A New Hope
Blogdai thinks it's time for a new political path in Nepal. We are getting a lot of encouragement from our readers in this regard, so let's figure out what a new movement would consist of:
1. All candidates must take an oath of transparency and agree to serve their country and not make themselves rich.
2. We'll call ourselves the "All Nepal" party and our party banner is the flag of Nepal.
3. Candidates must swear to no more than two consecutive four year terms and to hold elections every four years.4. We must promise to the people:
--no bandhs
-- equal and fair representation from all districts and all citizens.
-- land reform
THIS is for real. Blogdai calls on the blogoshpere to supply names of good, honest, selfless candidates who possess compassion for the people of Nepal and a unifying, almost nationalist approach to politics.
Blogdai will provide publicity within Nepal, a good amount of security, and a pool of expertise and ideas from our wonderful and equally fed-up political contacts. I'll even throw in a few thousand dollars to start the financing and fundraising efforts. What do you say?
Let's make a date: Say around the end of May or thereabouts. We will hold a meeting in kathmandu at that time and discuss a rudimentary platform and hold a press conference. Now, I know you candidates are out there. Do you love your country? Are you sick of corruption and self-serving politicians? Do you feel that serving your country is an honor and not a license to get rich? Do you understand the role of the King but prefer he not have such a heavy presence in government? Then the All Nepal party wants you!
So, step up and throw your hat and ideas into the ring. Where are you........?
-=blogdai
posted by blogdai @ 1/27/2006 09:27:00 AM
97 comments
97 Comments:
Hi Blogdai,
I'm really glad that you took up the thing seriously. It will be a great service to the nations if we can just shake up the patriotism sleeping within people who are sitting at their homes because they dont support anyone.
The hierarchy in the picture of flag is good....
We must make sure that it gets to as many people as possible. Our biggest challage will be to move into the real world. I am ready for any kind of contribution.
We need more like you. Tell your friends and have them tell their friends.
-=blogdai
Great idea Blogdai! You have nicely summarized your whole thought.
When we had a political system before 1990 which exactly looked like you have just mentioned. I just fondly remember those days. How peaceful were those days!!!
I stand by you, Blogdai.
This is exactly what Nepal needs now. A group that is rooted in the "common people", which sees that democracy requires openess, respect for other groups, the will to compromise to make the best soloutins for all. And most of all, want to make the best for all the contry, not only for the family / clan / party / city ...
This will need a lot of education and agitation, so go for it ....
Well-meant idea, but it seems a little idealistic and lacking any real substance. I hope you aren't going saccharine on us, Blogdai.
Why not talk also about what this new movement should strive to do. We need a plan. Good intentions without a plan is simply an ineffective voice.
Unsubstantiated idealism after all is simply the intrinsic talk of communism. We don't want to head down that path.
But it's a start nonetheless!
Yes Sac is right. A lot of agitation is needed............OK but blogdai doesn't like agitation....
Don't agree with the agitation remark, anonymous dude. Grass roots start at the home - where the heart is.
naagboy
Oh, I don't know, A preliminary outline of a party platform as listed in my posting seems as substantial as anything we have right now. "Real substance" is a subjective term. Does it mean we have years of electoral experience behind our idea? Of course not.
That is a major hurdle to starting these things. Idealism and rudimetary ideas are seen as bunk to the cynical; but we must start somewhere. Just because it is not a polished scenario that carries the blessings of the King, Pope, UN, Dalai Lama, or whomever doesn't mean we shouldn't start. Let's keep moving forward and keep thinking. If you are afraid to commit to something new and not easily identifiable by the masses as successful, then perhaps this movement is not for you. We want thinkers here.
NOW, let's try this thought: We read today that wives are threatening suicide over nomination, people are withdrawing, being threatened with violence for running. It is clear that the Nepali people are scared witless about the election process. The idea of one elected person as a representative to government sets that person up as a target.
so, for our People's Party of Nepal (thanks Dev) Let's not permanently elect anyone. We convene our "citizens congress" periodically with each district responsible for sending just a representative to this congress. the person could change each time, but this person is charged with representing the needs and questions of their district. Takes the target off everyone's back that way. It is also mandatory that this person receive words, concerns, votes from every VDC or area in their district. Any suggestions?
-=blogdai
I have a very nice short-cut idea. Why not to revert to the Panchayat at this very moment? The Panchayat was, after all, corruption free; there was no foreign influence; every where the people used to feel anything but peace.
After all, there were the people, government and the King - all three elements which blogdai is referring to. This is a great idea.
the flag seems great, but let's hope others don't follow suit. patriotism might then just became yet another cliche like the music that captializes on it
dev gee, your passive stance might not go good with the king, who is fighting the maoist, at almost all costs
bd, i dont think having a party outline, as substantial as anything we have at the moment, alone is any better. i'm with sanjog on this one. blogdai i don't quite get your idea of mainstream success, because isnt mainstream what anyone would be looking to win over first to have any significant effect to the nation? but i think i get you. i remember reading your hypothsis on how democrasy needs time to be fostered. hopefully, ghetto isnt what we are looking for. still, by giving him the negatively phrased option that he might be afraid, you are making it difficult for him to agree with you when you are simply repeating his notion. he called for a solid plan, you called for thinkers.
and sac, i'm with you on education and agitation too. i know this 13 year old girl in kathmandu who was once a maoist simply because she didn't understand the whole picture. an oblivious perception can be harmful.
Democracy in action?
* On the last day for withdrawal of nominations for the upcoming municipal elections, 479 individuals on Saturday withdrew their candidacy.
Most of them stated that they were either forced to file, or were totally unaware that their candidacy had been filed.
* Meanwhile, reports coming in say mayors and deputy mayors were elected unopposed, after several possible candidates withdrew their nominations in some municipalities across the country today.
Most of the persons elected unopposed are from Home Minister Kamal Thapa-led Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP).
Some of the candidates said they withdrew their nominations following the pressure form the government faction of the RPP.
"I was asked to withdraw the candidacy by some of the members of RPP," said Binod Bhatta, a candidate for Ward-3 of the Kathmandu Metropolis.
http://kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=63911
Jaya Nepal! Viva Gyane!
Here are some 'thinks':
1) Great idea! - let's go for it!
2) Universal access to education is important.
3) Symbol: how about 'day rising from night' - as in joined sun & moon on banner?
4) Like Dev - I'm not Nepali but you have my whole-hearted support - We need also to approach/ influence foreign governments for positive support (rather than the existing 'follow the media' stance as at present) - any ideas?
5) Anon 9.39 - I was not in contact with Nepal/Nepalis during the Panchayat era but my understanding (from asking Nepali friends) is that there was indeed considerable abuse of the system in terms of power-holding etc. - not that this necessarily damns the system as such.
I can't be in Nepal in May but will probably be visiting earlier.
Will keep in touch!
I am tremendously encouraged by these comments.
Brit, your support is welcome and your commments bring to mind a question. We've heard lots of comments about the Panchayat era here. What was it about this time that people are still longing for? In other words, the Panchayat system was repressive, sure, but why do people comment here about "the good old days" of the Panchayat? Was it the feeling of peace?
