The Fascists In Kathmandu

The crackdown is a naked violation of a fundamental human right: the right to peaceful assembly. This is unacceptable.

Final Act: Disobey The Curfew
April 6,7,8,9, April 16,17,18,19, April 26,27,28,29
Even If The Worst Fears About The Maoists Are True
Write To Bush, Condi Before Possible Clampdown
यो सडक ितम्र्ो हो
Kamal Thapa Is A Nazi
Kamal Thapa Going Jail, Kamal Thapa Chukkie Pissing

Himal Survey Has A Republican Message

Himal Survey

The choice is between an unconstitutional monarchy and a republic. The Nepali people have made it very clear they will opt for a republic between the two. This monarch has made constitutional monarchy unimaginable.

75% of the people have been opposed to his direct rule since 2/1.
95% of the people say the situation in Nepal is bad/anarchic/frightening. The largest proportion of the people blame the king for the bad situation.
90% want dialogue as the legitimate political outlet.
85% are opposed to the idea of parliamentary elections.
75% are opposed to the idea of an unconstitutional monarchy.
Over 70% of those who have heard of the 12 point agreement think it is positive.
50% want outside parties to facilitate.
Only 20% think the 1990 constitution is okay.
Less than 20% votes in the municipal polls.
20% think the king's parlimentary elections are possible.
67% want the new constitution to be made through a constituent assembly.
67% think what we have right now is an absolute monarchy.
65% of the people are opposed to the idea that the parties have been sidelined by the king.

The survey says 50% of the people want a constitutional/ceremonial monarchy. Those are not people against the idea of a republic. They are people who are disapproving of the absolute monarchy we have in the country right now.

The Himal Survey is a clear indication the country is ready for a republic.

Movement Or Revolution

The difficulties and challenges of organizing a movement and getting people out into the streets can not be underestimated. But the king has really been trying the patience of the democrats. The movement has to turn into a revolution.

In The News

Nepal's king cracks down ahead of strike, protests Reuters AlertNet, UK
Nepal police detain dozens before protest San Jose Mercury News
Nepal's king cracks down ahead of strike, protests Reuters
Nepal bans protests in the capital Boston Globe
Nepal king to announce election dates: report Times of India, India
Dozens arrested on eve of opposition protests against Nepal king Monsters and Critics.com, UK
Nepal Maoists kill six, over 100 opposition leaders arrested NewKerala.com
Curfew in Kathmandu as 6 killed, dozens arrested NewKerala.com
Nepali opposition leaders arrested in midnight raids DailyIndia.com
Nepal Police Detain Dozens of Opposition Activists Voice of America
Nepal government cracks down on planned protests JURIST
US condemns Nepal arrests Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Nepal Govt Starts Squeezing Influx of Political Activists into ... NewsLine Nepal
Dozens of political activists detained from demonstrations Kantipur Online
UN concerned over human rights violations in Nepal Hindustan Times, India
OHCHR Urges Govt to Stop Arbitrary Arrests Himalayan Times
Nepal government tightens anti-terror law JURIST
Students detain in clash with police in Nepal Islamic Republic News Agency
Nepal Govt. bans public meetings ahead of strike Hindu
Nepal amends anti-terror act Daily News & Analysis
Nepal's police arrest jouranlists, political leaders Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Nepalese police arrest 40 protestors CNN-IBN
Nepalese police arrest 40 protestors NDTV.com
Nepal parties to defy ban on rallies Gulf Times, Qatar
Sweden cuts down aid to Nepal NDTV.com
Nepal police detain opposition activists United Press International
Nepal police crack down on opposition activists World Peace Herald
Nepal police detain opposition activists Malaysia Sun
Curfew imposed on highway linking KathmanduPeople's Daily Online
Indian mafia unleashes organised crime in Nepal Navhind Times, India
Bihar gangs target Nepal The Statesman
Terrorists exposed as conspiring: Thapa Gorkhapatra, Nepal
‘Truce’ a ploy to topple govt: Thapa Kantipur Online
Collective efforts can defeat terrorism: Thapa Gorkhapatra
Govt is set to foil seven-party agitation: Home Minister Nepalnews.com
India welcomes ceasefire announcement by Nepal Maoists Zee News, India
Nepal Government Urged to Respect People's Rights Nepal human Rights News, Nepal
Nepal's Home Minister Terms Truce in Capital a 'Ploy' Nepal human Rights News
Maoist truce a ploy, govt to foil stir: Home Minister Nepaleyes
Nepal: Truce rejected by government Utrop.no, Norway
Nepal's royalist govt detains dozens, imposes Kathmandu curfew Reuters South Africa, South Africa
Japanese organisation provides US$ 38,000 to UNHCR’s Nepal ... Nepalnews.com, Nepal
India to quadruple security forces along border with Nepal, Bhutan India Daily, NJ
Clashes at eastern Nepal, At least five security personnel missing Mero Sansar, NY
Nepal King considers him as incarnation of Lord Vishnu? International Reporter, India
India asks constitutional forces in Nepal to work together Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Nepal Government Bans Peaceful Public Gatherings OhmyNews International, South Korea
SWEET CHIMES OF FREEDOM Calcutta Telegraph, India
Mao in the university Calcutta Telegraph
Nepal: Joint statement by Amnesty International and International ... Amnesty International USA
Straighten rights record: AI, ICJ to warring sides Nepaleyes
Maoist’s Partial Truce Not Enough: ICJ, AI Himalayan Times
Scores of SPA activists, supporters arrested Nepaleyes, Nepal
Police arrest 37 professionals; raid leaders' residence Nepalnews.com
Over 30 Professionals Arrested From New Baneshwor Himalayan Times
Around 40 professionals arrested in capital Kantipur Online
India is supporting rebels, parties: Prakash Koirala Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Dialogue Still Possible If King Takes Initiative: Koirala Nepal human Rights News
Govt releases lawyers arrested from protest demonstrations Kantipur Online, Nepal
Produce Arrested Lawyers, SC Tells Govt Himalayan Times
SC orders authorities to produce arrested lawyers before court by ... Kantipur Online
Curfuw in within the ring road - Capital Kathmandu Mero Sansar, NY
India hails Maoists' truce United Press International
Nepal hotel rooms going for $1 DailyIndia.com, NY
ACHR welcomes Maoists' cease-fire in Kathmandu Deepika, India
Nepal Maoists' cease-fire in the Kathmandu valley welcomed Asian Centre for Human Rights
SC Raps Govt for Not Letting Lawyers Meet Nepal Himalayan Times, Nepal

