Tuesday, September 25, 2007

न्यु यर्कका पहिरयाहरू

Silicon City

अाइतवार सत्य नारायण मन्िदरमा कार्यक्रम िथयो। गएँ। सहाना प्रधान अाउनु भएको रहेछ। एउटा पुिलट्जर पुरस्कार प्राप्त लेखकले "I like watching cats and politicians" भने जस्तो। नेपालका celebrity नेताहरूलाई भेट्न पाउनु न्यु यर्क बस्नुको एउटा perk जस्तो।

इमेल पिन अाएको हो, एक वटा भन्दा बढी। टेकजीले फोन नै गर्नुभो। न्यु यर्कका नेपालीहरूको सबैभन्दा ठुलो मेिलङ िलस्ट मेरै छ। त्यही भएर।

जनजाितहरू बाहुनसँग जनजाित, मधेशीसँग पहाडी बिनटोपल्ने बानी छ। गठबन्धन हुने भनेको मधेशी र जनजाितको हुने होइन। गठबन्धन त एजेण्डामा हुने हो, issue मा हुने हो। अिहले संघीय लोकतान्त्िरक गणतन्त्र सबैको एजेण्डा बन्न पुगेको छ। मधेशी अान्दोलनको नारा एक मधेश, एक प्रदेशको हो। त्यो एजेण्डामा जो अाउँछ उहीसँग मधेशीको गठबन्धन हुन्छ। जनजाित अाए जनजाितसँग हुन्छ, बाहुन अाए बाहुनसँग हुन्छ।

िवनोद साह अमेरीकाको मधेशी संगठन ANTA का नव िनयुक्त Senior Vice President राष्ट्िरय स्तरमा, िकन भन्दा िवनोदजीले जित संगठन िवस्तार कसैले गरेको छैन त्यस संगठनकालािग। रतनजीले फोनमा भन्दै हुनुहुन्थ्यो, िवगत दुई मिहना जितमा त चमत्कार नै गर्नु भएको छ भनेर।

Anti-Madhesi prejudice को ज्वलन्त उदाहरण न्यु यर्क। नेपाल सेना र ंमाअोवादी सेनामा मधेशीहरूलाई लाल्टेन बालेर खोज्नु परे जस्तै न्यु यर्कमा ३५,००० पहाडी र ३५ जना मधेशी छन् हाराहारी। हुनुपर्ने ३५,००० मा कमसेकम १०,००० तर १,००० पिन छैनौं।

न्यु यर्कको कुनै नेपाली कार्यक्रममा जानु भनेको नेपालमा मधेसी समुदायको िथचेर रािखएको राजनीितक अवस्थासँग साक्षात्कार हो। मधेशीहरूको न्युन संख्याले त्यही देखाउँछ, पहिरयाहूको attitude problem ले पिन त्यही देखाउँछ।

न्यु यर्कको पहिरयाहरूको माउ िबरालो तारा िनरौला। बाराक अोबामाले मेरो कुरा सुनेको तारा िनरौलाले मेरो कुरा नसुनेको अवस्था छ।

कस्तो strong prejudice न्यु यर्कका पहिरयाहरूको!

Manhattan For Obama Organizational Kickoff Meeting मा सभा संचालक म्यानह्याटनका एक हर्ताकर्ता District Leader ले बोिलसकेपिछ ल अब सबैले पालैिपलो बाोल्नुपर्यो भन्दा सबैभन्दा पिहले मलाई बोल्न लगाइयो। म र Bill Perkins एकअापसका छेउमा बसेका िथयौं। िबल भनेको मेरो साथी। स्टेट सेनेटर िबल जसलाई मैले future Governor भनेर publicly नै भन्िदएको छु। Lt. Governor Paterson को पिहलाको सीट अिहेेले िबलको छ। बराकलाई समर्थन गर्ने न्यु यर्क राज्यको पिहलो िनर्वािचत पदािधकारी िबल। हो त्यो िमिटङमा पिहलो वक्ता म भएँ, तर अाजसम्म न्यु यर्कको कुनै पिन नेपाली कार्यक्रममा मलाई बोल्न िदइएको छैन। यहाँसम्म िक मेरै राजनीितक संगठन हाम्रो नेपालले अायोजना गरेको कार्यक्रमा म मुख्य वक्ताभन्दा ठ्याक्कै अगािड बोल्नु पर्ने, पहिरया उद्घोषक शैलेश श्रेष्ठले मेरो नाम काटी, मुख्य वक्ता देवेन्द्र राज पाण्डेको नाम बोलाई त्यहाँबाट सुइकुच्चा ठोके। कस्तो strong prejudice ।

Event with Dr. Devendra Raj Pandey, NYC (Video 1, Video 2,Video 3)

मलाई निचन्ने नेपालको कुनै पिन ठुलो नेता छैन। तर न्यु यर्कका ऐरेगैरे नत्थुखैरे पहिरयाहरू मलाई माइनस गर्न सक्छु जस्तो attitude राख्छन्।

न्यु यर्का पहिरयाहरूसँग न पैसा छ न पावर छ। संगिठत नभएसम्म स्िथित सुध्िरनेवाला छैन भनेर मैले umbrella organization को concept ल्याएँ। मधेशी नेतृत्व स्वीकार गर्नुभन्दा बरू पैसा र पावर नभएकै ठीक भन्ने attitude छ। छ भने छ। मसँग त अब समय पिन छैन। मेरो टेक्नोलोजी कम्पनी र अोबामाले मेरो सबै समय खाएको छ।

भर्खर एक िछन अगािड David को इमेल अाएको िथयो। उ न्यु यर्क राज्यको डेमोक्रयािटक पार्टीको अध्यक्ष। गवर्नर स्िपट्जरको right hand man। स्िपट्जर भनेको कुन्िदन अमेिरकाको राष्ट्रपित हुने मान्छे। Future of the Democratic Party।

एक व्यक्ित एक मतको िसद्धान्तका अाधारमा छाता संगठन खडा गरौं भन्ने मेरो सुझाव हो। त्यो पाच्य भएन। ठीक छ। तर अब अाइन्दा न्यु यर्कका कार्यक्रम गर्दा िक त पहाडी कार्यक्रम भनेर घोषणा गर्नुपर्यो िक त ANTA लाई Co-Organizer मा राख्नुपर्यो र िवनोद शाहलाई मञ्चमा राख्नुपर्यो।

कर्मा ग्याल्डेन शेर्पालाई मैले बुस्ट गर्दै अाएको। बाहुनलाई नपचेको मलाई पचेको लामो समयसम्म। तर अब बाहुनलाई पच्न पच्न लागेको जस्तो देिखएको अवस्थामा कर्मा शेर्पाको मुखबाट प्याच्च "मिदसे" शब्द िनस्िकहाल्यो। त्यो कालो मान्छेलाई nigger भने जस्तो। नेपाल िसक्कीम हुन लागेको डर प्रकट गर्ने कर्मा। IC as in Indian currency को कुरा गर्ने कर्मा। भोिल नेपालको प्रधानमन्त्री मधेशी भयो भने नेपाल िसक्कीम भएको हो? हो भनेर नेपालमा िगिरजाले भनेको छ। र न्यु यर्का पहिरयाहरूले।

चुनावकालािग क्याम्पेन गर्न नेपाल जाने होेइन भनेर सञ्जय बाहुनले प्याच्च सोध्यो तल कार्यक्रम सिकसकेपिछ। म जाँिदन, मेरो भाषणहरू िभिडयो भएर जान्छन् भन्दा कसले सुन्छ र उसको भाषण भनेर उडायो।

िवश्वको सबैभन्दा ठुलो प्रवासी मधेशी संगठन जसको स्थापनामा मेरो पिन रोल रह्यो, All India Madhesi Student Association, त्यसको पिहलो कन्फरेन्स अक्टोबरमा हुन लागेको छ। मलाई मुख्य अितिथको रूपमा बोलाए। अाउन नसके अाफ्नो िभिडयो भाषण भए पिन पठाइिदनोस् भनेर अनुरोध अायो।

उपेन्द्र यादवका foreign policy advisor सुमनजी। चुनावकालािग िहंड्नुपर्यो भनेर भनेको हो। म अाउन सक्िदन, मेरो िभिडयो भाषण पठाउँछु्। काम लाग्ने जस्तो देख्नु भएमा VCD बनाएर िवतरण गर्नोस् भन्िदएँ।



Video: Message To First All India Madhesi Student Association Conference, October 2007

चन्द्र प्रकाश शर्मा talented मान्छे। कर्मा पिन outspoken जनजाित। दुवैसँग मेरो राम्रो सम्बन्ध लामो समयसम्म। दुवै जना Madhesi sentiment प्रित हमदर्दी भए जस्तो देखाउने। चन्द्र प्रकाशले प्याच्च "मिदसे" भन्यो उसँग सम्बन्ध समाप्त, कर्माले प्याच्च "मिदसे" भन्यो उसँग सम्बन्ध समाप्त। नत्र चन्द्रले मेरो कम्पनी मार्फत ठुलो कमाउने मेरो सपना िथयो।

"पैसा र पावर चािहंदैन, मधेशी नेतृत्व चािहंदैन" मानौं न्यु यर्कका पहिरयाहरूको नारा होस्।