Ok, blogdai is not letting you all down. here's what we've done today:
--put out feelers through our kathmandu contacts about potential candidates.
--approached manisha Koirala, (yes, we did) about her opinions on such a movement. Details as they arise. (This is a sticky contact and we either have to incorporate her or keep her at arm's length)
--determined our saturation level. I.e. how much and how easily we can distribute written fliers and oral information. I can tell you now, from our feedback, that we can spread word of our movement to all district along the Mahendra and Arniko highways within a few days, and deep into western (maoist_) areas: let's say a week later. Nice.
--We have representatives standing by to alert the King, UML, and, at a later date, the maoists of our intentions.
PEOPLE: We are building our voice, and our time will come.
Readers, friends, antagonists, citizens of Nepal. WHAT ARE YOU PREPARED TO DO?
-=BLOGDAI
More democracy in action from our loving king!
DANG - Security personnel went to the houses of potential candidates of Tribhuvan Nagar Municipality and "arrested" them for their "security".
KAKARBHITTA - Potential candidates of Mechi Municipality have been confined to the Municipality office and have been restricted from going outside, with no chance of withdrawing their candidacy.
MAHOTTARI - When a large number of candidates flooded the Municipality office here to withdraw their candidacies, election supporters barred them from entering the office. Those who were unable to withdraw their names were a worried lot.
DAMAK - As the authorities didn't allow anyone from withdrawing their names, all 30 persons who had filed their candidacies have been elected unopposed.
http://kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=63956
Jaya Nepal! Viva Gyane!
re. anonymous 3:21 am
Which only goes to show that
- those who say Nepal isn't ready yet to carry out all the normal obligations that come with democracy, are right;
- that as long as the armed fellow-Nepalis who've been brainwashed ("misguided" someone said) into the People's War continue their reign of intimidation and terror, it is impossible - for security and logistical reasons, and for any democracy really functioning - to re-install democracy;
- that the king was right with his 'royal takover' of Febr. 1 last year;
- that all the brainless criticism, especially from foreign governments, foreign media, foreign NGOs and foreign 'human rights' organisations including the very United Nations, needlessly and irresponsibly pushed and kept pushing king Gyanendra and his advisors into taking decisions the country isn't ready for yet;
- and that I hope that nevertheless the king can still avoid a state of "martial law", where it would be the RNA itself that would need to govern the country.
More later today.
You are not alone here, in your efforts nor your thinking:
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/
fullstory.asp?filename=
aEUata0skqzpfa8Sa6ta.axamal&folder=
aEUaiFaoaraiaaal&Name=
Editorial&sImageFileName=
Please mend that long URL back together again, put it into the Google-searchbox or into your browser and read the latest "Editorial" in The Himalayan Times.
Title: Conflict Resolution :
Need for truth and reconciliation
Re. Blogdai’s “A New Hope”
It’s nice to plan a meeting in May, but people are hungry and scared nów. So the least that should be done indeed when you’re thinking about introducing “a new political path” is to communicate that to the people it concerns a.s.a.p., to ask their opinions and give them hope…
You talk of “oaths” and agreeing and that candidates must swear. But if you would manage indeed to find the people it takes, there may be no need to make them swear because their personal integrity would make that “harness” you’re keeping ready for them, completely unnecessary – if not a kind of insult. If you would accidentally find someone who isn’t really made for this task, then I agree that making a few agreements in advance would be wise. However, an elected candidate has a responsibility primarily to his/her voters, and not to any party. Or at least: let’s hope so! Party discipline isn’t what you’re waiting for, I gather.
About the name and the flag please feel encouraged to ignore my comments completely, but personally I would chose a new symbol, not the flag. And particularly not the national flag but with your own ‘text’ in it. A symbol instead for something that almost every Nepalese citizen is just very proud of. And the name “All Nepal” sounds a lot more powerful but friendly to me, a total foreigner, because that other name seems to have associations with the Maoist movement and their “People’s War”.
In addition, any political “path” needs to have a clear program. What will be yours? What’s first and foremost on your agenda? Say the first 10 or 15 points?
I’m particularly puzzled that you wrote about providing a good amount of security. Now of course you shouldn’t say anything in that respect on a public board, but seeing how the government has problems enough as it is re. helping candidates to stay safe, I’d say your comments there sound a bit too easy.
And finally as for alerting the Palace, the Maoists and others of your intentions: I know nothing for sure but nevertheless I have the feeling that you seem to underestimate how those people use the web as well, and the popularity of your blog.
But all in all, it’s a great idea!! And I truly hope you’ll succeed in developing it much further!
Dev - I don't see your latest suggestions as either idealistic or dreamy but, on the whole, they do seem rather impractical and some sound somewhat inappropriate to me. For instance 'heavy attacks' are less likely to influence the maoist head honchos (who will not be within a hundred miles and who will milk the publicity for all it's worth) than to alienate the very people (Nepalis living in the rural areas) we are trying to relieve of this horror.
Nor is the UN's record in similar situations very inspiring - remember Bosnia?
I am also puzzled at your apparent assumption that 'help' from a non-Nepali equals 'imposing one's will' - especially since you seem to be suggesting that the Indian and Chinese armies should be drafted in to 'help'. Why the sudden inconsistency? - or do you have an alternative agenda?
I’m with “Brit”, and a tad puzzled as well.
# 1 Because this is no game with dolls but with real people who have their own plans and who won’t easily be “included” in anything else or by anyone else.
# 2 For the same reasons. Just whó will do such a thing? And whó will cooperate and allow that to happen? The idea was about a “third path”, a new and much more promising movement with candidates without a rotten political past. Not about taking initiatives to include any of the existing people/parties. At least, that’s how I read Blogdai’s ideas.
# 3 Especially that ”Crush the Maoists”: Maoist-Nepalis are fellow Nepalis. There are various reasons why they have become who they are now. One of them is by indoctrination, intimidation, and force. Crúsh?! It must be almost a year ago now that I read about the government’s program to help “Maoists” surrender. And how they would nót need to be afraid of severe punishment if they surrendered and handed over their arms. I even specifically recall a newsreport where it was said that every Maoist who would freely decide to give up and surrender, could count on an amount of money to “start his (her) life again” in the civil society. I don’t know how much of all that takes place in reality, with Maoists who do surrender indeed. But it sure sounds a lot more humane than to “crush” every member of that movement. Some may indeed deserve heavy punishment. But that isn’t for any of us here to make statements about, I believe.
# 4 Coalition forces. What small, new “political path” could convince the existing powers in Nepal that all of a sudden and after a decade of killing, foreign military intervention should be invited after all to help defeat the Maoists? And what kind kind of coalition would that be? Mind you, at present there are quite some doubts about the real intentions of India in this whole tragedy. And the idea of a coalition force seems very unrealistic imo.
# 5 Seems to suggest that Blogdai’s new path will have its own press agency. But even if it would: editors write their own headlines. However, in order to “boost” the moral of the people it seems true indeed that headlines can make a lot of difference. But you need to have a newspaper (news-site) to be able to publish them.