U.S. condemns Nepal arrests NepalNews
Govt announces curfew in the capital
An April uprising By C K Lal
Six security personnel killed in explosion in Jhapa
Police arrest 37 professionals; raid leaders' residence
Take action in Janakpur incident as criminal offense: NHRC
India is supporting rebels, parties: Minister Koirala
Government working to amend 137 discriminatory laws
Biratnagar Jute Mill closed
India welcomes partial ceasefire
University teachers organize pen down strike
“Jana Andolan” 1990 Revisited-I

US condemns arrests of leaders Kantipur Publications
NHRC urges govt to put Pariyar's shooters on trial
Buses barred from plying to capital
Dozens of political activists detained from demonstrations
Supreme Court could revive parliament: Palace's Hindu friend

Visitors

4 April

23:43

United States Army, United States

5 April

00:21

Department of State, Washington, D.C., United States

5 April

00:14

Comcast Communications, Alexandria, United States

5 April

00:17

Hong Kong S.A.R. (infolink.hk)

5 April

00:26

Satyam Infoway Limited, India

5 April

01:00

NTT Communications, Japan

5 April

01:34

Infocom, Philippines

5 April

01:49

Comcast Communications, Los Angeles, United States

5 April

02:46

Tohoku University, Japan

5 April

03:30

Orbitel, Inc., Bulgaria

5 April

03:53

Roehampton Institute, London, United Kingdom

5 April

04:10

Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., Nepal

5 April

04:13

CaribSurf, Barbados

5 April

04:51

Access Telecom, Dhaka, Bangladesh

5 April

06:00

D. E. Shaw & Co., New York, United States

5 April

07:58

University of Missouri, Columbia, United States

5 April

09:54

University of Alberta, Canada

BBC Audio

काठमाडौं चैत्र २३ कर्फ्यु-05.04.06
सुर्यप्रसाद श्रेष्ठसंग-05.04.06
गिरीजाप्रसाद कोइरालासंग-02.04.06
कमल थापा, अमृत बोहोरासंग-29.03.06

डा. उपेन्द्र महतोसंग-28.03.06

अजय दीक्षितसंग-22.03.06
कृष्णबहादुर महरासँगको कुराकानीमा आधारित-16.03.06
रवीन्द्र श्रेष्ठ, वर्षा पुन 'अनन्त'संग-15.03.06
माओवादी नेताहरु निष्कासित-14.03.06
माओवादीभित्र अर्को विवाद-13.03.06
मदन रेग्मीसंग-12.03.06
डा. शंकर शर्मा, किशोर नेपाल, सुजीभ शाक्यसंग-08.03.06
नेपाली कांग्रेस एकता चर्चा-05.03.06
तारानाथ रानाभाटसंग-01.03.06
प्रकाशमान सिंह, सशांक कोइरालासंग-22.02.06
जेम्स मोरिआर्टीसंगको वार्ता-19.02.06
कनक दीक्षित, सुधीर शर्मासंग-15.02.06
प्रचण्डको अन्तरर्वार्तामा आधारित-13.02.06
गिरिजाप्रसाद कोइरालासंग-18.01.06

Final Act: Disobey The Curfew

The preparations for the April 6-9 showdown has been superior to that for January 20. Back then, the leaders simply waited in their homes to get arrested, and there was no well-coordinated plan to counter the curfew. And the movement suffered a jolt. But this time around many second rung leaders of the seven party alliance have gone semi-underground and underground.

