FOR PROTECTION : Brahmans tying sacred thread on the wrist of a young devotee for protection from evil on the occasion of Janai Purnima.

Koirala-Bhattarai tussle liability for nation

By a staff reporter

Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala is expected to reshuffle his cabinet as well as the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the party soon.

It has become important and even urgent for Koirala to make changes both in the government and in the CWC to contain the discontent which had suddenly erupted last week after the sacking of Water Resources Minister Khum Bahadur Khadka.

Outdated : Is it time both PM Koirala (l) and Bhattarai step down from politics?

Khadka was sacked from the cabinet by Koirala after the former demanded that the post of the party president be handed over to the young generation and also venting his frustration over the functioning of the government.

The sacking of Khadka, who was instrumental in electing Koirala as the leader of the party’s parliamentary committee four months ago, virtually triggered the move within the party to trim Koirala’s wings within the party.

This move was further fanned by Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, who may be looking for revenge against Koirala for planning his unceremonious ouster from the government four months ago. Bhattarai, with the tacit support of Koirala opponents like Sher Bahadur Deuba, Chirinjibi Wagle and Purna Bahadur Khadka, has put five demands for PM Koirala to fulfil.

The demands are: Koirala should reconstitute the cabinet and the party’s central working committee with the induction of more Bhattarai supporters, relinquish the post of party president and appointment of an acting party president from among his opponents, Koirala should declare that he will not stand for party president in the party’s forthcoming national convention and the party convention should be deferred by several months.

However, the demands, except the reconstitution of the cabinet and the CWC, were rejected by the CWC meeting hastily called by Koirala on Friday. Koirala openly said after a meeting with Bhattarai on Monday, that he will not fulfil the other demands.

For Koirala, accepting these demands, especially that he should not stand for the party president, would virtually mean committing political suicide. The CWC’s support may be a big boost to Koirala, but the crisis in the Nepali Congress is far from over.

However, according to a source, both sides have agreed to negotiate on the demands. If the stalemate goes on a no-confidence motion against Koirala could be registered in the party’s parliamentary committee, the source said.

Meanwhile, the biggest loser in the present struggle for power has been Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. Bhattarai had fanned the discontent against Koirala by putting five demands to Koirala. But him boycotting the CWC meeting and not coming out openly for support has weakened his case.

Again, Bhattarai was even rebutted by some senior Congress leaders like Beni Bahadur Karki, Bal Bahadur Rai and Jagannath Acharya for his ambition to again become the Prime Minister.

Last week at a programme organised by the Reporters’ Club, Congressmen including Dhundi Raj Shastri, considered a Bhattarai supporter, said it would be wrong if Bhattarai wants to become prime minister again.

However, Koirala should also be blamed for the crisis the Nepali Congress is undergoing. One of the biggest faults, Koirala’s opponents say he has, is that he only listens to his cronies and does not incorporate the suggestions of those who do not go with his ideas in the party and the government. He is even accused of going to any extent to get onto the power. The sacking of Khadka could be a proof of this.

Evidences and incidences have shown that crises within the Nepali Congress in the last 10 years have always come forth because of the personal ambitions of these two leaders. With their mode of working, these two leaders may have now become more a liability than assets to the Nepali Congress.

But what may be unfortunate for NC is that its second rank leaders also do not look promising to take the party forward unitedly and with a vision.

Khadka firm in his stance

By a staff reporter

Khadka : No retreat

The man in the middle of all the present crisis within the ruling Nepali Congress, former Minister for Water Resources, Khum Bahadur Khadka, indicated that he has not budged one inch from the stance he took when he deferred with Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

A source close to former Minister Khadka, revealed that Khadka still believes one man should not hold two posts in the party. Khadka had made this clear while speaking in the House of Representatives one day after being sacked from his post.

"I am also firm that the coming general convention of the party should be held in a fair and free manner, " Khadka said in a brief conversation. Khadka also believes that the leadership within the Nepali Congress must now go to the younger generation..

HRC should be independent, impartial

By Dhana Thapa

Everything seems quiet on the Human Rights Commission front, but is it?