# 6 And when will that be? Or is it wishful thinking because it may take a long time still untill all the districts are freed from intimidation and terror. So who will be allowed to “govern” in the meantime?
Yes I agree with Dev Prasad that his comments were a bit on the ‘dreamy’ side. The way I understood Blogdai’s call, he is looking for alternatives to the ever-present troublemakers who are worth nothing when it comes down to proper work. Not for ways to become the boss of Nepal...
So, where's Blogdai?
People elsewhere have accused me of posting propaganda a few times when I focussed attention on a publication in The People's Review. It's war, and some of the media are "prejudiced" indeed.
However, there must be people who are able to tell if below reporting is false, or not. Posting a quote here to keep everyone alert that making plans for a new, political "path", a peaceful and effective one, is nót without risks for those who would become involved with it, in Nepal.
http://www.peoplesreview.com.np/2006/260106/update2.html#5a6
quote:
Kathmandu, 31 Jan: He had gone home a day earlier by giving authority to someone else for nominating his candidature to the post of ward chairman. He came to know his candidature while at home. On Friday, former ward chairman Balkrishna Subedi of UML, along with some Maoists and Congress workers of about 500 gheraued his home. He was manhandled and forcefully pulled out from his home. He was forced to make a round the village while painted with black polish and hanging water-pot. He is badly wounded.
The mainstream newspapers reported that he had withdrawn his candidature as per his personal wish.
This is the real story happened to Humanath Aryal, candidate for ward chairman of the Ward No 10, Shyanga, Puttalibazar Municipality.
Politically, he is not affiliated with any of the political parties.
Sorry BD, M.R. et al, I will try and contribute to the discussion when I can...alas my internet connection at home has gone down.
Saw this article on the Beeb on my lunch break - Has diplomacy failed in Nepal?. I the Beeb is not everyone's cup of tea but it is arguably the most widely read news site in the world.
Finally, a major news site that questions India's insincerity in all this. Hopefully, this may provoke some questioning of the right kind.
naagboy
Success with your report, Dev Prasad. I'll wait for your comments on the remarks we made on your 'idealistic' ideas.
Naagboy is right; to mention existing doubts re. the sincerety of India so openly, is no habit really of the BBC (that I’m aware of). And the article gets a lot of attention. It’s pretty betraying if the government of a neighbouring country doesn’t object at all to terrorists who are wrecking yours having their meetings and talks in its capital. But be careful with criticism: the ambassadors of “a new Maoist World Order” can freely travel several Western European countries as well, to promote their cause! Who says politics is not one of the dirtiest games on earth?
I take it all of you will now either have heard or have read king Gyanendra’s latest address to the nation. Does that man need better advisors and better “ears and eyes” indeed! Provided that the English translation I read is indeed accurate, much of what he said seems a denial of the truth and I can’t blame people who feel that speech as an insult. To summarize the situation this way, can only do more damage to the monarchy imo. But this time, he did it himself. Why? The man múst know a lot better, where the reality is concerned. So again: why?
As for the idea of “A new hope” here in this blog: I think Blogdai will find that the king’s speech of this morning did not bring the chances of that new political path any nearer. Perhaps on the contrary.
Where are the comments of Blogdai?
His silence is telling.
I think we require some patience here. It's only been a few days after all. Could be many reasons for his silence. My guess is he's busy doing some investigation/fieldwork.
naagboy
bd is probably on ebay trying to sell his one year blog on nepal..
Blogdai, will come up with a few jokes again as he has been doing for long. Probably, he will cite the Palpa raid as an example of how the Maoists have been "using" the political parties to spread their "terrorism." His statement looks like Gyane's (or Saddam's information minister if you will) lies. He would repeat that Gyane is great and Paras would organize a cricket frenzy! After all, Gyane's speech was great for all stupids in the world. And the Palpa raid was a "small" incident. Probably, blogdai would say that it was an instance of "tabloid journalism"!!!
Waiting for blogdai's next joke.
Boo! Scared you all.
Well, there is definitely some "spin" in G's speech when he speaks of a growth of "confidence and self-respect" over the past year; but all in all, a surprisingly candid effort. He fails to acknowledge that he has full control of Maoists but, rightly points out their diminished capacity. (Yes it is)
G. goes right to the teeth of the rural causes of the Maoist movement by committing to a large scale decentralization of of government and , oh God, a LAND BANK for the rural landless. These are such logical ideas, one has to wonder why something like this was never even proposed during the 7-party reign.
Amazing candor for a monarch in acknowledging human rights issues of the past weeks: "It is not easy for a country combating terrorism to strike a balance between the compulsions of national security and upholding the rights of the citizens."
G. also lambasts those who are not on the ground but insist Nepal is a failed state.
Looks like g's rural trips paid off in this speech. it is heavy on rural reform and initiatives and acknowledges the need for government to reach out from kathmandu.
All in all, spin aside, this was a well-conceived effort that hit on all the hot-button issues while delivering a roll call of specific areas that are in desperate need of reform.
Not the ramblings of a despot to this observer.
-=blogdai
Oh, Palpa was More than a skirmish. hundreds dead? That would be your large scale incident. 4000 maoists attacking at once? That would be your large scale incident. If we confirm these numbers then, ok but ask yourself: Why all the attacks so far west? Looks like they don't want or don't have the capacity to meed the RNA head on. They still control the far west and can openly rally a bunch of regulars and forced conscripts. Think they could pull this off in the Kathmandu valley? By being so far west it seems like the Maoists are trying to fight their way OUT of Nepal rather than striking at the "head" in Kathmandu as they so vociferously promised.
guess they need to fight close to the Indian border so that they can be near a safe haven and a steady supply of arms: don't want to conduct a risky show of "strength" where the RNA can see you, right?
-=blogdai
No sooner had I expected a joke that Blogdai showed up! Thanks.
Was Blogdai drinking a cup of tea beside the barrack when the Maoists attacked Palpa? Who counted the heads of the Maoists, Gyane's army or blogdai? Gyane army's statements are another source of jokes (of course, pretty serious).
Granted that there were 4000 (or even more) "terrorists." On the same day, when Gyane was making his absurd claim that security had "improved," he was imposing a day-long curfuw in Nepalganj! There were reports of firing in Bardia and of course in many parts of the country. Let's make a common sense calculation, how many Maoist fighters are out there? At least 20,000 core fighters (excluding "supporters"), right? This makes 1:20 ration to Gyane's army. I would declare that Gyane's army can not defeat the Maoists or "terrorists" in 200 years.
I will comment on Gyane's "Land Bank" later. Let's see if the land bank is for the "rural" landless or the urban landlords. To understand this you need a little bit history (from M. C. Regmi) and why late Jaganath Achary, Giraja's land reform minister resigned from his post in 1992. Things are more complex than Blogdai makes out to be. Unfortunately, many people know this country, thanks to 12-years of "corropt" democracy.
I'm Back! Anonymous 6:08 pm, you are right, things are "more complex".