मेरो एक जना साथीले केही हप्ता अगािड अाफ्नो कम्पनी $90 million मा बेच्यो।

न्यु यर्कका पहिरयाहरूको एउटा रोल छ मेरोलािग। नेपालमा रहेको strong anti Madhesi prejudice बारे remind गर्ने। िगिरजाले पार्टी तोड्यो, बहुमत भएको संसद भंग गर्यो तर महेन्द्र नारायण िनिधलाई प्रधानमन्त्री बन्न िदएन। अब देशले मधेशी राष्ट्रपित पाउन पाउन लागेको बेलामा िगिरजाले देशको स्वतन्त्रता खतरामा पर्न लागेको भन्दै छ। त्यो पाखा लाग्न नसकेको बाहुन।

संिवधान सभाको चुनाव नलड्ने िनर्णय गरेर िगिरजाले ठीक गर्यो। नत्र उसको मोरङमा पिन सुनसरीमा पिन जमानत जब्त हुन्थ्यो। उसको राजनीितक किरयरमा उसले त्योभन्दा राम्रो िनर्णय गरेकै छैन।


My Idea Of A Madhesi Gathering
An Open Letter To NAC
पहाडी बाहुन सुजीत ढकाल
Democracy, Transparency, And The Nepali Diaspora
Alliance Sets The Tone For Diaspora Organizations
छाता संगठनको कुरा फेिर ल्याउने िक नल्याउने
May 19: New School
May 12 Meeting: A Flop
मई १२ िदउँसो १ बजे सेन्ट्रल पार्क दक्िषण पूर्व कोणा
न्यु यर्कमा छाता संगठनको अावश्यकता

In The News

NC, NC-D finally unite; opt for a republic Kantipur NC Vice-president Sushil Koirala is the acting president of the unified party while the party's founding leader Krishna Prasad Bhattarai and NC-D President Deuba have the second and third positions, respectively, in the party hiearchy. ...... NC-D Vice-presidents, Gopal Man Shrestha and Prakash Man Singh, have been retained in the same post in the unified party as well. .... NC General Secretaries Ram Chandra Poudel and KB Gurung and NC-D General Secretary Bimalendra Nidhi have been retained while NC leader Dr Ram Baran Yadav has also been inducted as the fourth general secretary. ..... The unified party has also decided to let the NC lead 40 district committees of the party and the NC-D to lead the remaining 35 district committees. ...... The NC leaders will lead the students, peasants, women, and ex-army men fronts while the NC-D leaders will head the youth, indigenous nationalities and the Dalit fronts of the party. ..... an eight-page long political proposal for the party to opt for a federal democratic republic ...... requests the Maoists not to backtrack from the earlier eight-party agreement on a mixed electoral system and declaration of a republic through the first meeting of the elected CA ...... urged the Maoists to completely adhere to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and return the land and property they had seized during the decade long armed insurgency and to let the displaced people to freely return to their homes. ...... The Maha Samiti has also publicized the party's electoral manifesto for the Constituent Assembly (CA) elections slated for November 22 along the line of the proposal tabled by Poudel. ....... will now have 133 seats in the House ...... "I have decided to sacrifice everything as I know the cadres cannot sacrifice themselves if the leaders don't do so," Koirala had said at yesterday’s Maha Samiti meeting. ....... hinting at his intention to hand over party presidency to the next generation. ...... commitment to declare the country a republic has boosted the morale of the party rank and file. ..... Seven out of the 11 parties in the interim parliament are pro-left.
कपिलवस्तु नरसंहार

Nepal: Dr Bhattarai hints at sharp political polarisation; CPN (MLM) merges with CPN (M) NepalNews
Nepal : Maoist district leader killed in Mahottari
Nepal : NC Mahasamiti meeting begins; republic main agenda
Nepal: Koirala says NC is all for democratic republic
Nepal : Home Minister responsible for all losses in Kapilvastu: Rights monitors
Nepal: Stock market drops by 32 points

सद्भावना विवाद महाधिवेशनप्रति असहमति Kantipur काठमाडौं, असोज ७ - नेपाल सद्भावना पार्टी -आनन्दीदेवी) का नौ सदस्यीय संसदीय समितिका पाँच सदस्यले वीरगन्ज mahaadhiveshanalaaeen मान्यता नदिन निर्वाचन आयोगलगायतका पक्षसँग आग्रह गरेको छ । समितिका सचिव योगेन्द्रनारायण सिंह र सदस्यहरू छोटेलाल साह, बृजगोपाल गुप्ता, जीवनप्रसाद गुप्ता, विन्दुदेवी श्रीवास्तवले सोमबार विज्ञप्ति जारी गरी उक्त आग्रह गरेका हुन् । विज्ञप्तिमा अध्यक्ष आनन्दीदेवी सिंहद्वारा स्थगित गरिए पनि निलम्बित व्यक्तिहरूको अध्यक्षता एवं उपस्थितिमा र गणपूरक संख्यासमेत नपुग भएकाले वीरगन्ज अधिवेशनमा भएका निर्णय अवैधानिक र त्रुटिपूर्ण रहेको उल्लेख छ । यस्तै विज्ञप्तिमा विधानअनुसार पार्टीको सांगठनिक निर्वाचनको जिम्मेवारीसमेत संसदीय समितिलाई रहेको उल्लेख छ । यसैबीच सद्भावनाकी राष्ट्रिय अध्यक्ष आनन्दीदेवी सिंहले पार्टीको संयुक्त महासचिव राजकुमार गुप्ता, कोषाध्यक्ष नवलकिशोर साह र केन्द्रीय सदस्यद्वय नरसिंह चौधरी, रामनरेश रायलाई साधारण सदस्यताबाट समेत निलम्बन गरेकी छिन् । पार्टीद्वारा जारी विज्ञप्तिमा पार्टी हितविपरीत काम गरेकाले विधानको धारा ६ दशमलव १०-ग) बमोजिम निलम्बन गरिएको उल्लेख छ ।

Koirala, Deuba Sign Unification Accord Himalayan Times

Leftist parties working on electoral alliance the Leftist forces could also make an electoral alliance. The CPN-UML and the Maoist would get the lion’s share in the electoral alliance while the fringe left parties would get the seats according to their strength in the interim parliament

Koirala says NC is all for democratic republic NepalNews
NC Mahasamiti meeting begins; republic main agenda
Home Minister responsible for all losses in Kapilvastu: Rights monitors
House commitment proposal on republic will not suffice for Maoists

Saturday, September 22, 2007

November 22: Elections Must Happen



The elections can not be postponed one more time. Once was too much.

But the Maoists are right with their key demands. I agree with them wholeheartedly. The country should be declared a republic, and there should be a fully PR election.

How do you reconcile these threads?

Middle Ground: PR Election Now, Republic Later

The Maoists are acting responsible. Their soldiers are in cantonments and will stay there. They continue to be part of the eight party alliance. They have not walked out of the peace process. And their protest programs are all peaceful and legitimate in a democracy.

I think the thing for them to do is to work the parliamentary arithmetic more than they want to work the street protests.

Armed Revolution To Street Agitation To Parliamentary Arithmetic

If they want to do business with the UML, they must publicly apologize to the UML on a few issues. They should publicly say the UML was right and they were wrong when the UML wanted a referendum on the monarchy before going for the elections to a constituent assembly. The UML was also right when it initially argued in favor of a fully PR election.

More important, the Maoist leaders must publicly apologize for some recent incidents where local Maoists beat up some local UML leaders.

And the Maoists should be seen publicly courting Deuba. That guy has almost 50 votes in the interim parliament.

The Maoists may go ahead with their protest programs, but if they don't couple that with public acts of actively trying to work the arithmetic in the interim parliament, they risk acquiring the public image of spoilers.

If the Maoists want to disrupt the November 22 polls, all they have to say and do is declare they are not going to take part. Without them taking part, the November 22 polls will be meaningless.
They have that kind of power. But should they use it? I think not. If they use that option, they are going to suffer from a serious slide in the country. Their base would shrink.

They are right about their two key issues. But they have to remember to act responsibly.

How to act responsibly?

Koirala Has Only 85 Out of 330

You do the very best you can to work the arithmetic in the interim parliament. You also carry out your protest programs. But if you can't work the arithmetic in the interim parliament, you call it quits, and you do go for the polls under the current mixed arrangement.

If elections are not held on November 22, lawlessness in the country will only get worse.

The Animals Of The Kapilvastu Riots

At that point the Maoists' best option will then be to run a vigorous election campaign. They should organize a series of mass meetings across the country. They should take credit for three major things. One, the constituent assembly. Two, republic. Three, federalism. They should tell people how the UML and the Congress came over to the idea of a constituent assembly only because of the Maoists. They should tell people how if it were not for Maoist pressure the Congress would never have opted for a republic, and how even now the Congress party's commitment to a republic is suspect. They might still have a relapse, and that is why the people should vote for the Maoists instead just to make sure we do end up a republic.

On federalism, the Maoists should make fun of the UML and the Congress for not going to the people with at least the outlines of their proposed federalism. This could be their big selling point.

In other words, the Maoists should learn to trust the Nepali people.

And, of course, a huge seller would be their land reform proposal. In a country were most people are poor, land reform should get you a lot of votes.

Time To Hit The Campaign Trail

Don't let the best be the enemy of the good.

Completely Proportional Election: Meeting Point With The Maoists

Do the best you can to get the two goals, but don't work towards the two goals in a way that the country ends up not having elections on November 22. If elections are not held in November, the monarchy will get to live for six months more. That would not be a republican thing to bring about.

