some significant steps to ginger up the national economy. Moreover, it is serious towards reviving sick industries and strengthening the tax administration, reaffirmed Finance Minister Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat during an interaction programme here today.

To expedite the economic reform process, the government has registered the Fiscal Ordinance in the Parliament, said Minister Mahat. "The Ordinance will be instrumental in creating a favourable atmosphere for the country’s economy," he said.

Talking to the media, Minister Mahat informed that around 3,000 new tax payers had come into the tax net under the Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme (VDIS) and more than 650 million rupees had been collected so far.

Is there any chance of the extension of the VDIS? Minister Mahat categorically denied such a possibility. He said that the government would begin probing from Wednesday and take strong actions against the defaulters.

Regarding the outcome of the recently concluded Nepal Development Forum-2002 meet, he said, "It has been very positive." Along with some suggestions, the donor community has given full support to Nepal’s development programme, Minister Mahat informed.

While talking about the revival of the sick industries, he assured that the government was even ready to extend financial support if needed. But as far as manufacturing industries are concerned the government will implement the recommendations made by a technical committee, Minister Mahat noted.

Finance Minister Mahat reaffirmed that the country’s macro economic fundamentals were sound. The rate of inflation is three per cent on average, and foreign currency reserves are also sound, he said.

The export and import situation however, is not favourable and the tourism sector is facing a problem, he added.

Bharat Mohan Adhikary, former finance minister and standing committee member of the CPN-UML, however, flayed the government for triggering an unwanted situation in the country. Instead of reducing the government expenditure and supporting business and industries by reducing the tax rates at this time of economic downturn, the government has increased it, he said. "I smell a rat in the management contract of Rastriya Banijya Bank (RBB) that took place recently," he added. Adhikary also accused the government of failing to address the anomalies including corruption. The reserve of foreign currency in the NRB is below the average, he said adding, "the overall economic situation is miserable."

Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, president of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) accused the government of turning a blind eye to the country’s business and industry sector.

Maoists abusing women in camps

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: Security forces have come across women who were sexually abused by their male comrades in the terrorist camps.

According to the Ministry of Defence, some women Maoist activists, who were arrested by the security forces, said they were often raped and treated as sex slaves by the Maoists.

Hundreds of women were forcefully taken to the Maoist training camps and were sexually abused, the Ministry press release stated.

Our Nuwakot correspondent also has a similar story to tell of the plight of two young girls, whose names have been altered.

"We had to sleep with as many as ten persons a day in their so-called training camps," Sumnima Lama said, while describing the travails she underwent in the Maoist training camps.

"The terrorists came to our homes and took us to the jungles while our parents were away. One Maoist activist lured me to the jungle saying he would marry me. Once I was forced to follow him, he took me to the camp where five of his colleagues raped me," Lama said.

After the ordeal of repeated sexual abuse, she fears she may have contracted the HIV virus. "I am afraid since I know that some of the girls in the camp have died of AIDS," she told our correspondent.

She also said that one woman guerrilla called Astha, who issuspected of having contracted AIDS, took Lama to a hospital in Trishuli. The doctors at the hospital told them that they did not show any symptoms of AIDS yet, but said more tests were necessary.

Lama said that she went back to her home at Deurali, Nuwakot. "The forces arrested me there."

Another victim of the Maoist terrorists, Sushila Tamang, barely 14, has the same horrendous and haunting fear: she might have contracted AIDS.

Tamang, a class 7 student of local Bhumidevi Secondary School, Nuwakot, was kidnapped by four Maoists from her home. They took her to the adjoining Meghang jungle and raped her after forcing her to consume liquor and hemp (Ganja).

"That was not all. They took me to their camp and continued to exploit me sexually," Tamang said. "I ran away from them and reached home once, but they came again, tied my mother and took me away," she said.

Tamang too, fears she has since she has AIDS heard about the death of two women Maoist activists from disease. She visited doctors at Bir Hospital. When she went home, the forces arrested her.

Both Lama and Tamang say that the women activists were basically meant to fulfill the sexual desires of their male comrades.

"The Maoists have been attracting women folks of the hills and mountains through false promises and have been exploiting them in whatever manner they can," said Nuwakot DSP Bikram Singh Thapa.

Meanwhile, a Defence Ministry press statement said that the women activists have realising how easy it was to be lured.

"The arrested women have requested all those involved in terrorist activities to realise that these terrorist activities will not lead any one anywhere," the statement said.

Two terrorists killed on spot in Lamjung

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: In their on-going efforts to defeat and disarm the Maoist terrorists, the security personnel Monday killed two terrorists, arrested two others and seized weapons and explosives from various parts of the country. The forces have also captured 10 terrorist suspects across the Kingdom, the Defence Ministry said today.