1. what is India's role in all this? The BBC article written by Rabindra Mishra correctly implicates India's double standards in this war with the terrorists. It is a fact that even Prachanda accepts that India knew about the meeting between top Maoist leaders and Nepalese politicians in Delhi. So why did they let terrorists on the Interpol's Red Corner Notice walk freely in the capital?
2. According to some recent remarks in People's Review Bam Dev Gautam coordinated the Maoist hit in Thankot.
3. M.R. has given us the real story why Humanath Aryal, candidate for ward chairman of Ward No 10, Shyanga, Puttalibazar Municipality withdrew. This clearly shows the that the UML is actively coordinating with the Maoists. It also shows the biasness of our major media houses.
4. Ian Martin has the nerve to complain about the government's "forceful" treatment of "peceful" activists on the day Lalitpur's Mayoral candidate is shot and he fails to even utter a word against the perpretators of such a heinous crime. Maoists are bombing the houses of inncocent candidates and he his silent.
Yeah anonymous, things are "complex" as you say. Why wouldn't they be when the nation's democratic forces have aligned with the terrorist group, when the world's most democratic nations side with a bunch of killers, when a few Brahmins send thousands of ethnic minoroities to die at the hands of fellow Nepalis so that they can become the supreme leader of this nation...
You think these people are fighting for freedom and justice and for the people of Nepal? Think again pal!!
Shiva, it seems you are addressing me..but you don't touch a single issue I raised. Blogdai better teach you how to do "logics" and NOT to raise "irrevelent" nonsense. Believe me I don't mind.
That said, I did not say that "they" are fighting for "justice." But they might be. Who knows? I definitely don't think that they are stupid. All stupid "ethnic" peoples are fighting at the instigation of "Bahuns," right? I better ask you not to INSULT the millions of the people.
By the way, why should Nepal's police and Sipahis die for Gyane and Paras's throne?? Why????
Girijas "minister" was no more than a political hack trying to cash in. There was never, that's right, never a concrete public plan for land reform under Girija.
Really, anon, what in god's name are you trying to say? Your points are pointless, your wit is witless, and i have no idea how a ratio of 1:20 enters into this to make maoists undefeatable in 200 years.
It's tiring running a blog. I get these ridiculous comments frequently. It's like trying to teach someone an alphabet when all they want to do is criticize the shape of the letters!
so, in the spirit of democratic free speech, I will allow this ridiculousness to be posted here; but, in the spirit of freedom of choice, I will choose, from now on, to ignore it.
-=blogdai
So much for freedom. It appears government employees are threatened with "punishment' if they do not vote.
http://kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=64290
Chief Secretary Lok Man Singh Karki, has ordered all government secretaries to ensure that all government employees cast their votes in the upcoming municipal polls.
Karki issued a "verbal circular" at a meeting of secretaries at Singha Durbar Wednesday, a source at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers said.
"Karki warned that those government employees who do not exercise their franchise will be subject to punishment," the source said seeking anonymity. Karki, the source said, however, did not tell the meeting about the kind of punishment.
Shiva here is what the UN OHCHR/Ian Martin said about shooting of Lalitpur candidate:
http://www.un.org.np/uploads/news/20060201225440.pdf
OHCHR-Nepal condemns the shooting of Dal Bahadur Rai, deputy mayoral candidate in Lalitpur, on Monday. It calls for the CPN (M) to state whether its cadres were responsible in each of these cases, which have occurred in the context of several threatening statements by local CPN (M) representatives, including the 28 January press statement by Prabhakiran on behalf of the CPN (M)'s Valley Bureau threatening "the most serious consequences" to those filing candidacy or participating in the elections.
OHCHR-Nepal also deplores all other violence or threats of violence against candidates aimed at coercing them to withdraw, or not withdraw, from the electoral process.
Thanks anon 10:02. I guess our national papers are the one's to blame and not the old bloke this time. Actually I found Ian Martin's comments rather refreshing so I'll quote it here:
"I regret that the Maoist leadership has been silent since I urged them to condone the killing of Mr. Bijay Lal Das in Janakpur on 22 January. This silence calls into quesation the commitment espressed by Party Chairman Prachanda that physical action against unarmed individuals had been halted, and the assurnace given to me recently that this would apply to candidates and officials in the municipal polls."
So, Mr. Martin now probably understands why the government did not blindly declare a ceasefire at the behest of the same Maoists who have today broken their promise to Mr. Martin.
Which brings us to the question that if the Maoists did not kill Das and shoot Rai, then who could it be? Are some of our "people's representatives" capable of such an act? History clearly shows that they are, and they will continue to be so.
Whoops!
Shiva - I.M. urged the Maoist Leadership to condemn NOT condone the killing!
I don't know why you guys are fighting.
It is so difficult for any nepali to get an unbiased view.
The obvious thing is staring right at you. Unless King G reaches out to the parties (worthless, unpatriotic or lacking any common sense as they may be), things are not going to improve.
King G's speech was an insult to his so called shrewdness and our common sense. He needs to shake his inner core of advisers, fire them. He is clearly denying the reality.
Maoists have regrouped, strategised (thanks to India)and are showing what they can do.
The King cannot afford to fight them both, the parties and the terrorists in order to get his democracy online.
May Lord Pashupatinath give him some common sense.
More from Ian Martin:
"The elections are providing the context, unfortunately, for increasing human rights violations, both of those who are opposing the holding of elections by this government at this time, and also by those who are trying to intimidate candidates and others from participating in them," he said.
Martin says government troops are also to blame for the killing and abuse. He says both the rebels and the military accuse the common people or supporting the other side - and the people suffer at the hands of both.
"Ordinary people are vulnerable to the Maoists coming at one time, requiring them to feed them, tax them, extort money, perhaps accuse some of them of being collaborators with the government and the security forces," he said. "And then the security forces come and the people are equally vulnerable…to being accused of having supported the Maoists. So it's really been a terrible situation, I think, for ordinary villagers caught in the middle of that."
The Maoists have threatened to use violence to disrupt the polls, but in aligning themselves with the mainstream political parties, they have said that they would participate in national elections if democratic rights were restored. Martin says the new partnership could help him to put pressure on the Maoists.
"I think we are able to exert some real leverage, particularly in this period, where the Maoists have been wanting to form an alliance with the political parties and the political parties have been saying to them that that alliance can only be on the basis of respect for human rights," said Martin.
http://www.voanews.com/english/2006-02-02-voa26.cfm
@ Dev Prasad,
Good night, hope to see you back soon. And when you return here, you may like to know that the first half of your reply, about politics in Nepal, sounds very reasonable to me.
Naturally I did read your previous replies; read them several times before I posted my comments to the one dated Jan. 30 ("Something completely different"). And to me it looks that "Brit" read them thoroughly as well. What yóu didn't happen to read, is that I made clear in previous posts in this blog that indeed I never spent time in Nepal. So that is not a question here at all.