Goal: Federal Republic Of State Funded Parties
I Agree With Prachanda On Republic And Proportional Election







In The News

Sitaula faces wrath of Kapilbastu locals; agrees to take action against administrators NepalNews
Deuba for ‘maximum flexibility’ towards Maoist demands there is a real possibility of the peace process breaking down if differences within the eight-party alliance continue to grow, ultimately prompting the Maoists to return to violent movement.
Koirala holds meeting with party leaders
Maoists organise protest rallies
Bandh hits normal life in Terai districts called by the Unified Janatantrik Tarai Mukti Morcha (UJTMM), a breakaway faction of Jaya Krishna Goit-led Janatantrik Terai Mukti Morcha (JTMM) ..... Mahottari, Dhanusha, Sarlahi, Siraha, Bara, Rautahat and Saptari districts where transport services remain closed while bazaars in major towns have been shut. Major highways linked to these districts wore a deserted look from early morning ..... The two-day long bandh called to protest the killing of Mohit Khan, the president of Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, in Kapilvastu six days earlier. .... The UJTMM, which had split a couple of weeks ago, is led by ‘Pawan’ a former central member of JTMM
Private sector worried over Kapilvastu unrest private properties worth over Rs 1 billion have been lost due to the violence. ..... given the political instability, unrest, and fuel shortage, there could be worse days ahead.
Gurung-led NC leaders against commitment proposal for republic

The Animals Of The Kapilvastu Riots

Who killed Mohit Khan?

Was that the work of the YCL? The Maoists? Was that the work of regressives who think Pahadi Madhesi, and Hindu Muslim riots are their last hope to make sure Nepal does not end up a secular, federal republic? Was it the work of Khan's Hindu rivals inside his own party? Were they his personal enemies? Were the killers criminals who had infiltrated from India?

Until we know, we can not pretend we do know. We might never know. But if we do know, the perpetrators must be brought to justice.

Riots: The Beginning

Khan's muder did not have to end in a week long riot that still has not abated. Could the state have intervened? Maybe. Maybe not.

Social, Political, Judicial

To maintain harmony is a social challenge. Maintaining law and order is the work of the state. Protecting minorities like Dalits and Muslims, Pahadis in Madhesh, and Madhesis in Pahad is a political challenge.

Riots should not happen. But once they do happen, the victims should have the option to seek and get justice. The culprits should be identified as far as possible and brought to justice.

There should be legal mechanisms to reign in the wannabe Modis of the Madhesh who seek to score political mileage by inciting anti-Muslim sentiments among Hindus.

Rioting should be illegal. But then so should be inciting riots.

The Animals

People who engaged in looting, arson, murder, rape and general mayhem. They are not Madhesi, they are not Hindu, they are not Muslim, they are not Pahadi. They are animals.

Lawlessness, Statelessness

It is the responsibility of the political leaders to make sure the political transition the country is going through is as short as possible.

Traditionally marginalized groups seeking social justice and equality should be given legitimate outlets.

Not holding respectful dialogue with the armed Madhesi groups has been a major mistake of the Koirala government. That has led to much lawlessness in the Terai. Madhesis have suffered. Pahadis have suffered. People in power might not have personally suffered. And maybe that's why they don't do the sensible thing.

Kapilvastu: Where Buddha Was Born

It is an irony that this had to happen in Kapilvastu of all places.

The Future Madhesh State: To Be Ethnically Diverse

Madhesis want equality in Nepal. The future Madhesh state will have all ethnic groups in Nepal living there. Diversity is a good thing.

Dalits, Muslims

They are in the Terai what the Madhesis are in Nepal. They need protection. They need opportunities. They need equality.

The Way Out

The Maoists got it right. A fully PR election is the only way out. Political paralysis is Girija's style. Gyane, number one problem. Girija, number two problem.


In The News

Wake up, prime minister Kanak Dixit Nepali Times The state administration is quite absent and civil society is just navel-gazing as the country burns. ....... Having failed to train the cadre for pluralistic politics over the previous 18 months, the Maoists seemed willing to reverse their journey into open politics as defined by the 12-point agreement. ...... however, they didn’t reject the comprehensive peace accord or the Interim Constitution. They remain in the interim parliament and their fighters are in the cantonments. ..... He must wake up to immediately to restore law and order, provide services to the people and give all of us the sense that there is a government.
Violence in a vacuum CK Lal It was only when the Maoists walked out of the coalition cabinet on Tuesday that the seven party alliance woke up from is collective reverie. ...... the crisis in Kapilbastu, Rupandehi and Nawalparasi. .... While all this was happening, the party leaders in Kathmandu were playing musical chairs. Until Thursday morning, no prominent politician has deemed it fit to visit the riot-affected region and offer sympathy and relief to victims of violence. ........ Khan was related to the alleged gangster and late parliamentarian Mirza Dilsad Beg, and had been used by almost all political parties. He headed the anti-Maoist vigilante group, was associated with the NC and was active in the MJF. He may have been eliminated by criminal gangs operating from across the border. It could have been the Maoists. Or maybe Hindutva elements. ....... Whoever killed Khan, it wouldn’t have been a cause for a communal flare-up had the local administration responded quickly. ..... Lahan, Nepalganj, Gaur, and now Kapilbastu .... violence has become the normal method of articulating grievances against the state. ..... Violence is also more likely when there is a widespread belief that state institutions with a legal monopoly over coercive force are weak or partisan. When a government is perceived to be both, risks of lawlessness are much higher.
While Butwal burned Prashant Jha Kapilbastu shows the fragile nature of tarai politics. All it takes is a minor trigger to unleash violence, communal tension and instability. ...... Abdul Moid Khan was an influential leader in Kapilbastu and bordering districts. ..... Viscerally anti-Maoist, he headed a vigilante group and had links with politicians and criminals in the tarai and Uttar Pradesh. ........ His killing may have stemmed from political rivalry or a personal feud, or perhaps groups who knew there would be a backlash and wanted to create instability carried it out. His supporters, Muslims but also some madhesi Hindus, suspected the Maoists, vandalised pahadi houses, attacked both security forces and Maoist camps and torched vehicles. Some people came from across the border to add to the unrest. There was retaliation in Butwal where madhesis were attacked and a mosque vandalised. ....... There was a tussle between Khan’s supporters and Maoists because of past antagonism and for political space, between pahadis and madhesis, and there was potential that this would turn into a Hindu-Muslim riot. ...... the major systemic problems that exist in the tarai: the absence of the state, the political vacuum, the rise of violence, and a political context where ethnicity and identity have come to be the defining feature and inter-community relations have deteriorated. ....... there is not even a rudimentary level of governance. ..... Local district-level party units, which can serve as a potential moderating force, are dormant. .... The party’s madhesi politicians are struggling within the party, looking up to Girija Koirala for direction, or exploring other prospects. ..... Kapilbastu is symptomatic. The entire tarai will have armed groups fighting each other with the state as a silent onlooker, doing nothing to either tackle the core causes or maintain basic law and order. ...... Many pahadis do not know how to cope with power slipping out of their hands. Others have become insecure, resulting in migration or belligerence ....... There will more Kapilbastus, both in the east and west of the plains.
Building bridges in the madhes Kunda Dixit politicians are playing games in Kathmandu and criminalised extremists have hijacked a movement that tried for the first time to give genuine respect to the people of the tarai. ........ The situation is not out of control, the political space for negotiations still exists .... It is hard to explain why the madhes crisis is not registering in Kathmandu ...... The anti-Maoist feeling here is intense, and most here believe the parties are allowing the madhes violence to simmer because it is keeping the Maoists out. ....... Every week there is a new incident that could potentially set off pogroms like the one that ravaged Kapilbastu last week. ..... On Wednesday Upendra Yadav kicked off his MJF’s election campaign with a speech in Jaleswor. The NC held a mass meeting in Gaur last week, and even sent its popular senior leader Aftab Alam to rally supporters. At a gathering of NC cadre in Malangwa on Monday, even the familiar bickering over party tickets seemed like a welcome sign of normalcy. The UML has also been mobilising support and is confident it will do well. All this despite a ban on election campaigning by various tarai militant groups. ...... “The feeling here is we haven’t got anything out of Nepal, so why should we call ourselves Nepalis,” explains the NC’s Suresh K Sah. “The challenge is to make madhesis feel like Nepalis not just by political representation but by investing in communications and infrastructure.” Repairing the road to Malangwa would be a good start.
Fix this first Shrishti Jha Under the PR system, there is a provision for quotas to ensure fair representation madhesi (31.2 percent), dalit (13 percent), Indigenous groups (37.8 percent), disadvantaged regions (Achham, Kalikot, Jajarkot, Jumla, Dolpa, Bajhang, Bajura, Mugu and Humla districts 4 percent), and ‘Others’ (30.2 percent) which add up to an impossible 116.2 percent. ........ half of the seats in the PR and a third in the overall CA are earmarked for women ...... the Election Commission wanted a provision for a fixed closed list but the politicians decided otherwise. Post-election candidate selection is undemocratic and unfair because it gives undue supremacy to party bosses and would make MPs beholden to them and encourage corruption, nepotism and sycophancy. ....... the 240 seats of the PR plus 17 nominated seats in the constituent assembly would be appointed by a handful of elitist leaders who have no track record of being inclusive in the past.