It may be recalled that this Commission was born after much turmoil, both in the political and human rights circles. It took a full decade after the re-establishment of democracy in the country, for the Commission to see the light of the day.

And even when that happened, there was much hue and cry at the choice of the Chairman of the Commission, who happened to be a Chief Justice of the bad old Panchayat days. Furthermore, it did not help matters when the newly appointed Chairman, former Chief Justice Nayan Bahadur Khatri, made some controversial remarks regarding the present democratic system in an interview to a vernacular weekly. He had reportedly said in the interview, "that he liked the Panchayat system better than the present multi-party set-up".

However after the initial hue and cry and after Khatri took back his words and clarified matters, the initial storm blew over and it looked like the Commission would go ahead with its responsibilities. But there are indications that, the formation of the important body has just been a formality and even officials within the Commission are complaining that nothing much is happening.

Chairman of the Commission Khatri however, in a brief conversation with this reporter, said that things were running smoothly and the members were busy in fulfilling their responsibilities.

But at a programme organised by Penal Reform International (PRI) and Centre for Victims of Torture (CVICT) on Plan of Action for Penal Reform in Nepal on Monday, a source at the Human Rights Commission said on the condition of anonymity, that not much was being done by the HCR. "The problem lies in some of the members, who are more interested in personal perks and benefit rather than human rights reforms," the source said.

An active human rights activists also criticised the government for housing the important constitutional body within the premises of a Ministry. "How can the Commission be free and impartial when it functions from within the government secretariat?" He asked.

It would be much better if the Commission finds its own house and functions from it, he further said. He also indicated that funds should be no problem for the HRC, as it would receive support from many international agencies.

It may be mentioned here that the Chairperson of the Human Rights Commission in the Indian state of Rajasthan, Kanta Bhatnagar, resigned from her post on Sunday, saying he "conscience did not permit" her "to face the humiliation" meted out to her by the state government.

"I hope it would prove to be an eye opener for the government and the bureaucracy in relation to the prevalent conditions" at the newly constituted Human Rights Commission, said Mrs. Bhatnagar, who is a former Chief Justice of the Madras High Court.

If the Commission here also depends completely on the government for its physical facilities as well as perks, then it could also face similar interference from politicians as well as bureaucrats, a source said.

There is no doubt the Commission is very important to deter any human rights violations that take place in the country. This was a body, the necessity of which had been felt badly by all sectors of the society. Now that it has been formed, it has an enormous challenge to oversee the human rights situation in the country.

Specially now, there are reports of rights violations, more so in the Maoists affected areas of the country. Both the police and also the Maoists have been accused of inflicting rape, torture and other violations. The Commission should not keep quiet like a toothless tiger, when such atrocities are taking place. It must act decisively to stop all such inhuman activities.

A senior journalists remarked that just publishing incidents of human rights violations on an annual basis, will not be enough. "We have seen the helplessness of the Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), we should make the HCR much more effective and also stronger," he said.

For now, the HCR could hold a press meet and tell the people what work it has done since it was formed some months back. This would assure the people that this important body was fully active in protecting one very important fundamental rights of the citizens. It can be hoped the Commission will not disappoint the people.

Nepalese carpets to be Britain's biggest trade fair

By Bibek Bhatta

Nepalese carpet exporters are going to display 24 carpets made from British and Tibetan wool at the Harrogate Floor Coverings Fair in the UK on 5-7 September. Harrogate is Britain’s biggest carpet fair.

The venture is being sponsored by the British Wool Marketing Board (NWMB), which donated 400 kg of British wool to the Nepalese manufacturers. The wool was distributed to manufacturers following the drawing with varying proportions of Tibetan wool, and has been woven into carpets. The BWMB will display these.

The British Embassy, the BWMB, the Nepal Britain Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the central Carpet Industries Association have met at regular intervals at the British Embassy, together with the carpet manufactuers. The planning and preparation has included a website to market and promote the carpets (www.nepalcarpets-UK.com), a power point presentation to be delivered by representatives of the CCIA, NBCCI and Embassy in Harrogate.

