FRONT PAGERS

New feud between Bhattarai, Koirala

The present Nepali Congress government is being criticised by its own party. The party has accused the government that it has not being able to do any remarkable work, corruption was increased, for failing to maintain peace and security in the country.

Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala is at the forefront in criticising the government. At his first press meet after the general election, he said, “The government has done nothing in the last 100 days and I have even smelt corruption done by some sitting in the government.” Raising the issues on peace and security, Koirala said, People are running out of patient.

This open criticism of Koirala shows that fighting between Koirala and Bhattarai has restarted.

Though Koirala spent all his time criticised the government, he failed to propose any solution to the problems such as the Maoists, corruption and the government’s slow motion.

The press had expected Koirala would give some clear directions, but they were disappointed.

Some even doubted that he organised the press conference in anger against him not being invited at the inauguration of the B.P. Memorial Institute of Health Sciences in Dharan. Other felt it was Koirala approval to the dissolution of the party’s district committees in 12 districts.

Although he said Maoists should be isolated from the people, and the NC would mobilise all its sister organisations to deal with the problem. He even said it should be dealt with administrative, and he meant suppression. His statements are being taken as contradiction against what Bhattarai recent said.

Bhattarai had recently said that the law and order situation was normal. He had also said if any one in his government is found to be involved in corruption, he would be kicked out.

These contradictory statements are being seen as the growing rift within the Nepali Congress government.

Meanwhile, Koirala also revealed that the party is supporting Shailaja Acharya in her awareness campaign against distortion within the party and campaign against the government. He said the party will support the campaign.

This has led to suspicion that the present government will run the country for five years. It will not be surprising if attempts are  made from within the ruling party itself to topple the government.

(Nepalipatra, Friday, Sept. 10)

Where people grow only marijuana

Some villages of Makawanpur and  Dhading districts, only about 75 kilometres from Kathmandu, trade contrabands like marijuana and hashish worth about Rs. 200 million a year.

People in about 20 villages of the districts have even stopped cultivating other crops and are depending solely on the narcotics. This is mentioned in a report of the special team of the Implementation of the Narcotic Law Enforcement Agency. When the marijuana plants begin to grow, drug dealers, especially from India, buy up the whole cultivation before it is ready.

Cultivation and production of these substances take place under the protection of the local level leaders of the political parties, police and the military. These villages have also become the main point of trading of these narcotics of the international drug dealers. Recently 23 armymen were court marshaled for being involved in the narcotics and have been jailed.

Such dealers also train the villagers on how to cultivate marijuana plant and how to produce good hashish from them. These dealers are given protection by the villagers. There are no police posts in many such areas, and wherever there are the police side with the narcotic dealers.

According to the report, people in those villages say nothing else grows in those land and they are forced to grow marijuana.

According to a member of the team, the marijuana are sold at Rs. 1,500 per  kg, and it fetches more than US$ 15,000 in the market of Europe.

A big portion of the marijuana and hashish go to India, China, America, Canada and Germany by air from Kathmandu. But a bulk of the goods go to India and from the Indian ports of Calcutta and Bombay (Mumbai) it reaches the European markets.

Meanwhile the villages inhabited mostly by Tamangs, have called themselves Maoists and have created their own army, with weapons, to protect their  business. The contrabands are stored by the sides of the highways and are protected by armed personnel.

 The Narcotics Control Agency has enough information about the cultivation, production and trading of narcotics in these areas, but it has been unable to do anything.

Chief of the Agency DSP Kumar Koirala only says they are investigating. However one police said the agency has found one Member of the Parliament is also involved in the dealing of the contraband. The agency has also received a report that a MP recently returned from Bangkok carrying hashish and the agency is secretly investigating on the MP.

(Himalaya Times, September 11, Saturday)

NGOs oppose prior approval of funding

More than 10,000 Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) use about 12 per cent of the total budget of the country, but without the approval and knowledge of the government.

According to a body, which is carrying out a study on the activities of the NGOs, every year the NGOs receive more than Rs. 7 billion as financial assistance from several INGOs and other donor agencies. It has been found that Human Rights Organisation receive more financial aids than other NGOs.

Among the Human Rights Organisations, Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) alone had received Rs. 40 million last year. But INSEC says the money was spent for human rights activities, awareness programmes and other social activities through 48 affiliated organisations.

Meanwhile, it has been found that there are growing misunderstandings between the NGOs and the donor agencies with the NGOs receiving money without the approval and knowledge of the government. It might be possible that if this goes on, the donor agencies may stop providing money to NGOs for social development.

