Friday, January 05, 2007

Dr. Brian Cobb: Jubilee Member Of Hamro Nepal


Hamro Nepal: 50 Members

On December 24, I erroneously declared Peetambar Kushwaha as Hamro Nepal's Jubilee member. Dinesh Tripathi's name had been listed twice, I later realized. It is my great honor to bring in Dr. Brian Cobb "The April Revolution Doc" as the 50th member of this digital democracy organization.

Brian Cobb: An Illusion Of Peace
Brian Cobb: Perpetual Andolan
Dr. Brian Cobb: Speech At Gongabu
Brian Cobb: Savagery On The Roof Of The World
Brian Cobb, Brave Man

Brian Cobb was out on the streets of Nepal during the April Revolution providing immediate medical care to the injured. He paid an immediate price for it from the repressive regime. The aftermath was not less painful. In trying to renew his visa so he could keep serving the poor, Brian saw firsthand the enormous work that lay ahead if the people of Nepal, especially the marginalized, are to get their rightful place.

Brian's running social commentaries to me in emails and our regular chat sessions remind me of Rajeev Goyal who authored an amazing report on Dalits in Nepal.

Rajeev Goyal Talks Up Caste
Caste Discrimination Leads To War

Rajeev is an ethnic Indian who was born in the US. He grew up in the US. He was a Peace Corp volunteer in Nepal. When he talks about Dalits, he brings forth a freshness to his perspectives that I can not bring forth. I guess I was too close to the reality growing up.

Brian brings the same freshness to the abject social issues in Nepal. He knows and understands a lot of the ground social realities in Nepal. He is not one of those big money, feel-good type western donors who end up fattening the elites with little if any of their donations actually percolating down to the poor, the needy. Brian sees the b.s. and he talks about it bluntly. To those democrats in power who might be used to working the system as it exists in Nepal, Brian might even come across as naive. He wants too much too soon. He expects too much social progess to happen at once. But if we are going to just settle for the reality as it exists, we don't need Brian, we hardly need each other.

Brian has been a digital democrat all along. Only now he has formally joined the organization. He has all along been a member in spirit. Between him and me, we are going to compete as to who will be the more active member. Many of the rest of the members have been lying low. I think Brian is going to set an example for the rest of the members.

After an activist in Nepalgunj reached out to me, I have tried to expand Hamro Nepal into that town. And now Brian's formally joining the team, I am eager to think large in terms of Nepal.

Madhesi Alert, Nepalgunj Pahadi Attack On Madhesi, Raw Email, Video Footage

What would it take? What could be some of the scenarios?


A political party that might have 100,000 members in Nepal is in good standing. So if Hamro Nepal could grow to being 10,000 strong, we could emerge quite a force. We have to hone the message in a participatory way, but we also have to expand the organization in a robust way.

I know there are at least 15 cyber cafes in Janakpur. There must be several hundred of them in Kathmandu valley.

Let's say there are 50 towns in Nepal, and each has 10 cyber cafes on average, and that we could collect 500 email addresses per town. That is a total of 25,000. But then there are millions of Nepalis outside Nepal. Many of them are also online.

The idea would be to really grow this mailing list, already the largest Nepali mailing list in the world at 6200 and probably the sixth largest South Asian mailing list according to SAJA, South Asian Journalists Association: http://groups-beta.google.com/group/DFN-Blog. I want the list to become the largest mailing list in the world at Google Groups, period.

The best way would be for people to go to the bottom of this blog and sign up on their own. Or you collect email addresses and send them to me, and I add them to the list, about 100 per day is my capacity. These are just members of the mailing list. These are not necessarily members of Hamro Nepal. But this would be a great way to penetrate political parties, NGOs, civil society organizations, government bureaucracies, and the population in general.

The second is to expand the organization itself. Hamro Nepal is an invention. And as we wage the social justice revolution, we really have to become our own media. Do events, videoblog events.

Revver
YouTube
Google Video

There is a common criticism that the Hamro Nepal way is not suited for a country like Nepal where the internet penetration is minuscule in the first place. Hamro Nepal thinks of the internet as its nerve system, true. But it does not bar its members from doing any of the offline stuff. We can still print and distribute pamphlets, for example. We can organize events. We can try and get pubished in the traditional media.