Los Angeles Riots 1992





Dublin Riots 2006



Bradford, England Race Riots 2001



Babri Masjid Demolition





Gujarat Massacre



Friday, September 21, 2007

Armed Revolution To Street Agitation To Parliamentary Arithmetic


For the Maoists to move from "Power flows through the barrel of a gun" to nonviolent street protests like during the April Revolution was a huge, huge step. But they seem to have not completed that step, some of their old ways are still current in some of their rank and file, and, more important, they are stuck in that second step.

The next big step they need to take is to realize street agitation is not the be all and end all. Ideally speaking, there should never be any street protests. Parliamentary arithmetic should be enough to move and shake things in national politics.

Right now the parliamentary arithmetic is in favor of their two key demands. They need to tap that. They should be able to isolate Girija in the interim parliament.

If all parties big and small are formally for a republic, why can't they declare that right away? The people already spoke during April 2006. Republic was the street slogan of the April Revolution.

And declaration of a fully PR election and allowing a few more weeks to register new parties is key. After the elections were postponed the last time, no new parties have been registered in the aftermath. That is wrong. After the elections were postponed, a new election schedule should have been published that should have allowed for the registration of new parties.

A Janajati party has been formed, but I don't think it has been registered. (Federal National Democratic Forum: The Janajati Party) There is a need for a similar Dalit party. I would call it the Dalit Adhikar Forum. All the Madhesi MPs should similarly float a new outfit and call it the Madhesi People's Party. That would be a great way to end the tension inside the Sadbhavana (Anandi). Tripathy can go to the new outfit.

The Maoists have to coalesce around the Madhav Nepal name. And Madhav Nepal must step up to the plate.

It is criminal thinking on Girija's part to suggest that if moves are made to oust him, that is akin to inviting danger to the country's sovereignty. Girija is a nobody. Nepal is much bigger than one person, especially someone corrupt, inept, and immobile like Girija.

The number one problem in the country is Gyanendra. The number two problem is Girija. Both have to be ousted. Gyanendra needs to be made a citizen. Girija needs to be sent into retirement. For one, retirement will be better for his health. More importantly, his retirement will be better for the health of the country.

Madhav Nepal Needs To Make A Move

Madhav Nepal will be palatable to the international community. India and Europe have gone out of their way to hint that Madhav Nepal would be palatable to them. Remember those visits? It is for Madhav Nepal, Prachanda, Deuba, Sherchan, Mahto and the rest to come together and oust Girija to make sure we still can have elections on November 22.

As soon as Girija is ousted, things will speed up. You will see movement in the political process. You will have a Prime Minister who regularly holds extensive consultations.

With Girija, the country has been stuck in a rut.

The Maoists can get more out of parliamentary arithmetic than through street agitations at this point.

For Prachanda, it might be about republic. For Deuba it is about his political survival. If the country does not have a fully PR election, Deuba's party will get wiped out. And if it gets wiped out once, it is not going to be able to resurrect itself in a subsequent election.

Deuba needs a fully PR election more than any other major leader on the national scene. He has to rally behind the Madhav Nepal name on that one point agenda.

Madhav Nepal, on his part, can demand better Maoist behavior on the ground.

The best part of declaring Nepal a republic right away will be that then all parties are going to be forced to offer much clearer visions on the all important issue of federalism. How many states? What shape, sizes? What kind of power distribution between the center and the states?

Evil Home Minister, Evil Prime Minister

Mohit Khan's murder might have sparked the downslide, but the full-fledged riots that lasted an entire week and are still ongoing are because the state and those in power have made a conscious decision to make sure the security forces are not sent in in small measure or large.

People in power who are angry that there ever was a Madhesi Kranti have seen this as an opportunity to get even. So you had problems with our crowd control attempts during the so-called Madhesi Kranti? Great. Now we are going to stay out completely and watch you kill each other. And have fun. That has been the thinking of the Pahadi Bahuns in Kathmandu. That is criminal thinking.

That is a strong argument for a Madhesh state and a Madhesh Police.

Goal: Federal Republic Of State Funded Parties

Goal: Federal Republic Of State Funded Parties

Republic is guaranteed. Federalism is guaranteed: it is just a matter of time. What bothers me is that none of the parties, not even the Maoists are talking in terms of turning Nepal into a country of state funded parties. That is a problem.

Proposed Constitution

Rwanda, Iraq

At some level, the riots in Kapilvastu that quickly took communal overtones along the Pahadi Madhesi, and Hindu Muslim lines tell us Nepal is not really that far from Rwanda and Iraq. That Nepal is not that far from the Hindu-Muslim riots like in India.

This is sad.

A fully PR election that allows for Madhesi, Janajati and Dalit parties is the best way to blow steam and let the sentiments take legitimate outlets.

The disrespect shown to the Madhesi Kranti for the longest time, the continued reluctance to engage the armed Madhesi groups in respectful dialogue has at some level led to a deteriorating Pahadi-Madhesi social dynamic in the Madhesh for which those in power have to take responsibility.

In The News

Maoists trying to find alternative to PM Koirala, reveals Dev Gurung Kantipur Accusing Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala and his party, the Nepali Congress, of “complicating” the ongoing peace process ...... his party was trying to find an alternative to PM Koirala. ..... the Maoists were collecting parliamentarians’ signatures to call a special session of the Interim Legislature-Parliament so as to register a no-confidence motion against PM Koirala. ...... one-fourth MPs of the 330-member interim parliament can call a special session and the Prime Minister can be removed if the House passes a no-confidence motion against him by a two-thirds majority. ........ unless the government accepted two key demands ..... declaration of a republic through the interim parliament prior to the CA polls, and adoption of a fully proportional electoral system. ...... Gurung also proposed that the November 22 CA polls could be deferred again for sometime “if they cannot not be held by declaring the country a republic in advance, and adopting a fully proportional electoral system.” ...... the third national convention of the Maoist-aligned Limbu National Liberation Front
Maoists blame administration for Kapilvastu violence; urges to take action regressive force was behind the mayhem in the district and said that a repetition of such incidents if the country is not declared a republic soon. ....... rapped the government for failing to maintain security in the country. ..... expressed his doubts that the army could be mobilized on the pretext of quelling communal violence.
Kapilvastu riots can hamper free, fair polls: OHCHR-Nepal
Police, local admin failed to take necessary precaution: NHRC at least 22 people were killed, over 500 houses, including 119 burnt down, destroyed, and over three thousand people were displaced over the past six days in Kapilvastu district. ...... blamed the police and the local administration of not taking necessary precaution before, during and after the violence. ..... at least 95 shops in and around Jagatpur, Ganeshpur, Manpur, Krishnanagar, Chandrauta, Bishanpur villages have been destroyed. Over 150 vehicles were vandalized. ..... Altogether 119 houses located at Bishanpur to Sukumbasi Tol and a cotton factory at Krishnanagar have been reduced to cinder ...... commissioner Ram Nagina Singh ..... human rights defenders were also not allowed to visit some places by different groups ..... NHRC said that it found people angry with the police as the latter skipped their repeated calls for security.
Kapilvastu riots part of conspiracy to disrupt communal harmony: Minister Sitaula
Martin urges parties to work together for peace
No party unification before CA polls, if not by tomorrow: Deuba Deuba accused the NC leaders of not showing genuine interest for unification .... Deuba also said that the elections sans the Maoist participation would be useless.
NSU submits memo to supplies minister, urges not to hike petro price
Janamorcha Nepal begins poll campaign, rally disrupts traffic in capital Traffic was disrupted in capital’s Purano Baneshowr, Naya Baneshwor, Koteshwor, Balaju, Kalanki, Chabahil, Pulchowk
MPRF demands stern action against Kapilvastu violence guilty Over the last six days, violence-torn Kapilvastu district saw huge loss of life and property. ..... The District Administration Office here has continued curfew in Krishnangar and other affected areas. At least three more persons were killed in fresh violence at Pathardaiya of Kapilvastu yesterday.
प्रहरी सुरक्षाभित्रै तीनको हत्या हत्या गरिएकालाई स्थानीय बासिन्दाको उजुरीका आधारमा दंगा भड्काउन सघाएको आरोपमा प्रहरीले नियन्त्रणमा लिएको थियो । दंगाबाट पीडित पक्षको सहयोगार्थ आएको समूहले पथ्थरदैया गाविसस्थित जगदीशपुर चौकीमा रहेका उनीहरूलाई आक्रमण गर्दा मृत्यु भएको हो । मृत्यु हुनेमा रामेश्वर चौधरी, नुरोद्दिन मुसलमान र नाम नखुलेका एक जना छन् । घटन्ााम्ाा २४ भन्दा बढी घाइते छन् । ..... धेरैजसोका शरीरमा धारिलो हतियारका चोट छन् ...... स्थलगत अनुगमन गर्न आएका राजनीतिक दलका नेता र मानव अधिकारवादी टोलीकै अघिल्तिर आक्रमण भएकोे थियो । 'घटना नियोजित तरिकाले गरिएको छ,' उनले भने- 'राजनीतिक समूहले ल्याएको भीडले चौकीमा आक्रमण गरेको हो ।' ...... हालसम्म जिल्लाका ३ सय व्यक्ति सम्पर्कविहीन, ५ हजार विस्थापित र डेढ सय सवारीसाधनमा तोडफोड र आगजनी भएको ...... जिल्लाका महेन्द्र राजमार्ग र हिंसा प्रभावित अन्य भागमा अनिश्चितकालीन कफ्यर्ु कायमै रहेको ..... आइतबारदेखि बिहीबारसम्म कपिलवस्तुको पथ्थरदैया, भगवानपुर, वीरपुर, बिसनपुर, खुरुरिया, चनही, जगदीशपुरलगायत दर्जन गाविसमा अझै पनि हत्या, लुटपाट, तोडफोड, आगजनी र बलात्कारका घटनाहरू बढ्दै गएको छ । मृत्यु हुनेको संख्या बढिरहेको छ । गाउँहरूमा सडेका शवहरू भेटिइरहेका छन् । ....... बिसनपुरा गाविसको देवीपुर नजिकैको खोल्सामा बुधबार साँझपख आठवटा डढेका शव भेटिएका थिए । ...... शव भेटिने क्रम जारी रहेकाले संख्या बढ्ने ..... शाहीकालमा बाँडिएका हतियारहरू तुरुन्त फिर्ता गनर्ुपर्ने दल, नागरिक समाज, पीडितहरूले माग गरेका छन् । ...... यस्तै मानव अधिकारवादी तथा नागरिक समाजका अगुवाहरूले सरकारको उदासीनता, स्थानीय प्रशासनको लापरबाही तथा सुरक्षा निकायको निष्त्रिmयताले कपिलवस्तुको स्थिति झन्-झन् बिग्रँदै गएको बताएका छन् । स्थलगत भ्रमण गरेर फर्केका मानव अधिकारवादी तथा नागरिक अगुवाहरूले बुटवल पत्रकार सम्मेलनमा सरकारको उदासीनता, स्थानीय प्रशासनको लापरबाही तथा सुरक्षा निकायको निष्त्रिmयताले स्थिति बिग्रँदै गएको बताएका हुन् ।
दाङमा पनि तोडफोड र आगजनी दाङ, असोज ३ - दाङको लमही र तुलसीपुरका सार्वजनिक स्थल र घरमा अज्ञात समूहले आगजनी र तोडफोड गरेको छ । स्थिति सम्हाल्न कठिन भएपछि प्रशासनले लमहीमा ४ र तुलसीपुरमा साँझ साढे सात बजेबाट कफ्र्यु जारी गरेको छ । आक्रोशित समूहले लमही बजारमा एउटा ट्रक र मोटरसाइकल तथा राप्ती टेन्ट हाउसका सामान बाहिर निकाली आगजनी गरेको छ । समूहले साँझ अबेर तुलसीपुर बजारको वीरेन्द्र चोक र पातुखोलास्थित एक-एक घरमा आगजनी गरेको थियो । बुधबार राति सिसहनियामा रोकी राखिएको ना ३ ख ५८६ नम्बरको बस पनि जलाइएको थियो ।
संसद्बाटै घोषणा हुनुपर्छ ः थापा नेकपा एकीकृतका केन्द्रीय सदस्य तथा सार्वजनिक लेखा समितिका अध्यक्ष परि थापाले तत्काल अन्तरिम संसद्को विशेष अधिवेशनबाट गणतन्त्र घोषणा गनर्ुपर्ने बताएका