The Social Welfare Council, the government body to monitor the NGOs, has issued a notice five months back to the NGOs to take compulsory approval of the Council before running any programme funded by the donor agencies. Otherwise, the registration of those NGOs will be cancelled.

The result has also been positive. Now, 66 NGOs have submitted their balance sheet to the Council which amounts to about Rs. 700 million, and  51 NGOs in the last five months have applied for approval of almost Rs. 300 million.

But this policy of prior approval has been opposed by some Human Rights Organisations.

"This is totally undemocratic and impractical,” says Sushil Pyakurel of INSEC. This has also put a question on the very freedom of the NGOs and we will not take any prior approval from the Social Welfare Council, he says.

(Aajako Samacharpatra, September 11, Saturday)

Former MPs have not cleared dues

One and half a dozen MPs of the previous parliament, even after eight months of its dissolution, have not cleared their advance amount received from the Parliamentary Secretariat. The then prime minister Girija Prasad Koirala had dissolved the House on January 15, 1999.

According to the Secretariat, the advance amount drawn by the then MPs as their salary amounts to almost Rs. 742,835.

Those who have not cleared their advances include 10 from Nepali Congress, four from UML, three from ML and one from RPP (Chand).

Those NC MPs who have not cleared their arrears are: Amar Raj Kaini, Rs.61,738, Tirtha Raj Bhushal Rs. 62,393., Hari Prasad Chaudhari Rs. 56,620., Keshab Bahadur Chand, Hari Nath Banstola and Hasta Bahadur Malla each have to clear Rs. 46, 684.

Likewise,  Dhundi Raj Shastri and Indu Sharma have to clear Rs. 46, 684 and 45, 244 respectively. Moti Prasad Pahadi has to clear Rs. 27,930, whereas, Bhakta Bahadur Rokkya has to pay Rs. 8,840.

Accordingly, the Secretariat has yet to collect Rs. 47, 020 from Surendra Kumar Fumbo, Rs. 27,58 from Majhi Lal Tharu, 23,520 from Dev Shankar Poudel and Rs. 7,580 from Bhanu Bhakta Jaisi, all UML MPs.

Those former ML MPs who have not cleared their advances are: Kamal Koirala, Hikmat Bahadur Shahi and Narayan Dhakal. They have to refund Rs. 72,920., Rs. 47020 and Rs. 26, 860 respectively. Fatte Singh Tharu of the RPP Chand has to clear the advance amount of Rs. 40,820.

(Aajako Samacharpatra, Saturday, September 11)

Another game from Koirala’s

The ruling Nepali congress party, prior to its 10th national convention, is performing different games. Party general secretary Shushil Koirala has been strongly criticized within the party for the dissolution of  12 district working committees. Koirala took this decision when the party’s strong man former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba was in China.

Koirala choose to dissolve the committee in Deuba’s district Dadeldhura also. It also include the district of Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and Minister Omkar Shrestha. Such a decision of Koirala is targeted towards eliminating anti-Koirala group within the NC.

On the other hand, anti-Koirala camp in the NC has become alert from this decision. This camp, so far, is trying to fight against Koirala unitedly. At present, the pro-government force and the pro-party force within the NC have reached in a position of declaring open war against each other.

(Naya Current weekly, Tuesday, September 7.)

UML to go to the streets

Immediately after the competition of the honeymoon period of the government, the Kathmandu District Committee of the UML has announced to organize a sit-in programme at Bhadrakali temple and handing over a memorandum to the Prime Minister.

The protest programme which began on Wednesday has been scheduled against the government decision of cutting old-citizen’s allowance. It has demanded to continue old-age allowance and to be distributed it before Dasain festival. Demands put by protesters include consumers’ welfare including immediate introduction of the Decentralization Law.

(Naya Current weekly, Tuesday, September 7.)

Parliamentary session concluding soon

The sixteenth session of the parliament is heading towards closing stages. The major work of summer session was the ratification of the new budget, which was ratified on Tuesday.

The government was in a mood to conclude this session in the third week of Bhadra (first week of September), but the ten-day disturbance of the session by the opposition parties had prolonged the House.

This time, the government didn’t bring any bills in the House. For this reason also, the session is to be concluded soon. Possibly, this session will not pass a single bill. It is believed that the session will be concluded after the election of nine permanent committees of the parliament.

(Saptahik weekly, Friday, September 10.)

Who mysterious lady is entertaining?

A palace lady, who was allegedly linked with a doctor in the past, is presently enjoying with Subhas Kumar Kafle, a worker in the Heritage Plaza owned by Kumar Khadga Bikram Shah. The lady’s former husband is seriously ill.