It was you as well who encouraged me to continue posting here. So let me repeat that I cannot agree with much of the scenario you painted in your Jan. 30 reply. The idea of this new political stream or "path", seems real valuable. But how it's being worked out here so far just doesn't seem very realistic to me. And I don't think that yes or no spending some time in Nepal would change my ideas in that respect. The existing political parties won't step aside to let Blogdai & Friends through, and neither will the Maoists. I also fail to see how - in the world of today, and unless several miracles happen - a coalition of foreign armies including the Indian and the Chinese army (your point 3.) would come to the rescue of Nepal. That's my main objection to several of the scenarios that were presented here so far. They sound too unrealistic or too "easy" (to me). Which doesn't matter at all, because this is mere discussion and the real work of course needs to be done elsewhere. Not in this blog, and not by (mainly) foreigners.
But hey! You've got a gréat way of turning things upside down! :) Are you a politician yourself by any chance?
I'm asking because as far as I was aware there is no need really for people here to calm down. They all seem calm enough to me, compared to debates about Nepal-politics in many other places...
Oh, enough!
Jeez, I feel like a cornered therapist in some dysfunctional self-esteem exercise.
The thrust of "a new hope" is that you neither need to disagree nor agree with it. Whether it is formed, supported or cheered-on by Nepalis or foreigners is also beside the point. What matters is that these thoughts are now on the table and we can start looking towards action rather than just indignation. By design, this movement BEGS for disagreement and dissent-- in the best traditions of democracatic discourse. Dismissiveness is evidence that we are neither clear on the concept nor up-to-speed on the democratic process.
"A New Hope," by its very existence invites participation. So don't quit, submit. If you don't like the idea, earn your right to say so by offering up an alternative, forward step.
Perhaps the fact that insiginificant pre-conceptions about such a movement are enough to dissuade many of you is more telling than all of us realize, and should tell us that the King, at least, got something right in his speech: democracy (or any movement) without full citizen participation, is destined to failure. So, from now on, blogdai will make you buy your vitriolic postings and criticisms; the cost: a positive idea in return. The rule: criticise all you want, as nasty as you want, but offer up a better idea while you're doing it or face blogdai's infamous blue pencil.
-=blogdai
And , OH dear God, what are most of you thinking?
Were we all reading the same speech by the King?
There were parts that were puffy, unrealistic and full of spin--conceded and true--but when have you ever heard a monarch or anyone address the core issues and problems facing Nepal in this way, and with such specific focus? NEVER.
blogdai has also noticed that those who criticized the speech offered no specifics: What was wrong with the King's observations? What could have been done better? How does it compare with what the parties did/didn't do?
Yes, I'm a bit weary and "sulky" as some of you put it. But at what level will some of you apply actual critical thinking to this debate? We are in a rut here because half of us are stuck with our WEstern ideas on democracy and freedom while the other half refuse to acknowledge anything beyond their own ideologies. It is also maddening to hear western viewpoints spoken with such passion and certainty without the benefit of an actual life on the ground in Nepal.
Our column late last year "word on the streets" was our best and most unbiased attempt to show you how real Nepalis actually think. but again, our previous work is often ignored while we are forced to explore some of your tangenital thoughts and ideological rigidity.
What must we all do to get some of you past this barrier?
-=blogdai
Holly shit, how a typo can change the entire context of a statement! Thanks for the correction Brit.
I'm not so sure that a new party could become as effective as we all want it to be. It is a sad fact that politics in Nepal does not seem to work out without money, lots of money--to buy lots of people to spread a lot of propoganda and a lot of votes. If you talk to an average villager, he/she is either a vocal advocate of this or that party (being on their payroll), or he/she has been brainwashed so much that they identify with a certain symbol no matter what. Then there are those who will cast a vote for the symbol they have been paid Rs. 200 to vote for. Then there are those areas where armed hooligans force people to vote. Then there are those instances when someone has been told when they finally get to the ballot box, that they have already voted, after waiting in line for hours. This is how votes are won in Nepal. I don't think it has ever been issue based, and it has certainly never been fair.
Don't you think that public advocacy would work better? I mean a network of people who are well informed, and well versed on issues. A forum where we can follow issues of national importance. And unlike our mainstream media, which follows some story for 3 days and then never returns to it, we continue on with stories until there is change. We launch secretive missions like those being done by tehelka.com in India and expose corruption by airing it. We print brochures exposing commission deals, exposing politician's and bureaucrat's illegally accumulated wealth, what they speak and how they really live and spread them all over this country...the possibilities are endless people! And I believe that such a network can have a far greater impact than if we opened another party and have to fight with these giants.
Comments?
Reality check on Royal address
KATHMANDU, Feb 1 - King Gyanendra in his address to the nation on the first anniversary of the royal takeover, said that the country has made some concrete progress during the last one year in a number of areas and pledged future commitments. The Post did some reality checks on what the king said (the claims below are from the royal proclamation speech provided by the palace secretariat).
1. Claim: ....Acts of terrorism [are] being limited to petty crimes.
Reality: Maoist rebels seem only to have been emboldened in the last one year. They have carried out at least six major attacks on security forces, including in Kathmandu Valley (Khara, Pili, Nepalgunj, Bhojpur, Tansen, and Thankot and Dadikot in the Valley) in eight months since February 1, 2005 (the Maoists had announced a unilateral ceasefire for four months). The rebels killed 524 people during eight months of the last one year. Similarly, security forces killed 924 people during that period.
2. Claim: The people are determined to ensure the success of the municipal elections currently under way.
Reality: Despite all possible efforts by the state, there are no contestants for a majority of the posts in the upcoming municipal polls. Out of the 4,146 posts, no one is contesting 2,104. And 647 people withdrew after filing their candidacy. People's response to the municipal polls has been lukewarm at best. What percentage of the total number of voters will show up at polling booths on polling day remains to be seen.
3. Claim: As the bureaucracy has been freed of political pressure and discipline instilled among the bureaucrats, criminal activities under political patronage are now under control.
Reality: The bureaucracy remained one of the most politicized in recent times. Immediately after commencement of the royal regime, eight senior secretaries were sent to the reserved pool on allegations of their proximity to past governments. Lok Man Singh Karki, who was appointed directly as an under-secretary at the Raj Parishad through royal decree, has been made Chief Secretary, bypassing two senior secretaries.
Karki, son of former Raj Parishad Chairman Bhupal Man Singh Karki, has already threatened to take action against any civil servant who does not support the king's direct rule. The main function of the Regional and Zonal Administrators, all of whom are political appointees, is to baptize cadres of the political parties as supporters of the royal regime. They also command and control the local civil servants. The Civil Servants Act was amended, revoking civil servants' right to organize. It also gives the cabinet undue control over the bureaucracy.
4. Claim: Nepal's foreign policy is now clear and stable. Our foreign policy and relations are guided solely by how best to serve and protect our national interest in a rapidly changing world. This has restored Nepal's prestige and credibility in the international arena.