छन् । .... थापाले माओवादी हटेपछि वर्तमान सरकारको वैधानिकतामा प्रश्नचिह्न उठेको थापाको भनाइ थियो । थापाले सरकारको नेतृत्व फेनर्ुपर्ने पनि बताए ।

दलहरू उम्मेदवार चयनमा व्यस्त स्थानीय पार्टी कार्यालयमा दिनहुँ बैठक, भेला र छलफल भइरहेको छ । .... कांग्रेसले मोरङमा प्रत्यक्ष उम्मेदवारी निम्ति क्षेत्र १ मा पार्टर्ी सभापति गिरिजाप्रसाद कोइराला .... धनुषामा एमालेले क्षेत्र ५ का लागि रघुवीर महासेठ ..... ३ मा रामआशिष महासेठ, रामचन्द्र झा र जुली महासेठ छन् । ...... ४ मा रघुवीर महासेठ, शारदा झा र राजकुमार गुप्ता छन् ..... १ बाट रामचन्द्र झा र ६ बाट योगनारायण यादवको नाम ..... रौतहटमा ..... क्षेत्र २ मा मोहम्मद आफताव आलममात्र सिफारिस गरिएको छ । ....... सभापति मोहम्मद आफताव आलम ..... संखुवासभाको क्षेत्र नम्बर २ मा नेपाली कांग्रेसमा उम्मेदवार छनोट विवादमा भएको छ । बहुमत सदस्यले गरेको निर्णय लुकाएर अल्पमत पक्षले नामावली सोझै केन्द्रमा पठाएको छ । ........ बहुमत पक्षका कार्यकर्ता हस्ताक्षर अभियानमा लागेको छ ।

मुस्लिम संस्थाद्वारा ज्ञापन मुस्लिम नेताहरूको प्रमण्डलले प्रधानमन्त्री गिरिजाप्रसाद कोइरालालाई बिहीबार भेटी कपिलवस्तुमा स्थिति असामान्य हुँदा पनि अकर्मण्य भएर बस्ने त्यस जिल्लाका डीएसपी र

प्रजिअमाथि अविलम्ब कारबाही गर्न माग गरेका छन् । राष्ट्रिय मुस्लिम मञ्च, मुस्लिम एत्तिहाद संघ, पञ्च कस्मिरी तकिया र नेपाली जामे मस्जिदका मुस्लिम नेताहरूले सरकारसमक्ष कपिलवस्तुमा भएको धनजन क्षतिको छानबिन गरी वास्तविकता पत्ता लगाउन तुरुन्त छानबिन आयोग गठन गर्न आग्रह गरेका छन् । ....... 'मोहित खानलाई कसले मार्‍यो ? राज्यलाई थाहा हुनुपर्छ,' प्रतिनिधिमण्डलमा सरिक पञ्च कस्मिरी तकिया गुठीका अध्यक्ष सैययद निहाल शाहले भने- 'खानको मृत्युको एक घन्टापछि नै बुटवलमा दंगाको स्थिति आयो, यो पुर्व नियोजित हो ।' ...... घटनाको लगत्तै कपिलवस्तु र रूपन्देहीका मस्जिदमाथि आक्रमण, मानवीय र भौतिक क्षति गराई सम्प्रदायिक सद्भाव तथा धार्मिक सहिष्णुतामा खलल पुर्‍याउन खोज्ने तत्त्व र घटना ........ मृतकका परिवार र आफन्तले खबर पाउनुअगावै बुटवल लगायतका स्थानमा तोडफोड लगायतका शृंखलाबद्घ घटना हुनु ....... उक्त घटना हत्यारा पक्षको सुनियोजित षड्यन्त्र रहेको दाबी