(Mallika weekly, Monday, September 6.)

Finally, ML announces movement

The second national workers’ gathering of ML held recently in Pokhara has ratified the programme of nationwide movement presented by the party. Only about 850 leaders and workers were supposed to participate the gathering, but, unexpectedly, more than 1300 ML workers had reached to Pokhara to participate in the gathering.

The main target of the gathering was the UML. Participants say gathering will be a big blow to the UML’s dream of becoming the biggest Left force. The gathering also accused the UML of making Madan Bhandari’s principle of People’s Multi-party Democratic, a begging bowl.

ML’s Pokhara gathering has defined the principle with a new theme. A 48-page political report was presented by the party general secretary Bamdev Gautam. The political report has put forward different 27 demands related on security, public life and internal peace and security situation.

The demands include cancellation of all unequal treaties, return of the Indian army from Kalapani area, proper safeguarding of all borders of Nepal, introduction of work-permit system and regulation of border trafficking, end of phase-wise illegal murder and protection of languages, cultures by the government.

The ML gathering has decided to handover a memorandum to the Prime Minister on September 19. The party has decided to give an ultimatum till November 18 for the fulfillment of their demands. If its demands will not be fulfilled by that date the party said it would launch nationwide movement from November 18.

(Jana Aastha weekly of Wednesday, September 8.)

Gachhedar, Sujata disclosing each other’s secrets

One of the most corrupt NC ministers, Bijaya Kumar Gachhedar, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, and Sujata Koirala, who is enjoying power by influencing her father, the NC president Girija Prasad Koirala have come down to washing each other’s dirty secrets in the public.

Some newspapers published this week have covered news items against Sujata and some others have given news against Gachhedar.

According to a reliable source, Sujata Koirala got such news published against Gachhedar in some newspapers by giving a handful of money. Gachhedar too had followed suit to disclose Sujata’s secret business.

It is said that Sujata Koirala stood up against Gachhedar after the commission, she was receiving from the Royal Nepal Airlines Corporation since her father Girija Prasad Koirala’s prime ministership, was stopped by Gachhedar.

Also, it is said that as Sujata had made maximum efforts to defeat Gachhedar in the last general elections, Gachhedar has openly come against Sujata.

(Sama Dristi weekly of Tuesday, September 7)

Foreign policy seminar in the presence of envoys

At the time when the Foreign Affairs Ministry was busy preparing for the SAARC summit, a responsible institution known as the Institute for the Study on Foreign Affairs, organized a seminar on foreign affairs in collaboration with a foreign agency last week.

A country’s foreign affairs is not only its internal affairs, but it is also a secret affairs. In such a serious issue too, open discussions were been made in the presence of  diplomats, which is objectionable.

The institution, in cooperation with FES, had organized the seminar. The seminar had discussed on serious issues such as cancellation of 1950’s treaty with India and revival of peace zone proposal.

Senior diplomats such Professor Krishna Khanal, Professor Lok Raj Baral and others like Prabhakar S. Rana and Dr. Yubraj Khatiwada had presented their working paper at the seminar.

According to a Foreign Ministry source, Russian diplomat was invited for the opening ceremony only. Although he was not allowed to attend the close sessions, he had attended them nonetheless. Foreign Affairs Secretary Murari Raj Sharma himself had chaired the close sessions, but, none of the Foreign Ministry officials remarked on the presence of the Russian diplomat.

Baral’s working paper allegedly of being much India-tilted, was commented by those noted anti-Indians — Manaranjan Josse, Ram Pradhan, Shrish Rana, etc..

What would be the significance of such a seminar sponsored by a foreign agency, itself, is a question many have asked.

The Institute for the Study on Foreign Affairs, established seven years back with a purpose of providing advice to the government in crucial issues, providing training to diplomats and  study and research on foreign affairs issues, itself is having a weak leadership, feel local diplomats.

Presently, Dr. Mohan Prasad Lohani, who was an ambassador during the then panchayat era, is the director of the institution.

It is believed that Lohani has made no remarkable influence or expertise on foreign affairs. Controversy may arise when one has to teach diplomacy to the institution which is funded to train others, says Jaya Raj Acharya.

As the executive director of the institute is of panchayat-background, his role has been questioned. Former secretary at the Royal Palace Narayan Prasad Shrestha is the deputy executive director. In this regard, the significance of the institution itself has been questioned.