Even during the January 20 curfew, a few hudred people got arrested. The roaming band of RNA soldiers might technically have the shoot at sight orders, but they did not get carried out during January 20. But even if they might, disobeying any possible curfew in the largest way possible would be the best thing to do during the showdown. There is power in numbers.

A lot of leaders have gone underground this time. That is great. All it really takes is that you move out of your house and go live with one of your friends or relatives.

There is yet another thing to do: establish a "courier service," sort of. If the regime cuts the telephones, there should be people taking around written messages on bikes and motorbikes. On foot, if need be.

And there is a serious need to think the details of the possible endgame.

Conspiracy Theory: The King Dismantled The RCCC

There is a conspiracy theory going around that it was not the Supreme Court but the king who dismantled the RCCC. Those theorists claim if push comes to shove, the king is simply going to revive the House. That is how he will respond to the worst possible scenario of a large number of people out in the streets.

First, I don't know to believe these theories. And even if that happens, and the king revives the House like he supposedly dismantled the RCCC, I am fine with the idea.

That revived House will still lead to an all party government and a constituent assembly. I am not complaining.

Got Interviewed By German Public Radio


They said they are like the NPR in Germany, like the National Public Radio in the US. Their office is close to Grand Central, for that matter not far from the UN. I showed up at noon. The interview was longer than I had anticipated, it was pretty comprehensive.

"Robin Hood Im Internet"

Martina Butler interviewed me.

From: "Kleinpeter, Elke"
To: "'paramendra@yahoo.com'"
Subject: ARD German Radio Network, Interview Request
Date: Mon, 20 Mar 2006 09:28:41 -0500

Dear Paramendra Kumar Bhagat:

This e-mail is to request an interview with you. We are preparing a report on "Blooger" in New York City.

ARD German Radio Network is the leading public broadcast system in Germany. On an average weekday, we reach about 40 Million listeners with over 50 broadcasting programs. ARD can be compared with National Public Radio in America, and we are committed to highest quality standard in journalism and broadcasting. The radio plays a vital and important part in the daily life of Million's of people in Germany, who receive information about New York through the ARD network and our correspondents.

Our correspondent Martin BUTTLER will be back on March 28, 2006 and available for an interview. We look forward to hearing from you soon. Please call us at 1-212-752-9642 or e-mail us at: radio@ardny.com to arrange for the interview. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Elke M. Kleinpeter
- Producer -

633 Third Avenue, 8th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Tel. + 212-752-9642
Fax + 212-949-4497
e-mail: radio@ardny.com 1

Good to know Umesh Shrestha of Mero Sansar got covered in the British media. The image above is the clip of that.

In The News

Maoists declare unilateral ceasefire in the Kathmandu valley NepalNews
People have right to carry out peaceful protests: Martin
Nepal facing a strong risk of political collapse: Finnish envoy
Maoists assault PFN cadres; not serious about 12-point pact: PFN
Government warns civil servants against taking part in seven-party rallies
Our movement aims to establish the rule of law in Bhutan

13 RNA soldiers face court martial Kantipur Publications
डा बाबुराम भट्टराईसँग विशेष अन्तर्वार्ता
Interview with Girija Prasad Koirala

Visitors

3 April

12:18

Bentley College, United States

3 April

12:19

Pacific Command, United States

3 April

12:25

Verizon Online, Boston, United States

3 April

12:53

Verizon Online, Reston, United States

3 April

13:10

San Francisco State University, San Francisco, United States

3 April

13:56

CTX Mortgage Company, Dallas, United States

3 April

13:56

Swipnet, Sweden

3 April

14:17

Telenet, Belgium

3 April

14:47

University of Missouri, Columbia, United States

3 April

14:48

NTL Internet, Guildford, United Kingdom

3 April

14:54

Cornell Medical College, United States

3 April

15:02

State Compensation Insurance Fund, San Francisco, United States

3 April

15:12

OARnet, Columbus, United States

3 April

15:34

Czech Technical University, Czech Republic

3 April

15:48

University of Bergen (UoB), Bergen, Norway

3 April

16:39

Deutsche Telekom AG, Germany

3 April

17:02

University of Maryland, Baltimore, United States

3 April

17:09

Southern Methodist University, Dallas, United States

3 April

17:12

Pacific Command, United States

3 April

17:29

Florida International University, Miami, United States

3 April

17:32

James Cook University, Australia

3 April

18:17

NTL Internet, Winnersh, United Kingdom

3 April

18:23

Deloitte & Touche, Hermitage, United States

3 April

19:05

Baylor University, Waco, United States

3 April

20:00

University of Hawaii, United States

3 April

20:22

Iowa State University, United States

Himal Survey

Himal’s Nepal-wide Political Survey*

*Figures Based entirely on Himal Survey:

http://www.himalkhabar.com/content/view/440/1/

Table 1:

On the King’s Direct Rule since Feb 1st
Not positive (do not support)	65%
Positive (support)	25%
Neutral (no opinion)	10%
Total	100%

Table 2:

On the State of the Nation
bad	57.4%
anarchic/frightening	33.6%
(missing)	8%
Total	91 % (100%)

Table 3:

On the Maoist Insurgency
bad	59%
“It’s ok”	25.2%
don’t know	8%
(Missing)	7.8%
Total	92.2 % (100%)

Table 4:

How to Solve the Maoist Insurgency ?
king-party-maoist talks	60%
king-maoist talks	22.2%
party-maoist talks	7.2%
military defeat of maoists	1.1%
surrender by maoists	3.4%
Total	100%

Table 5:

How to end political conflict/confusion/crisis ?
all party government	47.8%
parliamentary elections	15.1%
constituent assembly	10.9%
house revival	6%
(missing)	20.2%
Total	79.8% (100%)

Table 6:

views/position on the monarchy
constitucional monarchy	46.1%
absolute monarchy	.8%
monarchy is not necessary	15%
monarchy is indispensable	24.4%
ceremonial monarchy	5.6%
no comment	7.8%
Total	100%

Table 7:

On the SPAM first round of 12 point agreement
have not heard about it	54%: of which: 58.5% rural 46.2% urban 69% women
have heard about it	44.3%: of which: 72.6% = good thing 20.9% = bad thing
Total	98.3%

Table 8:

Need for Outside help/facilitation to solve crisis ?
No	40.2%
Yes	50.1%: of which: UN 23.5% India 35% USA 20% China 14.5
(missing)	9.7%
Total	90.3% (100%)

Table 9:

The constitutional question
need new constitution	19.6%: of which: 66% by const. assembly by some kind of aayog: 28%
amend current constitution	31%
curent constitution is ok	20.4%
no opinion	29%
Total	100%

Table 10:

Awareness of Constituent Assembly
never heard of it	34.4%
heard of it	57.1%: of which: 40.9% don’t understand it 44.1% understand it somewhat 14.8% understand it well Subtotal = 100%
no answer	8.5%
Total	100%

Table 11:

Opinons/views on the municipal elections
was not good/right	59%
was good/right	25.9%
no answer	14.2%
Total	100%

Table 12:

king-called parliamentary elections possible?
No	61.1%: of which: 45.1 % b/c of maoists 33% b/c polls cannot be free 20.1% b/c parties cannot/will not participate
yes	22.5%
don’t know	16.1%
Total	99.7%

Table 12:

Hypothetically, if elections could be held today who World you vote for?
20.8%	Undecided
19.2%	UML
18.3%	NC
11.5%	CPN(M)
7.3%	independent
3.7%	RPP
2.3%	NC(D)
Total for parties = 79.2% (??) (16.9% of party vote missing who does this belong to?) (2.3% for NC(D), less than RPP sounds wrong)
Total	100%

Some remarks I would like to make.

(1) What has been the methodology of this survey? How many people were asked questions? Can the sample be said to be representative of Nepal? What kind of questions were asked? In what settings? What was done to make sure the sample was as representative as possible?

(2) 2/1 is highly unpopular. The two extremes are unpopular. The king's autocracy and the Maoists' violence are both disliked.

(3) There is huge support for the idea of a roundtable conference between the three forces.

(4) The people want an all party government as a next step.

(5) 25% are strongly for a monarchy, 45% are for a constitutional monarchy, 5% for a ceremonial monarchy, and 1% for an absolute monarchy. What this means is if the people were to decide on the fate of the monarchy through a constituent assembly, they will retain it in a strictly constitutional form.

(6) Half the country has not heard of the 12 point agreement. I am not surprised. During Newt Gingrich' 1994 "revolution," the majority of Americans said they had never heard of the Contract With America document. Actually half is a good number to have.

(7) UN, India, US, EU and China should all help the peace process.

(8) The constituent assembly is not a wildly popular idea, but then it is because the people have not been explained the idea. 35% have never heard of the idea. Majority of those who have heard of it don't understand it.

(9) The king's electoral experiments are set to bomb. If the parliamentary elections were to be held, the Maoists would be more crucial to its failure than the seven party alliance.

(10) The Maoists would emerge the third largest party in the country. Looks to me like elections will be good for both the extremes, the monarchy survives, the Maoists emerge large.

(11) Deuba Congress is in trouble. Kind of like Bamdev Gautam's breakaway UML faction a few years back. But considering the Congress often wins with narrow margins, the Deuba Congress could really hurt the Koirala Congress. If the numbers here are to be believed, the Deuba Congress will fare worse than the RPP.

(12) It is entirely possible the Maoists might be third in terms of votes, but second equal in terms of seats in a parliament.

(13) Constituent Assembly, Democratic Republic: these are ideas that can be "sold" to the people. These are ideas that give political parties homework. The work is to raise the political consciousness of the people.

The Nepali version seems to be fuller.