लिम्बुवानले अवरोध नपुर्‍याउने बन्द फिर्ता

आयोग होइन, आगो नियन्त्रण गर पाँच दिनदेखि झन्-झन् फैलिँदै गएको कपिलवस्तुको हिंसा नियन्त्रण गर्न दृढ राजनीतिक शक्ति र विवेकपूर्ण सुरक्षा परिचालन आवश्यक भएका बेला मन्त्रिपरिषद् बैठकले बिहीबार छानबिन आयोग गठन गरेको छ । ..... त्यो हत्याको केही मिनेटमै, चारैतिरका स्थायी संरचनामा आगजनी सुरु भइसकेको थियो । त्यसबीच भएको जनधन क्षतिको यकिन तथ्यांक क्रमशः बाहिर आउन पनि सकिरहेको छैन किनभने कफ्र्यु जारी हुनुका साथै परस्पर अविश्वास र सामाजिक शत्रुताको मात्रा उच्च हुन पुगेको छ । ...... बृहत् प्रयत्न राष्ट्रियरूप राजनीतिक दल र सरकारले मिलेर गर्नुपर्ने हो, जसका लागि अझै पनि समय छ र प्रयत्नको झन् बढी खाँचो छ । ..... अहिलेका लागि आयोगभन्दा त्यहाँ जारी तथा फैलिरहेको हिंसाको आगो निभाउन त्यही दमकल हुनसक्छ ।
ज्वालामग्न कपिलवस्तु चन्द्रौटा रूपन्देहीको सालझन्डीदेखि कपिलवस्तुको शिवपुर करिब ६० किमि सडकखण्ड यात्रा गर्ने जोकोहीले चार दिनदेखि आगोले जलिरहेको चन्द्रौटा बजार त देख्छ नै, सिङ्गो देश, नेपाली जनता दुःखिरहेको अनि देश युद्धक्षेत्र बन्नथालेको आभास पनि गर्छ । ....... देश साँच्चिकै टेलिभिजनमा देखेजस्तो इराक बन्दैछ ...... हत्यापछि सीमापारिबाट आएका समेतका उच्छृङखल समूहले जसरी पहाडिया उपमा दिएर छानीछानी नेपालीका घरबस्तीमा हत्या, बलात्कार र आगजनी गर्ने काम गर्‍यो, त्यसले धेरैको विचल्लीमात्र होइन, बिल्लीबाठ-उठिबास लगाएको छ । ....... खाँको हत्यापछि जेजस्ता घटना भइरहेका छन्, यसप्रति सरकार गम्भीर भएको छैन ...... माओवादी सरकारबाट बाहिरिएपछि सरकार, दलहरू र राजधानी धेरै तातेको छ । ...... यो कपिलवस्तु प्रशासन र चन्द्रौटा, गोरुसिङ्गे, पिपरा तथा कृष्णनगरका प्रहरीमात्रले साम्य पार्नसक्ने स्तरको घटना होइन । ...... चन्द्रौटा बजारमा घटना भएको चौथो दिनसम्म आगोको मुस्लो कायम छ । अरू त के दमकलबाट पानी छर्ने प्रयाससमेत नभएको देखिन्छ ....... एक सयभन्दा बढी बस, ट्रक तथा जीप लगायतका सवारी साधनको अवशेषले सिङ्गो कपिलवस्तु जलेको अडकल ..... आगजनीमा परेका खुरुरियाको पथरदेइया, वीरपुर, देवीनगर मानपुर, बालपुर कटुवा, उज्ज्वलपुर र गुगौली गाउँमा न सरकार पुगेको छ, न मानवीय संघ-संस्थै । यी गाउँबाट ज्यान जोगाउन लालाबाला छाडेर भागदौड गर्दै परिवारका सदस्यसमेत बिछोडिएर आएका ५ हजार बढी विस्थापित अहिले भगवानपुर गाविस, चन्द्रौटा क्याम्प र गोरुसिङ्गे बजारका सार्वजनिक स्थलमा अस्थायी क्याम्प खडा गरेर बसेका छन् । ........ पहिलो दिनै घटना भइरहेको जानकारी पाएर पनि प्रहरी प्रशासन निरीह बनेको र त्यसपछि सरकारले घटनालाई गम्भीर रूपले लिन नसकेको ...... यस पंक्तिकार आफैं सडकमा सुत्दै चार दिन लगाएर गृहजिल्ला दाङ आइपुग्यो ...... घटनाको दोस्रो दिन यस पंक्तिकार बुटवलमा छँदा चन्द्रौटा हुँदै जानसक्ने स्थिति छैन । गोरुसिङ्गेमा गोली चल्यो, गाउँका गाउँ खरानी छन्, चन्द्रौटामा मान्छे काटाकाट गरिरहेका छन्, मान्छेहरूलाई बलात्कार गर्दै उखुबारीमा फाल्ने गरिएको छ जस्ता हल्ला चलिरहेका थिए । ....... गोरुसिङ्गेदेखि शिवपुरसम्मको राजमार्गमा खरानी परेका सम्पत्ति देख्दा मन पिरो भयो । त्यसमा पनि बसभित्रका यात्रुले 'गाडी नरोक, फेरि जलाइदेलान्' भन्दै चालकलाई गाली गर्दै थिए । काठमाडौं जाँदा चहलपहलबीच खाजा खाएर गएको चन्द्राैटा बजार र्फकंदा मुर्दा शान्तिभित्रको सन्नाटामा जलेका अवशेषमात्र देख्नुपर्‍यो । के अब हामीले यस्तै स्थ्ाानमात्र देख्नुपर्ने हो ?

Prachanda sees ‘deadly conspiracy’ behind Kapilvastu riots NepalNews the ongoing communal tension, killings and arson in Kapilvastu ...... people of different religion and ethnic communities who lost their lives in the riots. ..... the “attempts of reactionary forces” to link the Maoists, directly and indirectly, with incitement of violence and arson in the district .... about two dozen people killed in the riots were supporters and well-wishers of the CPN (Maoist). ..... violence still continued in many parts of Kapilvastu. At least 31 people have died and hundreds have gone missing in the riots since Sunday. ...... Violent clashes had snowballed there and adjoining Rupandehi district after the killing of Mohit Khan, a leader of formerly active anti-Maoist resistance group, on Sunday. The Maoists have denied their hand in Khan's murder.
Home Minister Sitaula in Kapilvastu to take stock of security situation; violence spreads to Dang the violence that has gripped the region for the past six days. .... Chandrauta, Krishna Nagar, Birpur ..... series of violent clashes between members of different communities since Sunday .... unidentified persons shot to death one Mohit Khan, a local leader of Madhesi Loktantrik Mukti Morcha (MLMM) ..... on Friday morning cadres of MLMM held demonstration against the killings claiming that YCL men were involved in it. ...... there is still fear among the people due to various rumours flying around .... break-out of looting and arson ...... Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) has issued a statement urging the government to take action against the culprits trying to create communal and religious tension in Kapilvastu.
US warns Maoists against trying to 'trash' elections; Senator Leahy also speaks out India, European Union, United Nations and Japan have expressed concerns over the Maoist decision to quit the government and launch agitation to disrupt the November election, the United States, on Thursday, has come down with a strong warning to the ex-rebels against trying to 'trash' the November polls ....... the US government would continue to treat the Maoists as extremist outcasts until the movement becomes a normal political party. ...... "They need to give up the gun. They need to give up extortion. They need to give up the militant youth groups ..... US Senator Patrick Leahy, speaking at the Senate Floor in Washington DC on Tuesday, has said that "the leaders of the Congress parties and the Maoists have done little to prepare for the elections." ...... "At times, party members have seemed more interested in furthering their own personal ambitions and in derailing the electoral process altogether." ...... Leahy has said that the UML has done more to prepare for the polls. He also praised the Election Commission for its preparations. "There is no doubt that the people are eager to go to the polls, just as they were determined to put an end to the King's abuse of power."
Mahara says Maoists in favour of eight party unity his party will not walk out of eight party alliance ..... We have no intention of breaking the ceasefire. We will press our demands from the parliament and the streets. Election can happen after fulfillment of our demands .... they would not support proposal to jointly approve commitment proposal in favour of republic through the parliament. They have said they stand behind their demand to declare republic by the parliament.
Nine student organisations appeal for eight party unity
Declaring republic will resolve 98.5% problems of the country, claims Pokharel Leaders of Jana Morcha have backed the 22-point demands put forth by the Maoists but have said that they should not have quit the government. ..... "This parliament can declare republic and can adopt the fully proportional representation-based election system. If that is done, 98.5% problems of this country will be resolved. Only 1.5% problems will then remain."
Election without Maoist participation will be meaningless, says Nidhi The general secretary of Nepali Congress (Democratic) Bimalendra Nidhi has said that holding Constituent Assembly (CA) election without the participation of Maoists will be meaningless. After the informal meeting of the central members of the party, Nidhi told media that his party had seriously noted the Maoist decision to quit the government and launch agitation that could foil election schedule. ..... The meeting also discussed agenda for the Mahasamiti meeting slated for September 25-26.
Govt not sufficiently present in restive Kapilvastu: OHCHR residential areas and bazaars literally abandoned while incinerated vehicles stood on the road ..... “There are a number of IDPs (internally displaced people). Many people are crossing the border to India”
Govt forms probe panel on Kapilvastu riots; 3 killed in fresh clash the killings and destruction in Kapilvastu and Rupendehi districts. ...... three-member commission headed by Rajbiraj Appellate Court judge Lokendra Mallik. ....... Rs 10,000 to each of the families of people killed in the riots as immediate relief, Rs 10,000 to families whose houses have been burned down and Rs 5000 to families that have suffered minor damages. ...... There is little information on the latest situation in many of riot-prone parts of Kapilvastu as journalists and human rights groups have not been able visit these areas.
Civil society activists demand special task force to control unrest in Kapilbastu the violence that has erupted in Kapilvastu District since 16 September ..... statement issued jointly from Butwal by Dr. Gauri Shankar Lal Das, Sushil Pyakurel, Kanak Dixit, and Kundan Aryal. ...... "To this day, depending on the place, individuals from one community are continuing to attack the property of members of another community. The neglect of the national government, the negligence of the district adminstration, and the inaction of the security forces has been responsible for the deteriorating state of affairs," the statement adds. ...... the tragic events of Kapilvastu can affect communal harmony nationwide ..... the local administrtion is not capable of controlling the situation, and we have also found a grave lack in how the political parties have addressed the situation." ...... called for the immediate formation and activation of a special task force for Kapilvastu, which will work on a) investgation, b) distribution of relief, and c) controlling the situation and restoring normalcy in the district."
Muslim leaders meet Koirala; demand security in riot-torn Kapilvastu at least 28 people have been murdered and over one thousand people forced to flee their homes. ..... attempts to ignite communal and religion tension in the area. ..... Police have recovered at least 20 more dead bodies in Bisanpur area, Kapilvastu, in the past 24 hours. Most of the dead bodies have been charred beyond recognition. ..... The Home Ministry has claimed adequate security arrangements have been made in restive areas. ..... Violent protests had snowballed in Kapilvastu and Butwal immediately after his killing.