Reality: Major democratic countries of the world have criticized the royal coup. The United States, the UK, India, the 25-member EU have repeatedly issued statements urging the king to return to democracy. Even Japan has criticized the suppression of civil liberties and China has expressed concern and called for reconciliation. The US President George W Bush humiliated the monarch by informing him that he would be excluded from the annual banquet thrown by the American president in the honor of heads of state attending the UN General Assembly session in New York. Following this, the king aborted his UN trip at the eleventh hour. Today, Nepal claims the support of countries likes Burma, Pakistan, North Korea, Cuba and Cambodia. Former foreign minister Dr Bekh Bahadur Thapa has gone on record that Nepal's present isolation from the international community is the worst in her history.
5. Claim: ...It is our strong belief that the people must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful manner, with due consideration for national security.
Reality: The regime intensified a crackdown nationwide on the eve of the February One anniversary, and this continued even as the king was reading out his speech. Exact figures are not available, but over 1,000 leaders are currently in detention. Most of them were either arrested from their homes or from peaceful demonstrations. CPN-UML general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal is still under house arrest. The telephones of over 100 political leaders remains cut off. Even other civil liberties remain stifled and the independent media is gagged whimsically.
6. Claim: Nepal has unflinching faith in and is totally committed to the principle of human rights. It is in this spirit that our country has adopted the policy of institutionalising the promotion and protection of human rights and rectifying any shortcomings.
Reality: During his visit to Nepal last September, UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment, Manfred Nowak said, "Tortures [are] systematic in Nepal, practiced by police forces and the Royal Nepalese Army". Speaking on the occasion of the 57th International Human Rights Day at the NHRC, its Chief Commissioner N.B. Khatri said, "Sincere activity and response from the government are necessary for the protection of human rights. But the incidence of human rights violation has not decreased, disrespect for court orders and lack of response to the Maoists' unilateral ceasefire continue, obstructing the people's desire for peace and human rights protection."
On the same occasion, Chief of the United Nation High Commission for Human Rights office in Nepal Ian Martin also called on the government to fulfill its human rights commitments.
7. Claim: Rule of law alone will ensure good governance.
Reality: The country has been ruled through ordinance, some of which directly contravene the constitution. According to sources at the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, 21 out of the 35 ordinances in force at present were issued after the royal takeover. During this period, even ordinances contravening the spirit of the Constitution were issued, for instance the Media Ordinance, Civil Servants Ordinance and Social Council Ordinance. At least 17 Supreme Court (SC) orders in response to habeas corpus petitions were flouted since the royal takeover. This does not include flouting of the orders of courts outside the capital. The Supreme Court issued show cause notices to former home minister Dan Bahadur Shahi in eight contempt of court cases and three each to Vice Chairmen Dr Tulsi Giri and Kirti Nidhi Bista. Likewise, Minister for Local Development Tanka Dhakal faces two contempt of court cases.
8. Claim: As long as corruption, which has proved to be a parasite in our society, is allowed to spread its tentacles, a system of governance as aspired by the people cannot be ensured.
Reality: Nepal has actually ascended in Transparency International's list of most corrupt countries since the Royal coup.
9. Claim: The ongoing fiscal and administrative reforms will be implemented in a more effective manner.
Reality: After the government failed to comply with critical commitments to reform, the World Bank postponed the $100 m Poverty Reduction Strategy Credit (PRSC)-II planned for the current fiscal year. Rajib Upadhya, senior external affairs specialist at World Bank Nepal Office told the Post on December 3, 2005 that the Bank would not release the PRSC loan till the government fulfils its promise. The government has also breached fiscal discipline in handling government expenses. The budget balance has gone negative by Rs 2.89 billion during the first half of the current fiscal year. Likewise, non-budgeted expenditures during the period soared by 10.2 percent to Rs 2.31 billion as compared to same period last year. There is a complete lack of transparency and accountability about money spent during the king's African safari, other royal visits and on royal largesse.
10. Claim: Internal and external investments will be mobilized to accelerate the pace of economic development, ....and attain self-sufficiency in the energy sector through optimum utilisation of water resources.
Reality: According to the Balance of Payments of Nepal Rastra Bank, direct investment in Nepal remained nil during the first quarter of the current fiscal year. Likewise, total foreign aid mobilization during the first half of the fiscal year was Rs 14.28 billion as against over 23 billion received in the same period last year. Major bilateral and multilateral donors have put on hold billions of rupees of aid. Similarly, Nepal Electricity Authority began a 17-hour per week load shedding throughout the nation only a couple of weeks back. NEA does not have any projects in the pipeline to tackle the power shortage for the upcoming few years.
http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=64296
To Blogdai,
You’ll need to hurry with your plans!
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/
feb/feb02/economic_situation_2062.doc
“The Economy and The State: Can It Survive?”
It’s an undated version of the IfDS-report, apparently the IfDS released a strong warning on February 2nd 2006 about the state eventually going bankrupt.
Then to Blogdai-the-therapist:
Myself I read an unofficial English translation of the king’s speech (published by the online Nepali media). While there is much in it that certainly deserves respect, my main objection to this speech is that it did not realistically deal with the present horrors. To speak about “the cloud of pessimism dissipating” or to describe (Maoist) acts of terrorism being limited to “petty crimes” while only a few hours before, much of a town (Tansen) was blown up and dozens killed imo does nót do justice to the people. They are no fools. Whether or not all of them knew about the latest clashes in Palpa district already, is not important. They would find out soon enough anyhow. I’ll be grateful if you can translate those words “petty crimes” back into the original language, and tell me if that English translation was indeed accurate and therefore an imo unacceptable denial of the reality.
To Shiva,
It’ll take a lot more indeed than just a new, peaceful and non-corrupt movement to start and implement the changes some people here are after. Public advocacy imo may very well function to carry the idea much further, and spread the word. And a webforum instead of a blog-thread would be much more convenient to keep working on the foundation of Blogdai’s “a new hope”. (Unless it gets hacked, like in January several other webforums with discussions about Nepal politics were!).
It doesn’t look like the Maoist leadership will be charmed at the idea; they have other plans for the long future. Neither will existing leadership in the political parties embrace the thought of seeing the development of a movement with leaders of integrity, who have a clean record. That seems to leave the king, and the present government, as the first and foremost “goal” to inquire how they would feel if people start to develop such a new path of “hope”. They are perfectly aware of what it means if people give you their word, only to break it soon after. The king looks determined to keep his word about restoring matters in three years. I may feel that parts of his latest speech were absolutely disappointing and I’d love to see him communicate with better advisors, but I don’t doubt that his intentions with the country as a whole are good. There are several ways to bring what I shall call “Blogdai’s concept” to the attention of the king himself. And I would recommend that this is being undertaken by the most “suitable” person out there. There appear to be lots of ideas and even initiatives, worldwide, about how to help Nepal get out of the current stalemate (or “badly stuck knot” as Kunda Dixit called it in a recent interview you can read on http://www.irinnews.org , keyword: Nepal). Yet I would expect that only those ideas and initiatives that can receive the sympathy and support of the king, seem worthwhile to put your energy into.