In The News

Thirteen UN monitors arrive, Martin to leave for New York today NepalNews
India should not suspect our intentions, says Gajurel
Nepal-India agree for construction of transmission lines
Judge worked for RCCC without JC's permission: JC
NWCS staff protest Act amendment; to halt distribution of water
CPJ calls for probe into attacks on journalists in Nepalgunj
Nepali Middle Class and Nepal’s Economic Future
Cold wave toll hits 28
Home Minister directs to re-establish police posts within a week

Nepal govt restores 73 police posts after Maoists agree Zee News, India
Plight Worsens For Nepal's LGBT Community 365Gay.com
Nepal’s gays hit by Maoist clean up drive Daily News & Analysis
Cold spell kills 74 in Nepal, Bangladesh Peninsula On-line, Qatar
Rare Nepal rhinos mysteriously disappear Scientific American
Displeased Nepal King Ignores Government Salary Playfuls.com, Romania the Royal Palace had not collected the first installment of 23.7 million rupees (330,000 US dollars) allocated solely for the royal family's salary and allowances. .... this might be an attempt to show its displeasure over the imposition of income tax on the royal family. ..... in previous instances the Royal Palace collected the money within 48 hours after the announcement of the budget, and that they were surprised this has not happened this year. ..... the royal palace had already collected 79.8 million rupees of the 177.4 million rupees set aside
Zimbabwe: Nepal tightens visa requirements for Zimbabweans GoZimbabwe.com, Zimbabwe
CAN, Standard Chartered and Surya Nepal ink mega sponsorship deal Nepalnews.com, Nepal

 Cold wave claims two more lives in Siraha Kantipur
'Interim constitution will be passed soon'
Pvt firms to build first India-Nepal power highway The Indian Infrastructure Leasing and Financial Services (ILFS) will form a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal Electricity Authority this Friday to open doors for the setting up of four 220 KV “double-circuit” transmission highways. This will help Kathmandu import power from India in the short term and export in the long term. ...... The four transmission highways — Butwal (Nepal) - Gorakhpur (UP), Dhalkebar- Muzaffarpur (Bihar), Duhabi - Purnea (Bihar), Anarmani - Siliguri (West Bengal)— will cost around Rs 250-300 crores will link India’s energy-surplus eastern grid with Nepal in the approaching eight years. .... The entire project has nothing to do with the two governments; it will be a commercial venture between ILFS and the Nepalese power authority.
Maoists hurdling CA polls: Sushil
Police poaching in park: Warden
Cold spell kills 9 more, toll climbs to 27
गैंडा संरक्षणका लागि डेढ करोड प्र्रस्ताव
माले विभाजित
माओवादीबाट जनतान्त्रिकमा
रेमिटेन्सबाट विद्यालय सञ्चालन
अन्तरिम संविधान, महिला र संविधानसभा
नेपालगन्ज काण्डका महत्त्वपूर्ण पाटा भास्कर गौतम ... नेपालमा वास्तवमै लोकतान्त्रिक सरकार हुन्थ्यो, नेपालगन्ज घटनापछि प्रमुख जिल्ला अधिकारी तिलकराम पौडेल, डीएसपी प्रमोद खरेल, एसपी रमेशकुमार भण्डारीले तत्काल राजिनामा दिन्थे । सके गृहमन्त्री कृष्ण सिटौलाले पनि राजिनामा दिन्थे । ...... न प्रमुख जिल्ला अधिकारीमाथि कारबाही हुनेछ र उच्च सुरक्षा अधिकृतहरू नै निलम्बित हुनेछन् । ........ नागरिकलाई तिरस्कार गरिरहने, नागरिकको हकअधिकार र सुरक्षालाई कुनै महत्त्व नदिने, पदीय व्यक्तिहरूले कुनै जिम्मेवारी बहन नगर्ने तथा कुनै उत्तरदायित्व बोध नै नभएको कस्तो लोकतान्त्रिक सरकार हो यो, जसको कार्यशैली कमल थापा र ज्ञानेन्द्रहरूको जस्तै छ । ........ जुन सरकार आए पनि अवस्था बेग्लै सोच उही, मान्यता बेग्लै चिन्तन उही, प्रक्रिया बेग्लै हठ उही । यो कस्तो नियति नेपाली नागरिकको जहाँ धर्मनिरपेक्ष एवं जातीय भेदभावरहित नयाँ नेपाल निर्माण गर्ने प्रतिबद्धता व्यक्त भइरहे पनि धार्मिक असहिष्णुता र जातीय भेदभाव गहिरिँदै छन् । अझ मुखरित र व्यापक भइरहेछन् । ......