MJF in an election drive NepalNews Terming its recent agreement with the government as 'historic and great achievement,' Upendra Yadav, chief of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF), has appealed to the people of Madhes to participate in the forthcoming Constituent Assembly (CA) election. Speaking at a programme held in Jaleshwore of Mahottari district on Wednesday, Yadav said the election was important to consolidate those achievements. "This agreement has ensured Madhesi peoples' participation in each and every sector of state and has ensured them access to power and resources," Yadav said. Since he signed the agreement with the government, Yadav-led MJF has launched an election drive in Madhes. However, dissident leaders of MJF led by Kishore Kumar Bishwas have termed the agreement as a betrayal to the Madhesi people.
Maoists' student wing, too, launches agitation

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Koirala Has Only 85 Out of 330


CIA - The World Factbook -- Nepal a 330 seat Interim Parliament was formed on 15 January 2007 following the promulgation of an interim constitution .... NC 85, CPN/M 83, CPN/UML 83, NC/D 48, RPP 9, NSP/AD 5, NWPP 4, People's Front Nepal (Amik Sherchan Group) 4, People's Front Nepal (Chitra Bahadur K.C. Group) 3, UFL 3, People's Front Nepal (Chitra Bahadur Ale Group) 2, NSP 1
Middle Ground: PR Election Now, Republic Later

I think it would be a great idea to change Nepal's Prime Minister right now. If Gyanendra is villain number one, Girija is villain number two. Girija symbolizes all that was wrong with the 1990s, the corruption, the inept ways, the nepotism, the lack of social justice for the DaMaJaMa. The political culture that says the oldest person in the room gets to be the leader is not how things should be. It should be about the arithmetic in the interim parliament. The alignment should be issue based.

This is how the arithmetic would work right now.

The Maoists should agree on Madhav Nepal as Prime Minister since some Maoist can not hold that post right now. The global powers are not going to be able to digest a Maoist Prime Minister.

Madhav Nepal should grab the opportunity. That will be a big boost for him and his party.

Deuba should realize it has never been Girija's intention to unite the two Congress factions. The whole unification drama that Girija and his coterie have played has had one goal: to prevent Deuba from expanding his party's organization.

Deuba needs a fully PR election more than any other large party, more than the Maoists, more than the UML. If fully PR elections are not held, Deuba's party will get wiped out. And that is why Deuba should throw his 48 MPs behind the new alignment.

The new alignment would have a two point agreement. One, to pass a commitment resolution to a republic, to be passed after the elections. Two, fully PR election with the provision to allow a week or two to register any new parties.

You need a physically agile Prime Minister if the country is to still have elections on November 22.

Prachanda should realize the solution is not in street agitation. The solution is inside the interim parliament. They have to play the arithmetic in the interim parliament.

The mixed election is not in the best interests of even the Koirala Congress. Koirala's party will get 15% of the votes if it is lucky. The days of his party securing 30% of the votes in the country are over.

Fully PR election was Madhav Nepal's idea. It makes no sense for him to not make it possible now when he can.

I am glad the Maoists are calling a special session of the interim parliament.

Land Reform

The only way there is going to be meaningful land reform in the country is if the UML and the Maoists go for it together. Koirala's Congress is going to be the primary hurdle to meaningful land reform in the country.

It makes no sense that Prachanda and Madhav Nepal can not see eye to eye right now.

Middle Ground: PR Election Now, Republic Later

Not UML-Maoist Unification Or Unity, But A One Point Agreement On PR Election
Baburam Bhattarai Is Right About UML-Maoist Unity
एक मात्र िमलनिवन्दु: पुर्ण समानुपाितक िनर्वाचन
Madhav Nepal Needs To Make A Move

In The News

New political basis needed to bolster eight-party unity: Mahara Kantipur “The leaders of the seven parties were not serious about our demands till yesterday. We found them somewhat concerned today after we declared the agitation,” Mahara said after the eight-party meeting today, “But, this realization must be taken to a meaningful conclusion if the eight-party unity is to be strengthened.” ........ “A new political basis has to be discovered to bolster the eight-party unity. The recent developments have already proved that the eight-party unity cannot be upheld on the old basis ..... “The (November 22) elections are merely an illusion. They won’t be possible without a new and strengthened unity among the eight parties.” ....... “We have certainly not pulled out from the peace process. We are still in the eight-party alliance. We have only stepped down from the government ...... the Maoist central secretariat meeting this afternoon had mulled over ways to push for a special session of the interim parliament to declare a republic through the House.
Eight parties agree to keep unity intact
OHCHR-Nepal Representative visits sites of violence in Kapilvastu
NC, UML urge Maoists to rejoin govt, call off agitation
Kapilvastu death toll reaches 20 None of the eight bodies have been identified yet as their bodies have been disfigured beyond recognition .... Among the seven found this morning, the deceased have been identified as Hari bahadur Basnet, Jhabinda Khanal, Shovaram Sunar of Bisanpur VDC, and Mohit Bahadur Magar of Shivagadi VDC-3. ..... Property worth millions of rupees were destroyed in the riots ..... In Chandrauta bazaar alone, 85 vehicles were torched whereas 16 others were torched in Krishnanagar.
माओवादी सरकारबाहिर
माओवादी निर्णयबाट नेताहरू चकित
पहाडमा अवरोध तराईमा चहलपहल प्रचार अभियानसँगै जोडेर जिल्ला अधिवेशनमा व्यस्त एमाले अरू दलभन्दा प्रचारमा अगाडि देखा परेको छ । ..... कञ्चनपुरमा भदौ तेस्रो साता एमालेका नेता झलनाथ खनालको चुनावी सभापछि एमाले पूर्णरूपले निर्वाचनमा होमिएको हो । पार्टीका स्थानीय नेता यतिबेला गाउँघरतिर प्रचार अभियानमा छन् । 'संगठन सुदृढीकरण सँगै पचार प्रसारका लागि कहीँ कतै अवरोध छैन,' एमाले कञ्चनपुरका सचिव राजेन्द्र रावलले भने । ...... दार्चुलामा अरू पार्टीभन्दा एमाले प्रचार प्रसारमा अग्रस्थानमा रहेको छ । गएको साता सम्पन्न एमालेको पाँचौं जिल्ला अधिवेशनले पनि राजनीतिक सरगर्मी बढाएको छ । ..... एक साता भित्रै जिल्लाका ४१ वटै गाविसमा चुनाव प्रचारप्रसारको टोली जाने तयारीमा रहेको नव निर्वाचित एमाले जिल्ला सचिव गणेशसिंह ठगुन्नाले बताए । ..... कांग्रेस र प्रजातान्त्रीक कांग्रेस भने पार्टी एकीकरणलाई पर्खेर बसेका छन । दुवै पार्टीका अधिकांश नेता कार्यकर्ता लामो समयदेखि राजधानीमा रहेका छन् । ...... आन्दोलन वा चुनाव स्पष्ट नभएकाले दुविधामा छौं' एक माओवादी जिल्लास्तरीय नेताले बताए । ...... कैलालीमा अरू जिल्लाको तुलनामा चुनावी प्रचार प्रसारको गति तीव्र छ । एमालेले विभिन्न उपसमिति गठन गरी चुनावी तयारीको जिम्मेवारी समेत बाँडफाँड गरिसकेको छ । जिल्लाको ६ वटै निर्वाचन क्षेत्रमा एमालेले चुनाव परिचालनका लागि संयोजक तोकेर जिम्मेवारी दिएको हो । कैलालीमा अन्य दल जनमोर्चा र अन्य बाम घटकसँगै सद्भावना आनन्दीदेवी पनि कार्यकर्ता प्रशिक्षणसँगै उम्मेदवार चयन र प्रचार प्ा्रसारको तयारीमा जुट्न थालेका छन्
प्रहरी-मोर्चा भिडन्त
नेपालको स्वतन्त्रता खतरामा’ किन बोले प्रधानमन्त्री ? नेपालका राजनीतिक शक्ति, मिडिया, नागरकि समाज, पेसागत क्षेत्रलगायत यत्र-तत्र-सर्वत्र कुनै बाह्य शक्तिको परम्परागत प्रभाव छ भने त्यो दक्षिणको छिमेकी नै हो । .... कोइराला सकेसम्म राजतन्त्रप्रति निरपेक्ष रहेरै चुनावमा जाने र संविधानसभाको गठनपश्चात् आवश्यक परे मात्र गणतन्त्रको कार्ड खोल्ने पक्षमा थिए ..... कृष्णप्रसाद भट्टराईले एउटा कार्ड फ्याँके, "राजतन्त्रको अन्त्यले देशमा विभाजन र विखण्डनको बीउ रोप्छ ।" ..... बाह्य अभिरुचिमा राजतन्त्रलाई समाप्त पारएिमा नेपालको राष्ट्रिय अखण्डता खतरामा पर्ने भएकाले त्यस्तो निर्णय नगर्न सेनाको उच्च तहबाट प्रधानमन्त्रीसमक्ष निरन्तर सुझाव/दबाब आइरहेको थियो । तैपनि अपेक्षाविपरीत काङ्ग्रेस गणतान्त्रिक बाटोमा हिँडेपछि सैनिक नेतृत्व झसङ्ग भयो । सुरक्षा-स्थितिको 'बि्रफिङ्' गर्न प्रधानसेनापति रुक्माङ्गद कटवालको नेतृत्वमा देशैभरकिा डिभिजन प्रमुखलगायत दर्जनौँ उच्च जनरलहरू भदौ २३ गते बालुवाटार छिरे । अनि प्रधानमन्त्रीले सेनाको मनस्थिति राम्रैसँग बुझ्न पाए । ...... काङ्ग्रेसको निर्णयबाट राजा ज्ञानेन्द्र मात्र होइन, सेनासमेत सन्तुष्ट नरहेको कोइरालाले बुझिसकेका थिए । .... तराईमा ४८ प्रतिशत निर्वाचन क्षेत्र राख्न आफैँद्वारा घोषित निर्णय उनको चाहनाबाहिरको कदम थियो भने काङ्ग्रेसका मधेसी नेताहरूलाई फुटाएर छुट्टै पार्टी बनाउन गरएिको प्रयासले त उनलाई झनै तर्सायो । ...... संविधानसभा निर्वाचन हुन नसकेमा अन्तरमि सरकारको वैधानिकता सिद्धिने भारतीय राजदूत शिवशङ्कर मुखर्जीको चेतावनीविरुद्ध त कोइरालाले दिल्लीमै असन्तुष्टि जाहेर गरसिकेका छन् । वर्तमान सरकारको वैधानिकता सिद्धिनु भनेको कोइराला सरकार ढल्नु हो । ....... गणतन्त्रको निर्णय गरएिलगत्तै प्रधानमन्त्री-पुत्री सुजाताबाट राजतन्त्रको पक्षमा वकालत सुरु हुनुले धेरैमा सन्देह पैदा गरेको छ । .... चुनाव नहुनु भनेको काङ्ग्रेस र माओवादीबीच कटुता बढ्नु हो । त्यस्तो अवस्थामा राजालाई आफ्नै क्याम्पमा राखेर विगत लामो अवधि राजतन्त्रप्रति बफादार रहेको सेनामार्फत माओवादीको मुकाबिला गर्नुपर्ने आकलनसमेत कोइरालाले गरेका हुन सक्छन् । .... मुखर्जीले राजासमक्ष उनी र छोरा पारस 'भोलिन्टियर रटिायरमेन्ट' मा गई नाति हृदयेन्द्रलाई 'सेरेमोनियल मोनार्क' बनाउन उपर्युक्त हुने सुझाव कूटनीतिक भाषामा दिएका थिए । तर, राजाले त्यो प्रस्ताव अस्वीकार गरेलगत्तै काङ्ग्रेसबाट गणतन्त्रका पक्षमा प्रारम्भिक निर्णय भएको छ । ..... सेनाका कतिपय जनरलहरू पनि यसको पक्षमा देखिन्छन् । समग्र देश गणतन्त्रतर्फ गइसक्दा पनि राजा ज्ञानेन्द्रचाहिँ नाति-राजाका पक्षमा पनि छैनन् । "नाबालक राजाको रजिेन्ट -राज्य सहायक) को हुने ?" दरबारले भन्ने गरेको छ, "बेबी किङ् भनेको राजतन्त्र उन्मूलनको पहिलो कदम हो ।" ...... राजनीति बिथोलिँदै गएमा कुनै विन्दुमा पुगेर आफ्नै भूमिका र्फकनेमा राजा विश्वस्त छन...... भारतको राजनीतिक तहको आश्वासन नै बढी भरपर्दो हुने शाही विश्वास टुटेको देखिँदैन । .... प्लेनमको पूर्वसन्ध्यामा भारतीय नेतृ सोनिया गान्धीले पठाएको प्रतिनिधिले माओवादी अध्यक्ष प्रचण्डसँग भैरहवामा वार्ता .... त्यसलगत्तै भारतको सिलीगुडीमा भारतीय गुप्तचर अधिकारीहरूसँग माओवादीको वार्तालाप भयो । ... भारतीय प्रधानमन्त्रीका विशेष दूत श्यामशरणले पनि गत साता प्रचण्डसँग लामो फोन-वार्ता गरे । .... संविधानसभामा काङ्ग्रेस र एमालेपछि आफूलाई तेस्रो नम्बरको शक्ति बनाउने भारतीय खेल आफूले बुझेको माओवादीको भनाइ छ । ..... भारतमा आधारति मधेसका सशस्त्र समूहहरूलाई वार्तामा ल्याउन प्रयास गर्दैछ । उपेन्द्र यादव नेतृत्वको मधेसी जनअधिकार फोरमसँग भारतकै पहलमा सरकारले सम्झौता गरेको दाबी माओवादी मन्त्री देव गुरुडले गरेका छन् । ....... मधेस आन्दोलन र अन्य उपायमार्फत कमजोर पारएिका माओवादीलाई यसैबेला चुनावी बाटोबाट मूलधारमा ल्याउने भारतीय योजना रहेको छ, ताकि उनीहरू तेस्रो स्थानमा मात्र रहून् र मूलधारबाट अलग्गिने, जनविद्रोह गर्ने हैसियत पनि गुमाउन । माओवादीसँगै राजालाई पनि चुनावको वैधानिक बाटोबाटै ठेगान लगाउन सकिने दिल्लीको आकलन देखिन्छ । र, त्यसप्रति अमेरकिाको पनि समर्थन छ । ....... काङ्ग्रेसलाई गणतन्त्रको पक्षमा निर्णय गराइएता पनि थियो त्यसले माओवादीलाई चुनावतिर लगेन । अब भारतले दोस्रो कार्ड खोल्न सक्छ । त्यो हो, संसद्बाट गणतन्त्रको निर्णय । यद्यपि भारत हालसम्म त्यस्तो निचोडमा पुगिसकेको छैन । तर, संसद्बाट त्यससम्बन्धी निर्णय गर्ने र त्यसको अनुमोदनचाहिँ संविधानसभाको पहिलो बैठकबाट गराउने सहमति हुनसक्ने सम्भावना पनि छ । ......... कुनैबेला गिरजिाप्रसाद कोइरालाले भनेझैँ, नेपाली सेनाले सकेन भने चीन वा भारतको सेना बोलाउने ..... "वास्तवमा नेपालको सार्वभौमिकतामाथि कतैबाट खतरा छ भने त्यो भारतको समर्थन नलिई सत्तामा पुगिन्न भन्ने पार्टीहरूको सोच र शैलीबाट छ" ....... चुनावको विषयमा जति विदेशीहरूले चासो दिएका छन्, त्यति राजनीतिक पार्टीहरूले दिएका छैनन् । ..... चुनाव हुनुपर्छ, नत्र सरकारको वैधानिकता सकिन्छ ..... नेपालमा 'सिभिल ड्रेस' मा अमेरकिी सेना व्यापक छ भन्ने सुनिन्छ । .... काङ्ग्रेसमा २०१२/०१३ सालतिरै गणतन्त्रको प्रश्न उठेको थियो ।