Of course that would be different in the event the king would be forced after all to step down. But since myself I’m only able to see enormous chaos, and perhaps even more violence, during a long period if such a day would come, I hope HM King Gyanendra will be able to hold on to his throne for a long time still. And at least until there is a real ceasefire on all sides indeed, a majority of the Nepali Maoists have successfully been convinced to surrender, a general disarmament has taken place, a transformation of the often abusive culture within the RNA and the Police has been established, corruption and bureaucracy are discouraged more and more, Nepal no longer needs to spend fortunes on its military defense forces, its economy would be enabled to really start doing better, and its people in all corners of the country can move around at daytime or go to sleep at nighttime without fear, and without feeling hungry.
On a related note: rest assured that Anan and Martin are “dismayed” again. The idea of sending UN-forces in to help settle matters in Nepal peacefully, is being discussed more and more. If that will happen indeed in the near future I truly hope, so to speak, that they’ll give Dallaire the full command over the entire operation. And that they’ll make foreign governments shut up. And I hope we’ll all be around and alert to help such a UN Command Structure in any way we can where communications are concerned, in order to avoid a repeat of the kind of útter disgusting, “logistical” neglect and failure that took place in (mountainous) Rwanda. Not to mention some experiences in former Yugoslavia, and more examples that prove politicians should not be allowed to interfere with the work of a peaceforce.
Well ok, since you put in the time, anon, let's play your perception game.
1. It's petty and absurd to imply that the RNA is somehow worse because they killed 400 more people over the timeframe you listed. The RNA is fighting a war that the Maoists started, period. Your perception that the Maoists have had at least "six major attacks" is wishfull thinking. We all thought Thansen would be a biggie but the numbers of dead are turning out to be typical Maoist hit and run numbers (dead on both sides under 100) The maoists haven't conducted a large scale attack, head to head with the RNA since 2001 and Phaphlu. They lost and will probably never repeat the mistake. I will do this for you, however; if the maoists can sustain a Thansen-style offensive while moving towards Kathmandu as they promised then I'll concede the point. Only then.
2. Perception problem here. Ever stop to think that people aren't participating in the election because they are threatened and scared of retalliation? A bomb in your front door tends to do that to a person. Still, turnout should be a respectable 40%. Pretty good for a first effort and better than some countries that have been "democratic" for much longer.
3. Fair enough. All bureaucrats--either the King's or Girija's--only know one speed: "show me the money!" What we need is a sea change. ALL government officials see corruption as job number one. This is why a third path is so vital now. Also, your talk of cronyism in G's government is pure hypocrisy. When was the last time anyone but a Koirala held the reigns of the NC?
4. Agreed. G. was spinning a bit here. But, frankly, how important is it to have credibility in a world that has no idea about the workings of Nepal yet forms it's hypercritical opinions anyway?
5. Missed again. Did you ever stop to think that the security crack-down was designed so that people desiring to take part in the election process, work, or daily life for that matter, would feel secure? Or does "excercising democratic rights" only apply to Girija's street protests and the right to pre-election intimidation and violence?
6. G. stretched this one. But can we put our faith in the agenda-driven track record of HR administrators who, like Ian Martin, see ever-expanding definitions for human rights violations? "Lack of respect" for the Maoists ceasefire is a joke. It wasn't a ceasefire and Maoists were hiding behind it for leverage. We all know this, deal with it.
7. Misread. G. was saying that dependence on the rule of law to maintain order keeps Nepal from flourishing as a democracy. When you are always policing corruption and insuring security, progress is frozen.
8. Transparency international is using old data from the Deuba Girija years. How in the world can they determine any fluctuation in nepal's standing through this last transitional year? Your bias is showing.
9 and 10. Both of these points are obviously read as G. promising to either make a bad situation better or at least look into the matter. You would have G.'s promises for the future interpereted as him taking the blame for all of the mistakes of the past under Deuba and Girija?
Perhaps it's time for your "reality check:" most of your opinions here are based on assumptions that show you've badly missed the pointk or at the very least, mis-interpereted the point.
Anyway, thanks for the effort. We've all learned a bit about how opinions are formulated and how biases can fester into political dogma.
-=blogdai
So we want to start a new movement in the country. Good, let me add some suggestions. Warning: might sound utopian, strange or impossible, but well opinion is a opinion.
First maoists lay down all their arms. Two Royal Nepal Army gets dismantled (May not be so bad considering the fact that in the glorious history of Nepalese army, there is hardly anything they can claim to have done that has been beneficial for the country, may be except protect the kings or ruling class, which ironically they failed to do during the massacre in the palace. We don't even need army to protect from our neighbours, as we all know how much advanced China and India has become militarily and if they become hell bent in invading Nepal then no army will be able to protect us anyway).
So continuing with suggestion, after collecting weapons from both sides and destroying, exporting or shipping them back to where thay came from; we hold a big referendum in the country and let people choose what they want. Without Maoists' arms and the army's might, all three parties in Nepal- the king, the political parties and the Maoists will be in equal footing and people can express their choices without any fear.
As a footnote, we also make a law then that bars anyone who has held political positions in the past from doing so again.
-Sagar
I like the "wipe the slate clean idea" especially the last sentence, Sagar, where you forbid old politicians from running again; we've thrown that around on this blog before. We do need a non-aligned security force in the interim however. Porous or not, border integrity, at the very least, must be maintained.
Shiva, yes, yes, and again YES! The advocacy approach is brilliant. Information and fear of exposure is a great cleansing force. Plus, just the mention of "party" anything will be enough to turn off most Nepalis who are sick and tired of the ideas.
A systematic, unbiased, information campaign that concentrates on a fact-based assessment of Nepal's needs; while informing an electorate on the tennets, processes and, above all, responsibilities of citizens in a democracy is the way to go. Bravo!
-=blogdai
Let's be a NAG.
Nepal Advocacy Group, ha!
-=blogdai
(I swear, one inspired thought like Shiva's makes up for the mountains of deletable excrement we've been experiencing here; blogdai is renewed)
Sagar dismantling the army is not a good idea. Think along the lines of post-war Iraq when Americans thought they would be seen as liberators and welcomed with open arms. Everyone, including the Bush administration, now admits this was a fundamental mistake.
Not saying there'll be a fully fledged insurgency akin to that in Iraq if this happens but there are some problems that only an army can solve.
A blogging group is going to start a political movement in Nepal?
haha...that is the funniest thing i've head all day
Good one bideshi!
Ramesh
Brit thanks for the "mirror" defense but I took out that whole exchange--it's beneath all of us.
And why not Ramesh? If not us, then whom? Such a third path is acknowledged as necessary, why hasn't anyone but us bloggers come forward? Are you afraid? So are most people who start movements. Let me guess, its not easy enough for you and you see no personal profit in it, perhaps?
Democracy 101: It sometimes takes innovation and courage to move outside ones personal comfort zone and do something that could result in the greater public good.
Along those lines, blogdai hears today from Kathmandu that candidates are actively hitting the streets and campaigning for votes. (Blogdai hopes this does not turn into a "bribing" for votes scenario, ha!) These are people who are getting shot, bombed and intimidated and yet, here they are showing their faces to the people.
Such courage DEMANDS that us bloggers support them with our movement.