Nepal’s carpet export to different countries amounted to 142 million US$ in the fiscal year 1999-2000 and it has a major contribution in the Nepalese economy. Nepalese exporters are hopeful that their participation in the fair would open up new market avenues. Minister for Commerce and Industry, Ram Krishna Tamrakar inaugurated the promotional mission to the UK for Nepalese carpets woven from British wool on 8 August. Minister Tamrakar said "Nepal is looking forward to produce wool with the help of the British government,". According to him Nepalese carpet manufacturers are one of the major contributors to the foreign exchange reserve in Nepal. Being hopeful, he said "Nepalese carpet will attract large foreign customers at the Harrogate fair."

The British Ambassador to Nepal, Ronald P. Nash said, "this is a classic example of co-operation in action and the BWMB has been exceptionally helpful in donating the wool and providing the stand at Harrogate." He wished the team every success at Harrogate and hoped that this will open the door to sustained, long term exports of Nepalese carpets to Britain, and sustained long term imports of British wool to Nepal. According to him the efforts of the CCIA, NBCCI and Embassy in producing this comprehensive promotional strategy is admirable. He also said that after the fair closes, the collection will be kept for subsequent international display.

The president of NBCCI, Rajendra K. Khetan expressed the view that a dedicated Web-site has been developed as a part of a brochure which will provide all information about the carpets, its manufacturers and the carpet industry of Nepal in general. According to him to promote the British wool in Nepal and also to increase export of Nepalese carpets in the U.K., the project had been undertaken. President of the Central Carpet Industries Association (CCIA), A.G. Sherpa said that the collaborative efforts of the NBCCI and CCIA should be given continuity in order to promote Nepalese carpets in Britain as well as other countries. He also said that British wool is very good to use to produce high quality carpets. General secretary of NBCCI, A.K. Sengupta also expressed his view on the occasion.

Women suffering from violence

By a staff reporter

CIWIN published a survey as part of its half yearly Report (Jan -Jun 2000) concerning violence against women. Altogether there are 411 incidents found from 42 newspapers reports.

Among 132 rape cases, 50 cases occurred to girls under 16 year. The cases of Girls trafficking are 95 and number of over sixteen women is 63. 52 murder cases and 9 cases of unsuccessful attempt of murdering are reported.

67 incidences of committing suicides are reported, 18 unsuccessful attempts of committing suicides are reported women murder by the police is 11 and Maoist is 3.

There are 5 dowry victims and 2 murders because of the dowry problem. 3 women suffers from domestic violence and 14 sufferers from conservative religion.

"Bangdel's art on Internet"

By a staff reporter

The paintings of artist Lain Singh Bangdel are on exhibit at www.spinybabbler.org until August end. Spiny Babbler is holding this exhibition on the Internet to give people worldwide opportunity to study the works of an artist who has had a high profile presence in the Nepalese art and literature scene. According to Para Limbu, chairperson of Spiny Babbler, though not launched officially, the Spiny Babbler internet test site is now operational and covers the lives and works of many other writers and artist’s.

She further said that Bangdel is the first person to hold a solo modern art show featuring abstract images in Nepal (1962). He is respected worldwide for his scholarly research and commands equal stature as Mary Slusser, writer of the Nepal Mandala. In his youth Bangdel worked in India with Satyajit Ray, Chittananda Das Gupta, and Subash Ganguli. He went on to study art at École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts in Paris and met Pablo Picasso and Georges Brague. Hussain, Padam Singh, and Krishna Reddy were among his contemporaries.

As he was working in the United Kingdom, he was asked to come to Nepal by B.P. Koirala, a close friend, and His Majesty King Mahendra. When he came to Nepal, his career went well. He became vice-chancellor, and later chancellor of the Royal Nepal Academy, twice. He helped make Nepal Association of Fine Arts secure. He is also the founder of the Nepal Arts Council. His artwork has been exhibited worldwide and his work have been subjects of study for Ph.D. scholars. Today he is a healthy eighty-four. Many of the eight hundred plus visitors to come to www.spinybabbler.org over the past seven days have been highly appreciative of his creations that range a period of forty years.