Death toll in Kapilbastu climbs to 17 NepalNews 300 homes and 100 vehicles have been set to fire by mobs ...... the ensuing violence that took a communal colour
Eight parties agree to maintain unity Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala, Maoist chairman Prachanda, UML general secretary Nepal, Nepali Congress Democratic president Sher Bahadur Deuba, Janamorcha Nepal chairman Amik Sherchan and other leaders were present at the meeting. ..... The meeting was shortened in view of ‘bad health’ of the Maoist chairman
Maoists want special session of parliament; mull ‘no-confidence motion’ against PM a proposal will soon be registered at the parliament secretariat demanding the special session, apparently to push for republic. He said the party would possibly table 'no-confidence' motion against Prime Minister Girija Prasad Koirala. ...... one fourth of lawmakers can call the special session. The Maoists have 83 MPs in the 330-seat interim parliament.
Deuba furious over delay in unity, NC-D Mahasamiti meeting on Sep 25-26 Deuba stated that if the unity is not announced by September 22, the Congress unity will never materialise. ..... NC-Democratic has also decided to hold its Mahasamiti meeting on September 25-26. The party's general secretary Bimalendra Nidhi issued a statement appealing to all Mahasamiti members to attend the meeting.
MJF dissidents to restrict Yadav from entering Mahottari The dissident faction of the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (MJF) led by Kishor Kumar Biswas has announced that rival faction's chief Upendra Yadav will be barred from entering Mahottari district. Mahottari district headquarter Jaleshwor remains tense since morning after the dissident faction announced ban on Yadav's entry in the district and followers of the split group are campaigning against Yadav. Yadav was scheduled to address a mass meeting in Jaleshwor as part of his party's political campaign for upcoming constituent assembly elections. The party has split after Yadav signed an agreement with the government and vowed to work for holding the constituent assembly elections on time.
PM hopes for new consensus; parties begin internal discussions The central committee meetings of the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML are undergoing. UML leaders have said their party would propose for a commitment resolution for republic through interim parliament to be approved by the constituent assembly. NC leaders said their discussion primarily focused on desertion of the Maoists from the interim government and possible ways to reach towards a new consensus. People's Front president Amik Sherchan said they would propose for a commitment proposal for republic from the interim parliament. He said it could later be approved by the elected constituent assembly.
Leaders surprised by Maoist decision to quit govt CPN-UML leader Jhala Nath Khanal said that it was unfortunate to see the Maoists sticking to their stance as it has only prolonged the life of monarchy in Nepal. “The ultra-leftist line almost always serve the interest of the ultra right,” he said, adding, “The decision of the Maoists has come just two months ahead of the end of monarchy through a legitimate way.” ..... Narayanman Bijukche .... “I have learnt that this decision of the Maoist came after the four main constituents of the eight party alliance couldn’t reach to an agreement of sharing 60 seats of the Constituent Assembly between themselves,” he said.
Maoists' 22-point demands were legitimate, says Amik Sherchan Saying that the demands for PR-based electoral system and declaring the country a republic through the interim parliament – both of which feature high on the 22 point pre-requisite of the Maoists - were first raised by People's Front Nepal, chairman Sherchan said it was unfortunate to see the Maoists failing to convince the coalition partners to approve it while there was still time.