नागरिकलाई कमजोर बनाउने, साम्प्रदायिक र धार्मिक पर्खाललाई गहिरो बनाउने ज्ञानेन्द्र सत्ताको कामकारबाही र नेपाल सरकारबीचको भिन्नता नेपालगन्जवासीले खोजिरहेछन् । तर उनीहरूले एकातिर शाही सरकार आफैंले प्रतिबद्धता जनाएको "बहुदलीय प्रतिस्पर्धा र प्रजातन्त्र" लाई गल्हत्याएको स्थिति पाए भने अर्कोतिर लोकतान्त्रिक भनिने सरकारले गुण्डा र मवालीहरूलाई पुलिस प्रशासनको सहारामा राज्यकै संरक्षण प्रदान गरेर देशकै ठूलो जातीय आतङ्क मच्चाएको स्थिति भोगे । ...... पुलिसद्वारा कमल गिरी -मधेसी) को हत्या गरियो । सडकमा ५०/१०० जनाको हुलले पसल र मानिसको जीविकाका आधारमात्र जलाएनन्, मधेसीहरूको इमान जलाए । स्वाभिमानलाई नङ्ग्याए । साथै पहाडीको संरक्षणमा मधेसीको इमानलाई लिलाम गरिरहँदा राज्यले गुण्डागर्दीको रक्षा गरिरहेको नाङ्गो तमासा हेर्न मधेसीहरू विवश भए । साम्प्रदायिक सुरक्षा प्रदान गर्न र सहरलाई खरानी हुन्जेलसम्म जलाउन नेपाल सरकारको पुलिस प्रशासनले खुलेआम सघाएको दृश्य प्रत्येक नेपालगन्जवासीको मानसपटलमा नाचिरहेको हुनुपर्छ । यस्तो स्थितिमा पनि मधेसीहरूले संयमता गुमाएनन् । तर उनीहरूको यो धैर्यतामाथि पहाडिया राष्ट्रवादले नेपाल विखण्डन हुनसक्ने, साम्प्रदायिक विवादमा फँस्नसक्ने साथै जातीय दङ्गा हुनसक्ने आशंका व्यक्त गरिरहेछ । यद्यपि यस्तो कार्यको स्रोत राज्यसंयन्त्रको पहुँच र पकड भएको समूह आफैं बनिरहेको दृृष्टान्त नेपालगन्ज काण्ड आफैं हो । ......... नेपाली मिडियाले जातीय दङ्गा भड्किन्छ भन्ने डर र तनावको कारण सके सजहै नेपाल सद्भावना पार्टीलाई ठूलो दोषी ठहर गरेको बुझिन्छ । यो आरोपले कारणको गहिराइमा पुग्न हामीलाई सघाउँदैन र नेपालगन्जबारे लेख्नुपर्ने महत्त्वपूर्ण पाटाहरूमा केही लेखिने छैन । घटनाको स्थिति, आकार र स्तरको तुलनामा नेपाली मिडिया मौनप्रायः रहेको सजहै बुझ्न सकिन्छ । नत्र काण्डपछिको चौतर्फी प्रभावलाई राजनीतिक पूर्वाग्रही नभइकन मानवीय पक्षबाट पनि धेरै लेख्न सकिन्थ्यो । तर त्यस्तो केही देखिएको छैन । यो आर्थिक, राजनीतिक पकड भएको पहाडियाहरू बीचको एकप्रकारको अघोषित एकता हो, जसले कालान्तरदेखि मधेसीलाई शोषित गर्दै आएको छ । ......... नयाँ नेपाल बनाउने अठोट अभिव्यक्त गरिरहेको समयमा नेपाली मिडिया, मानवअधिकारकर्मी, पार्टी र सरकारको कार्यशैलीमा तात्विक भिन्नता वा प्रतिबद्धता केही देखिएको छैन । समानताको गफ सबैले गरिरहे पनि उनीहरूले दिएको एउटै सन्देश पञ्चायती कार्यशैली र नियतको निरन्तरता हो, जहाँ परिवर्तनकामी शक्तिका आवाज र मागलाई निरन्तर दबाइनेछ । यतिमात्र होइन, यथास्थितिलाई अझ बलियो र सशक्त बनाउन हदैसम्म निर्लज्ज संरक्षण प्रदान गर्दै जातीय, भाषिक, लैङ्गकि, धार्मिक, वर्गीय वा सम्पूर्ण नेपाली नागरिकको समान अस्तित्वका लागि लडिरहेका नागरिकविरुद्ध राज्य जाइलाग्न पनि सक्छ भन्ने सन्देश सरकारले दिएको छ । प्रस्टै छ, नेपालगन्ज काण्डलाई जातीय भेदभावको रंग राज्यद्वारा संरक्षित शक्ति र समूहले प्रदान गरेको हो । ........ गाउँ-गाउँमा पुलिस पोस्ट स्थापना गर्न नपाए शान्तिसुरक्षा कायम गर्न सकिँदैन साथै संविधानसभा पनि समयमै गराउन सकिँदैन, प्रधानमन्त्री भनिरहेका छन् । तर ठूलो संख्यामा पुलिस प्रशासन तैनाथ रहेको नेपालगन्जमा नागरिकलाई किन शान्तिसुरक्षा प्रदान गर्न नसकेको भनेर सार्वजनिक रूपमा प्रधानमन्त्री वा गृहमन्त्रीले जवाफ दिए संविधानसभा गर्न नसकिने सरकारको तर्कलाई नेपाली नागरिकले पत्याउने थिए कि ?