Endowment fund for needy girls established

By a staff reporter

WWF the leading conservation organisation demonstrated that the people and conservation concept really works and that it makes a difference to the education of girls. A USD$25,000 agreement has been signed between Women’s Environment Sub Committee Thakurdwara, Bardia and WWF Nepal Programme. The agreement establishes an endowment fund for needy girls to attend schools of the Royal Bardia National Park (RBNP) buffer zone.

WWF Nepal Programme has been providing stipends in Bardia to increase the enrolment of girls in schools since 1995. This stipend is part of WWF’s Bardia Integrated Conservation Project (BICP) initiated through a donation by WWF US Board member singleton Rankin. The endowment is an exciting long term fund now available for advancing girl’s education as the BICP will end this November.

One year stipends from the endowment fund will be provided to girls whose family members have been killed or injured by wild animals; girls whose homes have been damaged by wild animals; disabled girls; and girls who score highest marks in the school.

Havoc on Prithvi Highway

By a staff reporter

The main highway that links most parts of the country, including capital city Kathmandu, has been disrupted several times in the past couple of weeks. Even now, a vital portion of the Prithvi Highway, has been damaged by landslide. Upto ten thousand passengers were stranded on this busy road because of the landslide at one time three days back.

As can be expected, many people, specially the old and very young passengers, went through a harrowing period when they were stranded at different places. The constant rain and humid heat did not help matters. It has been reported that many people fell ill and some even had to be rushed by the few ambulances that were available.

Meanwhile, taking advantage of the situation, the shopkeepers on the highway, charged highly inflated prices for whatever goods were on demand, specially foodstuff. Even in normal times, things like cold drinks, biscuits and Wai Wai instant noodles cost much more than they do at regular destinations.

But during the emergency, a packet of Wai Wai cost as much a Rs. 35, a bottle of mineral water Rs. 30 and a packet of biscuit Rs. 20. For many, even this was not available, if they happened to be stranded at the wrong places.

One unfortunate person sadly had just enough money to reach home, so when he was stranded, there was no option but to beg for money and charity from fellow passengers.

Also, it was reported that one man, who had to reach Kathmandu on the very day his bus was stranded, tried to trek across the hills to get here. But because of the rain and slippery trails, he fell and had to be rushed to hospital for the treatment of broken leg.

However, apart from the troubles that thousands of passengers underwent, the lack of preparedness of the government agencies to deal with this emergency, was very unfortunate. There was not enough dozers to clear the road and the two that eventually reached the site of the landslide, were not big enough to clear the rubble.

A government spokesman himself admitted that they did not have a big vehicle to clear a huge boulder that had fallen at the middle of the highway.

Considering the importance of this vital highway, which links Kathmandu to the rest of the country and also the huge number of vehicles that ply on it everyday, shouldn’t the government have adequate equipment to deal with any eventuality of a landslide in a quick manner? This year the highway was closed continuously upto three days.

One can see shiny expensive four wheel drive vehicles being driven around by government officials, even if small city cars could have easily carried them around. Why incur such expenses on unproductive utilities, but neglect such vital needs like equipment to clear roads?

Opposition united against Koirala's "insult"

By a staff reporter

Once more the opposition parties in the House of Representatives have staged a walkout and stalled House proceedings. However this time, they have a valid demand in making a united stance against Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala.

It may be recalled, that PM Koirala had drawn the ire of the elected representatives when at a public function on August 12, he had said the democratic system had been weakened by the "smugglers who have invaded the Parliament". He had made this remark right after the threat made to his post by rebelling NC lawmakers.

Many MPs had criticised this blatant insult the Prime Minister had made to the people’s elected representatives.

It is true, Prime Minister Koirala sometimes makes "on the heat of the moment" remarks, which land him in trouble later on. One may recall how he had said he will not make any official visit to India till the Kalapani issue had been resolved. But he had to eat his words when he made the official visit to India last week, though the Kalapani issue had not budged even an inch.