Two terrorists were killed on the spot at Purano Kotpahara of Lamjung district in encounters with the security forces. The forces seized guns, four bombs, explosives and electric wires from the site.

During the course of their search operations, the forces also rounded up two terrorists at Seuja area of Dang and seized 88 socket bombs, 35 G. I. pipes, used for making bombs, 25 kilograms of explosives along with a detonator and terrorist documents.

Similarly, the forces the other day arrested a mechanic with guns and other weapons from Bangabagar of Darchula in the west. He was reported as making guns and other weapons for the terrorists.

Along with the so-called chief of village peoples’ government, the forces have arrested seven terrorist suspects from Nigali of Kailali, and one each from Bhimsengola of Kathmandu, Ikudol of Lalitpur and Nangkhel of Bhaktapur, states a press statement issued here today by the Ministry.

Meanwhile, RSS in Rautahat reports that three Maoist terrorists involved in detonating grenades at the district administration office were arrested at Chandranigahapur, the district security committee has stated.

Those picked up by the security forces for necessary investigations in connection with the detonations are Sanjaya Jata Silod, Paramendra Jata Silod, and Birendra Jata Silod.

The Maoist terrorists had detonated the grenades at the office last Saturday, causing some damage.

Himshikhar Award given away

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: Four individuals were honoured with the Himshikhar Talent Awards for their contribution in the fields of social service, literature and industry at a programme here today. The programme was organized by the Himsikhar Foundation of Kathmandu and sponsored by the Lions Club of Kathmandu Universal.

The awardees are Mrs. Marianne Grosspietsch of Germany, and Nagendra Sharma, Hulas Chand Golchha and Mrs. Laxmi Upreti of Nepal.

Speaking at the function, Chief Guest and Chairman of Raj Sabha Standing Committee Dr. Kesharjung Rayamajhi appreciated the tradition of honouring people who are contributing to the society in one way or the other.

"As different flowers of the garden make its appearance good and charming, so are the different personalities of the society, they contribute in the different fields but their aim is the same: to improve the society," he said. "Such people deserve recognition, and various organisations are fulfilling this need."

Mrs. Grosspietsch, who was awarded for her contributions in the field of social service, has been running the Shanti Sewa Griha for the last ten years in the capital. "There are altogether 710 patients at Shanti Sewa Griha who are suffering from leprosy, T.B. and other diseases. The Griha provides them with proper treatment facilities and tries to make them self dependent after they get well," she said.

Patients make handicrafts and handloom clothes and take part in income generating self- employment schemes, she added. She said the Shanti Sewa Griha is like a family where all the ethnic groups of the society are living in harmony.

Nagendra Sharma, who was given an academic honour for his contributions in the field of literature, is a Nepali essayist. He has written books in both Nepali and English languages. Sharma has had administrative experiences at senior levels in the government owned organizations.

On the occasion, his book on history titled Nepal’s Relations with Sikkim and Bhutan was released by Vice-Chancellor of Tribhuvan University Naveen Prakash Jung Shah.

Another recipient of the award, Hulas Chand Golchha was given the honour for his contributions in the field of industry and business. He is the chairman of Golchha Organization. He has also edited and written books. Speaking on the occasion Golchha said one should not run after power and honour, they come to the one who performs his or her duty well. One should work more and better after being honoured to meet the society’s expectations, he said.

Laxmi Upreti, editor and publisher of Vanita quarterly literary magazine, was given the talent award for her contributions in the field of Nepali literature. She is a poetess.

German Ambassador Ruedeger Lemp lauded the role and contributions of Marianne Grosspitsch and her Shanti Sewa Griha on the occasion. He also lauded the role of the Lions Club in the field of social service at the function.

Gender Equality
54 laws, 118 legal provisions discriminatory against women

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb. 12: Participants wore a sombre mood as victims of trafficking and discrimination recounted their tales of woes to participants attending a national conference on Solidarity for Gender Equality here today.

Their heart-rending experiences left the participants, including political leaders from the ruling as well as the opposition parties, uneasy and perturbed.

The sound of the traditional Dhime band and sad songs sung by the victims trafficking at the Royal Nepal Academy hall heightened the urgency with which the authorities would need to act to make a difference in the lives of such victims.

Inaugurated jointly by Chief Justice Keshav Prasad Upadhyaya and Speaker Tara Nath Ranabhat, the national conference was organised by a group of social organisations working in the field of women rights. Organisers said the major objective of the meet was to extract firm commitments from the executives, parliament arians, the judiciary as well as the opposition parties to end all gender-related legal and social discrimination against women.

Addressing the conference, Chief Justice Upadhyaya said that it was necessary to formulate relevant laws and change the people’s attitude to ensure gender equality in the country.

"Gender equality between males and females is a must," he said, adding that the judiciary is meant to explain the Constitution and other laws.