यदि अहिले माओवादीले हतियार बिसाएर संसदको चुनाव भयो भने भोट कसलाई दिनुहुन्छ?
एमाले १९.७%
नेपाली काङ्ग्रेस १८.३%
नेकपा (माओवादी) ११.४%
स्वतन्त्र ८.७%
राप्रपा ७.३%
नेपाली काङ्ग्रेस (प्र.) ३.७%
राप्रपा (कमल थापा) २.३%
जनमोर्चा नेपाल ०.९%
नेमकिपा ०.८%
सद्भावना (आनन्दीदेवी) ०.७%
राष्ट्रिय जनशक्ति पार्टी ०.४%
सद्भावना (मण्डल) ०.१%
राजा वा राजाको पार्टी ०.१%
अन्य १.१%
भोटनै दिन्न ३.८%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न २०.८%

अहिले देशको समग्र स्थिति कस्तो छ?
राम्रो ३.१%
पहिले जस्तै ५%
कहालीलाग्दो/अन्यौलपूर्ण ३३.६%
नराम्रो ५७.४%

राम्रो या नराम्रो स्थितिको जिम्मेवारी कसलाई दिनुहुन्छ?
राजा ३२.७%
माओवादी ३२.६%
दलहरू २६.६%
विदेशी शक्ति १.५%
अन्य ०.६%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न ६%

नयाँ संविधान कसरी बनाउनुपर्ला?
राजाबाट आयोग बनाएर १०.१%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न ५.२%
संसदबाट १८.५%
संविधान सभाबाट ६६.३%

दुई महिनाअघिको नगरनिर्वाचन कस्तो लाग्यो?
ठीक लाग्यो २६%
ठीक लागेन ५९%
अन्य १%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न १४%

अहिलेको परिस्थितिमा एक वर्षभित्र संसदीय चुनाव हुनसक्ला?
सक्दैन ६१%
सक्छब २२.५%
अन्य ०.४%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न १६.१%

केही समयअघि भएको माओवादी दलहरूबीचको समझ्ादारीबारे थाहा छ?
थाहा छ ५४%
थाहा छैन ४४.३%
अन्य १.६%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न ०.१%

थाहा भए कस्तो लाग्यो?
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न ६.४ %
ठीक छ ७२.६%
ठीक छैन २१%

अहिले देशमा कसको शासन छ?
राजाको प्रत्यक्ष ६७%
सेनाको भरमा राजाको १३%
राजाका मान्छेको ३%
दलहरूको ७%
माओवादीको ६%
शासन नै छैन २%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न २%

राजाले सरकारमा रहेका दलहरूलाई हटाई आफैँ शासन गरेको कस्तो लाग्छ?
ठीक लागेको छ २४%
ठीक लागेको छैन ६५%
थाहा छैन/भन्न चाहन्न ११%

In The News

Dailekh bombing against the party policy: CPN (M) NepalNews
Seven party alliance seeks support from professional alliances
Entrepreneurs issue 48-hour ultimatum to local administration
Himal opinion poll: Two-thirds reject the direct rule of the king
Media council will be in place within two months: Basnet
Crown Prince and Crown Princess in UAE

Visitors

2 April

03:58

Pacific Century Matrix, Hong Kong S.A.R.

2 April

04:46

Mercantile Communications Pvt. Ltd., Nepal

2 April

05:24

British Telecommunications plc, United Kingdom

2 April

05:49

Total Peripherals Group, Australia

2 April

05:58

KORNET, Korea

2 April

06:14

Raya Telecom, Egypt

2 April

07:36

D. E. Shaw & Co., New York, United States

2 April

08:16

Planet Internet, Netherlands, The

2 April

08:21

Sympatico HSE, Canada

2 April

09:23

Deutsche Telekom AG, Germany

2 April

09:36

JPNIC, Japan

2 April

10:06

University of York, York, United Kingdom

April 6,7,8,9, April 16,17,18,19, April 26,27,28,29

Time for movement is passe. Now is revolution time. There is no room left for dialogue, I think. The idea now has to be to get hundreds of thousands of people out into the streets across the country over a period of days to culminate in a unilateral declaration of the establishment of a revolutionary parliament.

That revolutionary parliament would be the 1999 House, but not bound by the 1990 constitution, and not lead by Taranath Ranabhat. It would declare the formation of a seven party government.

We could do it at the end of the April 6-9 protests, or we could give a second or a third try. The decision is for the seven party alliance to take.

I guess there would be one last chance for dialogue. If the king were to release all political prisoners and then come around to agreeing to a roadmap that would lead to a constituent assembly, then talks could happen. But that depends on the king making sense. He has not made sense since he ascended to the throne. What makes you think he will make an about turn now?

So to have a roadmap that depends on the king making sense is counterproductive. Leave that option open, but plan A should be to cut a roadmap that does not depend on the king at all.

April 6 would launch the movement, curfew or not. Disobey the curfew. Throng into the streets. (यो सडक ितम्र्ो हो) By April 9 the tsunami of people should have completely overtaken the streets. There should be people as far as the eyes can see. All indications are that the parties have learned their lessons from the January 20 clampdown.