This time, first the MPs of the main opposition party, the CPN (UML) led by senior leader of the party K.P. Oli walked out from the House on Monday in protest against what PM Koirala had said.

The RPP also chose to do the same and the party’s MPs led by former Minister Pashupati Shumsher Rana too staged a walkout. They, like the UML MPs said they would not attend the House proceedings till the Prime Minister made it clear who the "smugglers" within the Parliament were. The Sadbhavana Party MPs also followed suit and now it looks like House proceedings will not start unless PM Koirala makes a clarification or an apology.

Like one observer remarked, it is surprising why the Prime Minister makes such irresponsible comments, which constantly land him in trouble. "Specially, he should have controlled himself while making a remark, which has irritated all the MPs in the House. That was a very foolish thing to do".

Individual MPs also ranted out against the comment made by Koirala and they accused the PM of giving the impression that the Parliament "is a stronghold of smugglers".

When he is facing so much trouble from within the party, this pressure from all the opposition parties too, will surely not benefit PM Koirala politically. It will be interesting to see how the "sharp" advisors of the Prime Minister will get him out of this mess.

RA in aircraft lease-buy problem again

By a staff reporter

You can not separate a plane from an airline. But for the Royal Nepal Airlines it is often for the wrong reasons. Recently, RNAC decided to go for sealed quotations to lease a Boeing 767-300 ER after failing to find an aircraft through a tender.

When the airlines fourth tender in the last three months also failed to attract any good bidders, the airlines thought it had to get a plane by other means to replace the leased B757. There were only two bidders, one of them being Annset, but RNAC rejected both of them on technical grounds. The B757 leased from the China Southwest Airline is going back in about a months time.

Meanwhile, RNAC’s decision to buy two new planes for its domestic and regional flights has also fallen into controversy. Recently, RA had decided to buy two ATR-72-500 directly from its manufacturers. The 70-seater aircraft was adjudged by RA to be most suitable among the five bidders.

The Public Accounts Committee of the Parliament on Monday demanded an explanation from RNAC about the procurement procedure of the planes. According to a report, after the PAC’s demand the Ministry of Civil Aviation has also withheld US$ 200,000 to be sent to the manufacturer.

While everything that goes on within the RNAC is being looked with suspicion, but when everybody becomes too nosy about the affair of the airlines, it could create more problem than solve them.

Stolen artwork to return to Nepal

A 1,000-year-old stone relief stolen from Nepal 18 years ago is returning from a Berlin museum to its original setting near Kathmandu.

The Museum for Indian Art said Wednesday it bought the carving, featuring the Hindu god Shiva and his wife Uma, on the art market in 1985, but recently discovered the piece was stolen.

"Stolen works of art should be returned to their original owners", said Antje Vollmer, a politician from Germany’s Greens party and vice president of parliament who pushed for the return.

Art experts and journalists discovered the illegal orgins of the piece, which is believed to have come from Wotol, a village 25 Kilometers (15 miles) east of Kathmandu.

Many religious objects and sculptures were stolen from Nepalese temples in the 1970s and 80s and then brought to Europe for sale on the black market, Vollmer said.

Museum director Marianne Yaldiz said she will travel to Kathmandu to return the relief to Nepalese authorities at the end of August.

New appointments in Govt. media sector

By a staff reporter

Purunder Ghimire, a senior media hand has been appointed Chairman of the Gorkhapatra Corporation, the publisher of the oldest Nepali and English dailies in the country. Ghimire, was appointed to the important post by a cabinet decision on Monday.

A Masters degree holder in Mass Communications from the Maryland University in the USA, Ghimire was previously the Chairman and General Manager of the Rastriya Samachar Samiti, RSS, the only news agency in the country. He is also among the first batch of journalism graduates from the Tribhuvan University.

Meanwhile, according to sources, Ganesh Ballav has been appointed as Executive Chairman of RSS. Earlier he was just the Chairman of the Board.

Similarly, Durganath Sharma has been appointed as the General manager of the Nepal Television. He was the acting General Manager till now.