(Ghatana Ra Bichar, Tuesday, September 8)  

Koirala’s resignation demanded

There is a big hue and cry within the Nepali Congress following the dissolution, by the party’s General Secretary Sushil Koirala, of the party’s district working committees in 12 districts. Gajendra Bahadur Hamal, president of Banke’s district committee, the home town of Koirala, has called Koirala to withdraw the decision. Six presidents of the dissolved committee have even demanded the resignation of Sushil Koirala. Though the decision was taken by Sushil Koirala, there is direct involvement of NC President Girija Prasad Koirala, say sources close to Nepali Congress. News sources claim that President Koirala is preparing to dissolve the party’s committees in other districts too.

(Asan Bazar, Saturday, Sept. 11)

Is Shailaja’s intention sincere?

Five central committee members of the Nepali Congress —Shailaja Acharya, Chakra Prasad Banstola, Bhim Bahadur Tamang, Lila Koirala andMaheshwor Prasad Acharya — formally started their campaign on Thursday against the distortions within the party and increasing corruption in the country. But only the future can tell how successful will the campaign be. But the launching of the campaign has been criticised within the party. Nobody can deny that there are distortions within the party, but the very persons, who were in the front row in creating distortions are now in the leading role.

When Shailaja was in power, she did not raise the issue of corruption. She also did not raise the issue when she was vice president of party. Chakra Prasad Banstola and Bhim Bahadur Tamang are not exception. Similarly, party workers are asking the same question to Lila Koirala and Maheshwor Prasad Singh. So, the campaign launched by them, especially Shailaja, is considered to have of some ulterior motive.

(Asan Bazar, Saturday, Sept. 11)

Maoists to abandon violent war

About 1,000 people, of which about 800 are Maoists, have been killed following the People’s War launched by the Nepal Communist Party (Maoists) since February 1996. However, no party, including the communist ones have supported the People’s War. Not even a single sector of the society as well has directly supported and helped Maoists. even though the Maoists have succeeded in creating fear among the people. Possibly because of this, Maoist party’s General Secretary Prachand has called for janawadi government of the revolutionary Leftist parties. However, he has not committed that he will abandon the violent people’s war. However, he has indicated that if the UML, the biggest communist party is involved in such a government, he may abandon his violent activities.

(Saptahik Janasatta, Saturday, Sept. 11)

Maoists will be dealt with firmly

Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala has called all the political parties, who believe in the present constitution, to fight against Maoists’ violence. On the other hand, Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai has been saying that the Maoists will been given amnesty if they come forward to solve the problem through dialogue.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Bhattarai also said that the government had made a strategy regarding the Maoists. They are killing police, they are looting people and terrorising them. They are killing innocent people.

Even this, if they come for dialogue and become ready to solve the problem for ever, I am ready to give amnesty to them and release them from jail. But if they do not heed the government peace offer, Bhattarai warned that they will be dealt with bullet for bullet.

(Saptahik Janasatta, Saturday, Sept. 11)

Bhattarai govt. to be toppled by Falgun

"Now the people will not show their courage for long period,” this is the comment made by Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala on 100 days of the government. Koirala, who was silent during honeymoon period, was aggressive on Thursday while talking to journalists.

Koirala seems committed to go to the people with the issue of corruption after Dashain and Tihar festivals.

President Koirala has been analysing the comments from Bhattarai’s side about his dissolution of 12 district committees through General Secretary Sushil Koirala.

(Sanghu, Saturday, Sept. 11)

ADB warns Finance Minister

The resident representative of the Asian Development Bank, in a letter, has warned Finance Minister Mahesh Acharya that the bank is not satisfied with the transfer of employees in the ADB-funded projects. The ADB said the transfer was against the understanding and it might withdraw its supports from the projects if the government does not stop doing so and withdraw its decision.

(Saptahik Janasatta, Saturday, Sept. 11)

Congress starts fresh dialogue with opposition

Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala has presented an plan to hold dialogue with the opposition parties in controlling the Maoists. But the plan is unlikely to be accepted by other parties.  The plan to launch a national campaign against the Maoists by making joint committee with other political parties will not materialise, mainly because the Congress’s coordination committee has not been able to do anything about it.

(Saptahik Bimarsha, Friday, Sept. 10)

Prime Minister’s office to be ghearoed

Pro-human right organisations, which has been pressing for the formation of the Human Rights Commission, are to gheareo the Prime Minister’s Office on Sept. 17, 1999 if the commission is not formed by that time. The Organisations have already carried out sit ins, rallies and even relay hunger strikes demanding the constitution of the Commission.

(Nepalipatra, Friday, Sept. 10)