The Inclusiveness Imperative
by Dr Brian Cobb
Although Jana Andolan II succeeded in sidelining the king and resulted in a difficult but likely successful rapprochement with the Maoists, it has done little to make Nepal a truly democratic, just or inclusive state. Of course the usual platitudes have been trotted out, as has been the case many times in the past, but no substantive changes have been forthcoming and it is clear that the party bosses are intent on consolidating their hold on power and not on true social reform. Although many people have great hopes for the Constituent Assembly, if it consists of delegates chosen by party bosses, regardless of their ethnicity, it will be no more than a political puppet show.
A massive ethnic conflict is impending. The terai is on edge, and the anger among the Madhesis, Janajatis and Dalits is ready to explode into violence. But coolheaded analysis reveals that it is not really an ethnic issue and thus ethnicity should not define the lines of cleavage.
The country and nearly all of its major institutions are controlled by a small elite of perhaps 2-3% of the population. Although they are nearly all Bahun and Chhetri, the vast majority of Bahuns and Chhetris are also excluded from opportunity and thus should find common cause with the oppressed castes. Of course the oppressors will appeal to tribal loyalties to rope in a large segment of the exploited but high-caste population, and to portray itself as the victim of racism while denying its centuries of racism and opportunism.
The real line of cleavage is between the small upper caste elite (UCE) and the non-elite all-caste community (NEACC). I know many, many Bahuns and Chhetris who are honest, honorable, hard-working and well educated people but are nonetheless despairing for lack of opportunity. To allow the socioeconomic conflict to be redefined in ethnic terms is to play into the divide-and-rule strategy of the UCE.
The UCE's failure to comprehend the amount of anger, frustration and determination for change is suicidal. If the oppression continues a Rwanda-style bloodbath, or at least another, bloodier civil war, is inevitable. Yet their intransigence is rooted in a zero-sum mentality that has been disproven for centuries and based on ignorance of history and economics.
These people believe that anything that is good for anyone else is bad for them, so they actively try to create a win-lose situation, or zero-sum outcome, in every circumstance. But as the losing party becomes angry, the transactions degenerate into a negative-sum, or lose-lose, paradigm. This ultimately becomes what the Greeks called acrasia: acting contrary to one's self-interest. We saw a good example in the king's behavior recently, and we are seeing it again amongst the UCE.
History shows that economics is a positive-sum phenomenon. The rise of a wealthy, vast middle class in western countries has not diminished the rich; indeed it has enhanced their wealth. It is not a matter of squabbling over pieces of the pie, it is a matter of making more pie--economic growth. As the economists say, "A rising tide lifts all ships."
The same holds in sociopolical terms. Granting suffrage to women in the early 20th century and full civil rights to African-Americans in the mid-late century did not diminish the lives of white men in the least; in fact, by allowing blacks and women to more fully participate in the life of the nation, everyone has benefited.
The arrogant, corrupt, elitist, racist and often brutal attitude of the Nepali elite is not unique to Nepal. A glance at the George W. Bush administration amply demonstrates the point. Likewise the racist interpretation of Hinduism finds parallels in the Christian theology of the Middle Ages, now resurgent in fundamentalist Christianity. And yet, Dr Martin Luther King drew on Christian principles to convince the majority that racism was wrong, and Gandhi incorporated liberal Christian ideas from Tolstoy and Ruskin into a Hindu idiom favoring nonviolence and tolerance.
My point is this: those of us who favor an inclusive, just and truly democratic Nepal must not fall into the trap of igniting caste, racial or religious antagonism. Look at what this did in India in 1947, and the reverberations continue to this day. Instead we must see it as an issue of justice and appeal to all. The NEACC has to come together to demand its rights in a united, nonviolent way and the UCE needs to understand that its refusal to relinquish the zero-sum mentality it has evolved under centuries of regimes which have prevented economic growth and pitted one community against another to maintain its power is cognitively and ethically wrong, as well as self-defeating.
A ruthless minority dominating a suffering majority, as was the case in apartheid-era South Africa, is unsustainable. It is in everyone's best interest, save a few narcissists whose sadistic cravings for dominance blind them to logic and justice, to come together to create a new, truly democratic polity. Let us resist the easy but dangerous lure of identity politics and instead frame our arguments on sound, timeless principles of ethics, justice, peace and universal prosperity.
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Bindeshwar Prasad Yadav: A View On Proposed Constitution