He further stated that many discriminatory laws have been scrapped as per international laws.

Speaking on the occasion, Ranabhat said that the civil society must pressurise the political parties and leaders to formulate more effective laws to empower women and promote their rights.

"We could have such laws if the ruling and the opposition parties work together. The Civil Code (11th amendment) could be passed during the current session of parliament if it is ready," he said.

He also stressed the need to launch various programmes such as education in the remote parts of the country.

Expressing commitment on behalf of the opposition parties in the parliament, Madhav Kumar Nepal, general secretary of UML and main opposition leader in the parliament, said his party fully supports the women’s movement for their rights.

"We have no reservations regarding the empowerment of women. We are in favour of meting out harsh punishment to those involved in girl-trafficking," Nepal said.

Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare Rajendra Prasad Kharel urged the opposition parties not to politicise the issue of women’s empowerment.

"Both the ruling as well as the opposition leaders must give up the greed for power and do something for doing away with social evils like trafficking," Minister Kharel said.

He also informed that a survey, conducted by the Human Rights Committee under the House of Representatives last year, in five districts — one each in the five development regions — showed that over 90 per cent of the people were in favour of providing equal parental properties to their daughters.

Highlighting the objective of the meeting, Sapana Pradhan-Malla, coordinator of Forum for Women, Law and Development (FWLD), said that all the discriminatory laws must be scrapped.

Malla, who is also the coordinator of the national conference, said that 54 laws, 118 legal provisions, and 67 annexes are discriminatory against women.

"To ensure women’s empowerment, such laws must be scrapped," she emphasised.

Durga Ghimire, President of ABC/Nepal, handed over a memorandum to the political leaders and the heads of the constitutional bodies present at the conference.

Bandana Rana delivered the welcome speech, whereas Dr. Shanta Thapaliya extended the vote of thanks. Dr. Thapaliya strongly demanded that the Bill regarding women’s rights be passed with some amendments in the current session of parliament.

A rally was also taken out today demanding the passage of the Bill.

APO seminar on eco-tourism begins in capital

By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Feb.12: A five-day seminar on Eco-Tourism kicked off here on Monday to discuss various aspects necessary for the development of environment-friendly tourism industry and to effectively plan, develop and manage eco-tourism destinations.

In his message to the seminar – attended by 14 participants from the Asian Productivity Organisation in Asia and the Pacific region – Purna Bahadur Khadka, Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, said Nepal has always attached priority to developing tourism, which holds comparative advantage among the various sectors of the national economy.

"Majority of the visitors to Nepal are inclined towards tourism activities inside the protected areas designated as National Parks and Conservation Zones. Therefore, it has always been a challenge for us to blend environmental conservation with the expectations of the destination communities and visitors’ satisfaction, which are the core essence of the Eco-Tourism principles," the message read.

Delivering his inaugural address, Prakash Bahadur Gurung, Assistant Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies, said eco-tourism encourages appropriate use, protection, preservation and conservation of the environment and natural resources in both the rural and urban areas. "It, therefore, strives to improve productivity and sustainable development thereby alleviating poverty. However, the success of eco-tourism largely depends on the capability to understand the linkage of development, conservation and resource management by the community involved in a particular destination."

The goal of eco-tourism can hardly be achieved without local community participation from design to implementation stage, said Bhanu Prasad Acharya, Secretary at Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supplies. "Tourism development activities, if not planned properly, can affect the environment negatively. Maintaining a balance between tourism development and environmental conservation has been, thus, one of the challenging concerns in all developing countries."

Ramesh S. Pradhan, General Manager with the National Productivity and Economic Development Centre (NPEDC), said the concept of eco-tourism links productivity enhancement with environment friendly technologies and management to produce compatible tourism products and services needed for the tourism industry which contributes to the development of sustainable eco-friendly tourism in the long run.

Speaking during the inaugural session of the seminar, Choi Song Hyuan, Programme Officer and representative of the APO, said eco-tourism is a way of marrying ecological conservation and economic benefits of the local communities. Elaborating on Green Productivity, he said that the terminology was first coined by the APO to argue that productivity increase should be promoted but not at the cost of environment. "Rather, we say that these two activities should always be interfaced or complementary to each other."

Bharat Lal Nyachhyon, Chairman of NPEDC, said until and unless the country is aware about productivity improvement in tourism, it cannot benefit from the travel trade. "That apart, if the tourism product is not environmental friendly, the industry cannot sustain itself in a competitive market."

Eco tourism should not be taken as a fad gimmick, said Ravi Bhakta Shrestha, President of the Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industries. "Eco-tourism has come into prominence only in the past few years. It is the realisation of the need to conserve and preserve our heritage, our bio-diversity for the sustainable development of tourism that has popularised eco-tourism."

The five-day seminar is being organised by NPEDC in collaboration with APO.