Write To Bush, Condi Before Possible Clampdown
Leahy Amendment Says No Arms To Nepal
यो सडक ितम्र्ो हो
Kamal Thapa Is A Nazi
Why The Maoists Should Cease Violence
Hamro Nepal All Set To Be Launched
Kamal Thapa Going Jail, Kamal Thapa Chukkie Pissing
Dinesh Tripathi, Your Worst Nightmare

Likely the Nepali new year will see a new Nepali government of the democrats. If for some reason April 9 does not see the climax we expect, there has to be a plan B. That would be to learn lessons from the latest clampdown, and better organize the next round, to be held within 10 days, or something like that.

(1) Declare A Revolutionary Parliament

(2) Form A Seven Party Government

(3) Declare An Interim Constitution, Abolish The Monarchy, Declare The Interim President the Commander In Chief of the Army, renamed the Nepal Army with immediate effect. Send people like Kamal Thapa and Tulsi Giri to jail.

(4) Purge the army of its top brass and all its unsavory elements. Promote officers from the lower ranks with sound democratic credentials.

(5) Hold formal peace talks with the Maoists.

(6) Partially or fully integrate both armies, or dismantle both.

(7) Hold elections to a Constituent Assembly.

We have to have a concrete roadmap that looks something like this.

This roadmap I have outlined is one that assumes the king is going to keep being nonsensical. But he has the option to make sense, and in that case the 12 point agreement is very clear as to what to do. The monarchy's fate then is not decided by the revolution but by the constituent assembly. The army's restructuring also gets postponed.

ICG: Electing Chaos
Bloody Hell
The King Is Not Even Pretending
Republic Of Nepal Flag
Where Are The Second Generation Leaders?
भूपि शेरचन, गोपालप्रसाद रिमाल, प्रवर जिसी
Repressive Measures Intensify In Nepal Against Democratic Movement
Curfew? What Curfew? Royal Tamasha
Our Options
Curfews Will Not Save The Crown
India, EU, US, Japan, UN Should Be Thinking Economic Sactions
Verdict: Loss Of Crown, Property And Liberty For Gyanendra Shaha
Bamdev Gautam: January 20 On Schedule
Freedom Of Assembly Under Attack In Nepal
Janakpur Rally, Biggest In Nepal Since 1990

My point being we can not have only one roadmap regardless if the fascists in power clamp down hard or not. There has to be tit for tat if they continue with their pig-headedness.

There is this great sense of expectation. This regime should not be allowed a January 20 repeat. That is one certainty. Otherwise a revolution is a dynamic organism, it is hard to plan every detail. You have to play it by the ear, like jazz music.

Proposed Republican Constitution 2006

United We Blog

Patan Meet in the Eve of April Uprising
UWB in USA: Mr. Blogger Goes to Washington
Live From The War Zone. Thokarpa Aerial Attack
Indigenous Nepalis Rally Against Autocracy
Maoist Expects ‘April Revolution’ in Nepal
Nepalis in Europe Deliver Message To Their Prince
In Autocracy, Nepal Economy Goes Down
For the Final Assault: Nepali Democracy Movement

DFN Welcomes Dinesh Wagle To The United States. UWB in USA: Mr. Blogger Goes to Washington

Even If The Worst Fears About The Maoists Are True

I believe the Maoists when they say they are for a democratic republic, as opposed to a communist republic. The Maoists function in quite a transparent manner. The details of the Prachanda-Baburam fallout from early 2005 are on the web for the world to see. Similarly the Maoist conclusion that at this juncture of Nepal's socio-economic development, only a democratic republic is right. This is a conclusion they have reached through arduous internal analysis, and is not a scheme to hoodwink the democrats into a temporary alliance. As in, they will opt for a democratic republic even if they came to power on their own.

But let's assume that the worst fears about the Maoists are true, that these are bloodthirsty communists, mindless in their aims and methods, waiting in the wings to take over state power so as to butcher down a few hundred thousand Nepalis accusing them of being class enemies, that their alliance with the seven parties is dishonest. Let's assume all that.

If that be the case, it is extra important that the king handover power to the seven party alliance with immediate effect.

Why? Because that seven party alliance government will immediately end the global isolation of Nepal, and powers like India, Europe and the US will resume their military aid. A sophisticated military offensive to weaken the Maoists will become an option that does not exist currently. The RNA will no longer be castigated around the world.

But the military option will only be on standby. The seven party alliance has the political solution as its first option. They will invite the Maoists to peace talks, and subsequent disarmament to lead to elections to a constituent assembly. The roadmap is a pretty good one. If or not the Maoists are being honest, we will know ahead of time. And if they are being dishonest, Nepal as a country will be best positioned to seek a military solution to the insurgency under such a seven party government.

So even if the Maoists are being dishonest, and a military solution is to be sought, the only option the country has is for the king to handover power to the seven party alliance with immediate effect.