Proposed Constitution

A VIEW ON - PROPOSED CONSTITUTION

-Dr Bindeshwar Prasad Yadav

ECONOMIC DELUSION OF WATER RESOURCE IN STATE STRUCTURE

The knowledge of the difference between brass and gold is important in the selling and buying business. Brass looks like gold, it mimics gold but it is not gold. For purchasers of gold it becomes top important to know what qualities of brass are similar to gold that one may not purchase brass thinking it was gold. Secondly, it also becomes important to know what quality of gold confirms that it is sure and pure; it is gold.

Let’s make an evidence based analysis that water resources such as Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali in state structure are gold or brass. Is it a reality or delusion for economic development with reference to millions state-exploited and marginalized Madheshis in Nepal?

Is state-structure of Nepal a real need?

Nepal is a small country. Its population and geography do not need state structure for a justice based national administration. Also, its economy does not allow state structure, because a big portion of the developmental budget will be diverted for administration purpose of the state. Looking at these facts, one must ponder then why such noise or move for several states in Nepal?

Another reality is that the answer is “yes”, nevertheless all above facts. People sentiments-based state structure has become most important for the present Nepal. The root cause is century long unjust national administration. It is like a poor patient selling his land and wife’s jewelry to buy expensive medical care to save his life from fatal disease. Today, Nepal must go through state structure to save national unity and to provide people with the power of decision and governance.

Dilemmas of Economic development

It is evident that some decades ago, Madhesh region and Madheshis were economically, educationally richer in comparison to other part of the country. But, Madheshis were poor in political power and policy making. Unjust policy and discriminatory intension of the government did not provide the opportunity for growth and development to Madhesh and Madheshis, as well as, the people were exploited and suppressed. The result is that today economically and educationally they have been pushed behind.

Political power is a must to gain and protect economy

In several countries of the world such as Asia, Africa, Americas, (what I know personally) Indian Diasporas have had economic and educational power of the country, but now they are suffering in spite of those powers. In fact, political power (that is power of administration, and policy, as well as, manipulates power of judiciary in its favour) is the master of all other powers.

Presently, a move for states in Nepal is a move for sharing political power and policy making power. In the present world, as an ultimate means, political power has become a trend and trait for several national leaders to gain and save economically.

If Madheshis is without both political and decision making powers then stronger people with political power will snatch their economy.

Water resources and laws

There is international law for use and distribution of water resources in case of a river passing through more than one country. There is also law within a country to guide states on the use and distribution of water resources in case of a river passing through several states in a country. Therefore, proposed Madhesh state has legal rights in the water of Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali. In its case of autonomous state it will have its justified share in these water resources. It doesn’t need to compromise with its people’s sentiment and rights.

Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali States

Firstly, Madheshis will not get political power, policy making power and autonomy in this state structure.

 Secondly, as they will remain deprived of power, justified generated economy will not come to them. Major portion will go somewhere else.

 For Madheshis, a Nepal without state is much better than Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali states.

First and foremost important, it will divide the Madhesh and Madheshis strength; for that the government is waiting.

Unity is the most powerful over all other combined powers of economy, education etc.

Perhaps, it (Koshi/Gandaki/Karnali) may be a very effective suicidal agenda for the noble cause and call of Madheshis!

In conclusion, it is an economic delusion and dilemma. We must not buy brass in confusion of gold. The top most needs of Madheshis are UNITY & AUTONOMY.

(It is my personal view. in response to an email ………..I received)

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MADHESHIS: RESERVATION OR RIGHT

RESERVATION (10%) or POPULATION PROPORTIONAL RIGHT

PEACE CANNOT BE OBSERVED WITH 10% RESRVATION, BECAUSE IT IS NEITHER JUSTICE NOR TRUTHFUL PARTNERSHIP.


In The News

Home Minister directs to re-establish police posts within a week NepalNews Sitaula has directed the security chiefs to re-establish all displaced police posts of the terai region within a week. ..... all displaced police posts should be re-established by 9th January to hold the elections of the constituent assembly by mid-June 2007 .... Home Secretary Umesh Mainali said that the ministry will not make any transfers in the ministry till the elections of the constituent assembly.
Freed Kamaiyas call off strike
Parliamentary committee okays nomination of Gurung, Yadav as election commissioners
Cold wave toll hits 28
Locals shut down Birgunj after a road mishap

Prachanda reaches Jiri NepalNews accompanied by his wife Sita Poudel and son Prakash. ..... a motorcycle carrying a local Maoist leader escorting Prachanda to Jiri met with an accident in Charikot this morning .... The incident occurred when a bus coming from the oppose side hit the motorcycle.
All party committee to distribute compensation to Nepalgunj riot victims the government allotted Rs 3 million as immediate relief to the riot victims. ..... at least 150 businesses including shops, hotels and cyber cafes were destroyed or looted during the riot in Nepalgunj. ...... The government had formed a three-member judicial commission chaired by Butwal Appellate Court judge, Purusottam Parajuli, to investigate the incident ..... One person was killed and dozens of others injured
JTMM (Goit) announces Terai bandh, vows to foil CA elections Goit has announced three-day Terai bandh on January 12-14. ..... asked Nepali rulers to leave Terai and has demanded that indigenous people of Terai be allowed to run army, police and administration in Terai region. He has also asked that revenue collected from Terai be utilized for Terai development and has demanded an end to infiltration of Nepalis into the region. ...... organize a roundtable conference to write new constitution for Terai.
Minister requests SAC to pass Civil Service Bill
Talks between freed Kamaiyas and government inconclusive
Year 2006: From despotism to democracy
Prachanda directs cadres to allow police, VDC secys in villages
Leaders of eight parties to meet soon to discuss progress on arms management: Nepal
Martin to brief Nepal peace process to Ban Ki Moon
Parliament passes bill to privatize valley water distribution
Jana Aandolan victims gherao ministers' residence
Sitaula says govt-Maoist row will end soon
Lawmakers criticise Maoist excesses
Government, Maoists appeal for restart of Middle Marsyangdi works; Melamchi works stalled again
Refugees want bilateral talks to end the Bhutanese Movement Steering Committee – the apex body of refugees – has asked the government to terminate bilateral discussions as they had become fruitless. ...... The vice president of the committee and president of Druk National Congress Thinley Penjore ...... "Nepal should terminate its negotiation with Bhutan and start dialogue with India.""Nepal should terminate its negotiation with Bhutan and start dialogue with India." ...... Association for Press Freedom Activists in Bhutan (APFA)
No talks with refugees: Bhutan minister
Oli raises strong objection against Bhutan PM's remarks
Government urges protestors to stay away from Singha Durbar, Baluwatar
RCCC chairman, members summoned
Maoists still continuing collection of taxes
Over 100 Jana Aandolan activists arrested, released
NRN meet in North America Non Resident Nepalis Association (NRNA) will be organising a one-day meet of the Nepalis living in North America at San Bernadino, California on January 6. ..... "The purpose of the meeting is to discuss strategy of grassroots Nepali organizations' involvement in Non Resident Nepalis Movement. The meet will also address issues concerning voting rights to NRN and their role in the upcoming Constituent Assembly Election. ....... Mayor of San Bernardino city Patrick Morris is to inaugurate the meeting. NRNA president Dr. Upendra Mahato and Bhim Udhas of the NRN International Coordinating Committee will also be participating ....... Organizer of the meet Dr. Jeetendra Joshee said he is expecting participation from over 15 Nepali organizations in North America.
UML positive towards dual citizenship: UML General Secy. urged Non Residential Nepalis (NRNs) to assist them by presenting international experiences about dual citizenship. ..... Speaking at an interaction in Sydney, Australia organized by NRN Australia ...... Vice-Chairperson of NRN International Coordination Committee Indra Wan ...... Advisor of NRN Australia Dr. Narayan Pradhan presented a memorandum to chief whip of CPN-UML Mahendra Bahadur Pandey. ..... General Secretary of the Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Dr. Om Gurung expressed the Federation’s solidarity to dual citizenship to NRNs.