But the king will not go down that path.

That shows the king is not interested in either a political or a military solution to the insurgency. The king is not worried about the Maoists, or he would hurry to handover power to the seven party alliance.

The king and his coterie are only interested in keeping power to themselves. That is their one and only interest.

Write To Bush, Condi Before Possible Clampdown
Leahy Amendment Says No Arms To Nepal
यो सडक ितम्र्ो हो
Kamal Thapa Is A Nazi
Why The Maoists Should Cease Violence
Hamro Nepal All Set To Be Launched
Kamal Thapa Going Jail, Kamal Thapa Chukkie Pissing
Dinesh Tripathi, Your Worst Nightmare

In The News

Two policemen shot dead in Rautahat NepalNews
Maoists, security personnel violated international humanitarian laws during Sindhupalchowk incident
Nepali politics: On the collision course
Five Maoist commandos nabbed in the valley: Officials
ICJ calls on Nepal govt. not to renew anti-terrorism ordinance
Nepal, India renew Transit Treaty
Terror trail: the Maoist insurgency
Transferring Power To the People

Mass movement aimed at restoring people’s sovereignty: Koirala Kantipur
2 policemen killed, 2 civilians injured in Maoist shooting
Rare show for democracy by SPA, Maoist representatives
Swiss govt to hold meeting on Nepal
Upcoming showdown is Maoist programme: Thapa
FMs ‘requested’ to air govt propaganda
लोकतान्त्रिक आन्दोलनका चुनौती डा. बाबुराम भट्टराई
एफएमहरूलाई दबाबको विरोध
ँसञ्चार दुरुपयोगले नेपाललाई ककनी’
इटहरीमा विशाल प्रदर्शन
प्रजा परिषद् पनि आन्दोलनमा
राप्रपा पनि सडकमा

Nepal's pro-democractic parties determined to fight regime NewKerala.com, India
5 rebels arrested in Kathmandu ahead of Oppn. strike Hindu
Nepalese Economy down Due to Conflict, Says UN Study Nepal human Rights News
POLITICS-NEPAL: Lights Return but Spark Missing Inter Press Service (subscription), Italy
New Nepal in New Year, Says UML Leader Himalayan Times, Nepal
Seven-party pro-democracy alliance plans major protest in Nepal Islamic Republic News Agency, Iran
Indian scribe lobbies for Nepal Maoists in Europe Hindustan Times, India
UN warns Nepal civil war spilling to cities Daily Times, Pakistan
Knowledge, practice key to protect rights: Martin Gorkhapatra
Activists demand release of Nepali Maoists jailed in India Kantipur Online
Nepal Parties Urge Citizens to Back Their Strike Call Nepal human Rights News
Nepal’s current crisis, future perspectives and practical steps Nepalnews.com
Terror trail: the Maoist insurgency Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Nepal Supreme Court Scraps Provision of Divorce upon Infertility Nepal human Rights News, Nepal
Nepal parties plan major protests next week NewKerala.com, India
Caste-based Discrimination Endures in Nepal OhmyNews International, South Korea
Nepal gunbattle leaves three dead in new fighting Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates
Healing the trauma of violence amid unrest continues in Nepal Mennonite Central Committee
US rebuts Indian daily on arms resumption DailyIndia.com, NY
US rebuts Indian daily on arms resumption NewKerala.com
Nepal govt vows to foil Maoist strike CNN-IBN, India
Nepal: A Political Dumping Site in the Making OhmyNews International, South Korea
Heading for a showdown in Nepal BBC News, UK
Government may impose curfew; disconnect communication services if ... Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Curfew, communication disruption probable: Rana Nepaleyes
‘Curfew, dead mobiles on cards’ Kantipur Online
Economic situation in difficult turn: NRB Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Economic indicators paint bleak picture Kantipur Online
Economic outlook not encouraging: NRB Nepaleyes

Visitors

1 April

18:36

University of Missouri, Columbia, United States

1 April

21:01

Oklahoma City, United States (mmcable.com)

1 April

21:06

NTT Communications, Japan

1 April

21:22

Comcast Communications, Alexandria, United States

1 April

21:29

Sri Lanka Telecom, Sri Lanka

1 April

21:40

University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong S.A.R.

1 April

21:44

Motorola, United States

Write To Bush, Condi Before Possible Clampdown

The junta in Kathmandu has made it absolutely clear they will stop the planned peaceful protest programs of the seven party alliance at any cost. This is naked fascism. But we are not helpless. The Nepali people like people everywhere have a right to peaceful assembly, which is a fundamental human right. We need to write to power centers across the planet to get the world opinion on our side. This is also necessary should we have to declare a parallel government down the line.

Murari Sharma first suggested this to me. I suggested he do the writing using his title as the former Nepal ambassador to the UN. He came back to me suggesting it will be better if a larger number of Nepalis wrote. He suggested President Bush, Secretary Rice, and members of the Foreign Relations Committee. I think we can go wider.