State, Maoists and Madhesh
- Dr. Prabhat Ranjan

At last, Pranchand, the supreme of NCP (Maoists), directed their cadres to cooperate government's decision of reinstating police posts. He specially mentioned that in a press statement issued here that his party was ready to cooperate with the government to reestablish the abandoned police posts in Madhesh and later in the hill regions. This means, Maoist cadres will felicitate unconditionally the reinstating of police post (state authority) in Madhesh while the same thing in hill regions is not allowed at present and may be done later but only after pre-consultations and approval of NCP (Maoists). What does this mean? Is Prachand serious for the safekeeping of madheshies and not of Pahadis? Or it is his colossal love for the people of madhesh? Then how it differs with the love of Prachand for people of hill region?

Nothing is like that. Prachand's statement came after PM's remarks that Maoists will have to take the responsibility if constituent assembly (CA) elections were not held in time. He said so because Maoists were obstructing the restoration of the police posts and return of the VDC secretaries to their works. Some can see later's decision in this connection and can call it subsequent. But the reality is of far beyond. Prachand has allowed it for madhesh only. This simply means that they are weaker in Madhesh and are frightened of JTMM. As the problems of madhesh are still not to be addressed and the Maoist leadership is also alike others, many guerrillas from NCP (Maoist) can join JTMM with arms. Prachand and his colleagues are afraid of that situation. If it happens not only CA elections will be effected, it will also thwart and hinder gravely the peace process endangering NCP (Maoist)'s current advantageous position.

The move of NCP (Maoist) is strategic. They do not desire to loose their control and strategic presence in hills or give any concessions but want to block state's entrance there. They are eager to tighten their presence in Madhesh with the help of state security forces involved in fighting directly with JTMM which is continuously developing itself as brave and popular armed insurgents of madhesh. If they give up roughshod and barbarous acts and dedicates for equality and freedom for madheshi people, they will certainly gain and increase their strongholds.

The move of Prachand is not a development of overnight. It is widely calculated, planned and then only designed cunningly. After continuous cries in Madhesh for equality and call of Bandha from NSP (A), home ministry and Maoists planned to squash it and chose Nepalganj for the test estimating eastern towns difficult and knotty to accomplish.

Now the question is who will gain? If the situation in Madhesh worsens, certainly JTMM and NSP (A) will gain. Any armed action against JTMM will boost automatically sympathy for them in Madhesh and north India. Govt. of India may stay silent in the beginning but will be compelled by its own people to work for Madhesh and Madheshies later. NC, NCP (UML) will be looser. Their vote-bank will be destroyed and NCP (Maoist) will feel enhanced. Prachand will be then only the leader with broader strongholds. GP Koirala, Madhav Nepal will be thrown behind.

One must know that CA elections and the formation of new constitution is not final for ever. Any unjust action against half of the people will do nothing except shortening the life of peace and stability of the country. PM GP Koirala and other responsible leaders being aware of the developments should take the case seriously find solution cool mindedly. Otherwise, unfortunate incidents can lead Nepal to devastations.
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