Here are some places you can write or email to.

The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500
President Bush: comments@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Cheney: vice_president@whitehouse.gov
US State Department, Secretary Rice, U.S. Department of State, 2201 C Street NW, Washington, DC 20520 (You can email her directly from the website.)
U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, Dirksen Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510-6225
Chairperson Lugar: senator_lugar@lugar.senate.gov
Biden, email
Others

European Union
Economic and financial sanctions: relex-sanctions@cec.eu.int
President's mail: sg-web-president@cec.eu.int

China, Ministry Of Foreign Affairs: No. 2, Chaoyangmen Nandajie, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100701 webmaster@mfa.gov.cn

India, Foreign Ministry: usxps@mea.gov.in You can also search for other places to write to on Google. Please feel free to add them in the comments section of this blog entry.

UN Commission On Human Rights: ngochr@ohchr.org

The thing to remember is this thing works, and quantity matters. If they were to get 100 emails or more on Nepal within days, they will notice. It worked the last time we tried.

Nepal Needs To Be Hitting The World Headlines: Write To The Media

This just might have been a coincidence, but CNN was interviewing Madhav Nepal not long after, there were video clips on Nepal at the Reuters site.

There is power in numbers.

Here is a sample letter from Murari Sharma:

The Right Honorable
Mr. George Bush
President of the United States

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC

Mr. President,

The seven-party-alliance has scheduled a series of peaceful political protests throughout Nepal from April 6-9, 2006 to press the unconstitutional government headed by King Gyanendra to restore democracy, freedom and human rights. To prevent the protests, the royal government is planning to slap curfews, arrest leaders and political activists, and deny people the freedoms of speech, peaceful assembly and movement. The royal government must be stopped from this planned crack down.

Ever since he took over absolute power on February 1, 2005, the king has been ruling by decrees and violating the fundamental freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution of Nepal 1990, the provisions of international human rights treaties, and the agreement it signed last year with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The royal government has also defied the call from US government and Congress for the immediate restoration of democratic rights and civil liberties and reconcile with democratic parties.

The seven-party-alliance has signed the 12-point understanding to get the Maoists to stop violence, seek peaceful settlement to the conflict and join the democratic mainstream. The civil society and Nepali people support the agreement, while putting pressure on the Maoists that they do not walk away from the agreement or betray people’s new trust in them. The royal government’s defiance to the will of the Nepali people and to the good will of the world community will dash the new found hope for peace, democracy and development.

We, the members of the Nepali diaspora in the United States, request you to kindly make it clear to the royal government in Nepal that continued crack down on peaceful political protests in Nepal is not acceptable.

Thank you.

You can use the same letter of compose your own. Here is yet another sample letter.

Secretary Rice.

It must be to your knowledge the excesses of the illegitimate regime in Kathmandu. Their latest planned stunt is to prevent the planned peaceful protest programs of the seven party alliance slated for April 6-9, "at any cost," Home Minister Kamal Thapa's words.

You are looking at daylong curfews, mass arrest of leaders and political party workers, irresponsible use of tear gas, practically chemical warfare upon the people, police beatings in open streets, mobilization of the army in urban settings, shoot at sight orders, and a potential military crackdown.

This regime in Kathmandu has fascist tendencies. The world has to wake up early and beforehand if the worst case scenario has to be avoided.

We the Nepali diaspora urge you to please use the large megaphone at your disposal and the instruments of US power at your command to make it absolutely clear to the junta in Nepal that violating the brave Nepali people's right to peaceful assembly is not an option. The country will remember you forever for your helping hand at this great hour of need.

Thank you.

Please pass the message around to all Nepalis and friends of Nepal you know. Quantity matters.

Letter To Senator Norm Coleman, by Padam Sharma

ICG: Electing Chaos
Bloody Hell
The King Is Not Even Pretending
Republic Of Nepal Flag
Where Are The Second Generation Leaders?
भूपि शेरचन, गोपालप्रसाद रिमाल, प्रवर जिसी
Repressive Measures Intensify In Nepal Against Democratic Movement
Curfew? What Curfew? Royal Tamasha
Our Options
Curfews Will Not Save The Crown
India, EU, US, Japan, UN Should Be Thinking Economic Sactions
Verdict: Loss Of Crown, Property And Liberty For Gyanendra Shaha
Bamdev Gautam: January 20 On Schedule
Freedom Of Assembly Under Attack In Nepal
Janakpur Rally, Biggest In Nepal Since 1990

In The News

Jimmy Carter May Offer to Mediate for Peace Himalayan Times, Nepal
Jimmy Carter tries his hand at Nepal peace Samudaya.org
Carter to meet Nepal king with mediation message Gulf Times
Carter wants the Nepal call The Statesman, India
Former US president Carter to visit Nepal Nepalnews.com, Nepal
Former US president Carter arriving next week Kantipur Online, Nepal
Jimmy Carter Favors UN Over US NewsMax.com, FL