-=blogdai
Blogdai,
How can you be success when you all tourists? Nepali people will not listen you and you are just internet group. Nepal's problems are bigger than blogging group. This is why i laugh.
Ramesh
Ramesh - you are right, Nepal's problems are huge and we are small. But Marx was German, living in London and his influence became huge - even affecting current issues in Nepal! I am puzzled by the way Asian political parties pick up such 19th century European philosophy. It didn't work out then and there - why should it work now and with you?
Dammit! can any of you guys get onto Anil Adhikari's website?
This young 22 year old is running for mayor and has opened his website to solicit votes.
It is REAL democracy taking hold and I'd like to highlight it but every time i punch it in is says: "bandwidth exceeded"
help and suggestions please!
-=blogdai
What's his url?
It's aniladhikari.com.np
nepal news has a good story on this guy at http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/feb/feb04/news05.php
-=blogdai
I got on it. He does not say much but it is good sign if he is showing interest in politics and he is very brave.
Blogdai, Brit and other tourists -how you going to help Nepal from your blog?
What you going to do?
Ramesh
Ramesh - At the very least we can give moral support and encouragement. We may also have contacts in Nepal who can help.
I'm not sure what your view of 'tourists' is but I, for one, am not merely a 'sightseer' or trekker.
I dont understand you. Your encouragement is helpful but there are many tourists in Kathmandu trying to help but Nepali want to solve problem on own. You can not solve Nepali problem with foreigner political party.
Ramesh
Is Blogdai a Fraud?
Because:
-His postings are always in the early hours of the morning in Nepal (5-6am) or late at night (11pm-2am). He either has strange sleeping patterns or he is not blogging from Nepal. Note, the timing of the posts on Blogger.com are from Seatles time zone in the states.
-He claimed to have internet access in Nepal during the blackout yet not even the western embassey's had that privilege.
-He doesn't write like a Nepali (trust me, having taught English for 30 years in Nepal -i think i might have an idea of this)
If he is not writing from Nepal, how can he claim to have an expert knowledge of the ground situation in Nepal?
Is he a fraud?
Blogdai is certainly not resident in Nepal, he has made posts that suggest this many times. It is also clear most of Blogdai's so-called 'analysis' is based on press reports. He, like many of us, probably knows people in Nepal and has on occassion visited Nepal.
I've suspected long ago that Blogdai is American, American-born Nepali or a Nepali expatriate. He is certainly no Nepal resident nor an expert on Nepal, not from he has posted over the last year.
You will note that he is careful to avoid revealing his ethnicity which leads me to suspect he is not of Nepali ethnicity.
A fraud. Nah, I don't think so...
From the first day I saw this blog I realised he wasn't Nepali but it seems to me he's fairly well connected/equipped and got his heart set on doing the right thing.
And just exactly what fraudulent remarks has he made? Maybe you should go through all the archives...RTFM as they say.
I like the site of Anil Adhikari. Good idea. I'd vote for him.
Saw this a few weeks ago:
Religious leaders urge Norway to help restore peace in the country
I find it interesting because the religious groups actually lobbied the Norwegian Ambassador off their own back. Notice the word *democracy* does not appear once.
Perhaps our NAG can do something similar to try and get the EU at least to understand that the situation is not so simplistic and black and white. Or maybe the French?
Seems to me the King is only doing what he said he would do. And unlike others he doesn't protest too loudly. I actually think he's quite an honourable man but that is my humble opinion.
Digressing a bit. Does anyone remember that just before the King canned Deuba, the government was due to appoint the new Chairman of the Nepal Rastra Bank? The candidate having been approved by an independent approval commitee and various NGOs. Deuba for some reason demurred and put forward his man's name. Shortly after that he was in jail and good riddance.
naagboy
Ekdam Raamro, anon! Molai bolni Nepali ani mero Des topainko taha chainna? Ke garne? Blogdai ek kukur chito herchaa! Topaile Nepalma hoina, kegareko?
Problems are sticky when you come to the table with a pre-conceived notion of what will and will not work. I can tell you that I am not an Indian, but that Never seems to stop Nepalis from running to India for political advice, does it?
Show me an instance where Nepal's political structure either Party or Royal-based HAS been able to solve a national problem on its own.
Fraud lies in narrow mindedness. A wise government listens to the counsel of all interested parties. It is still up to Nepal to make its own judgement. Once you have foreigners trying to go beyond counsel to implementation, like the UN and its ridiculous admonishment to not use schools as polling places, then your sovereignty breaks down. You may want to ply your brand of Xenophobia on some other site if you don't see this.
Blogdai's ethnicity is of no concern. Blogdai's identity is of no concern. The fact that we allow people to post their opinions anonymously is of no concern. What matters is the STRENGTH OF IDEAS posted here.
Think you've got blogdai figured out do you? More astute readers know when and where I am in the world at any given time. We also posted photos and references to our communications abilities. Obviously you do not travel well among the diplomatic community or you would have known that three embassies in Kathmandu had unhindered satellite access to the outside world. And do you think our network is solely based on Nepal's communication links?
To answer another question, blogdai is not a politician and not an influence peddler; blogdai is a conduit. We start the ball rolling here. Just by sheer virtue of the fact that we have access to a few decision makers in Kathmandu can we say that ideas posted here will get a proper airing where they might do some good.
-=blogdesi
That's a lot of words to reply to an anonymous troublemaker! :)
I've seen you deal with negativism and "divide and rule"-tactics in much shorter reactions here before!
Who cares who Blogdai is or where he is, or not? As far as I'm concerned, he could be the Man in the Moon yet with miraculous access to this blog nevertheless. What counts, are the ideas and attempts to make positive contributions. And naturally it's up to people in Nepal to see how and what they can use of ideas supplied by others, to help improve things.
ok so ive deduced who blogdai is..took me from feb to october last year to narrow down and figure it out.. and in the end it was quite easy to figure out someone who had access to all areas of kathmandu..from journalistic to social to diplomatic to political to royal ...but then what does one gain from pointing out a persons name..its his blog and he's is passionate about Nepal and thats what counts. if it needles you go start your own blog..!
http://www.nepalnews.com/archive/2006/feb/feb07/news16.php
http://www.kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=64876
No worries for the rest of today; Prachanda says his "party" is now prepared to talk with the government, led by HM King Gyanendra.
Someone should keep proper archives for that man, and show them to him every other week or so. So he can at least see what he said in the past. Could his be a genuine case of "early Alzheimer" perhaps? His loss of memory every time again.
No wonder nobody cares anymore about what he "promised" others in the past.
What's the deal with all the human rights organisations? Seems a lot of overlap in what they're doing and some notables within are founding members of each other, for example HURON and my personal favourite - HURPES.
naagboy
HURPES not as simplex as you might think. (couldn't resist)
The entire HR community frequently exchanges personnel and sources. They coordinate where the next human rights "catastrophy" will occur so that the world will see them speaking with one voice. I sometimes think their motto is: "Create outrage whether one exists or not."
Nepal gets more that its fair share these days because one of the biggies: HUman Rights Watched is chairmaned by non other that our old favorite ex-U.S. ambassador to nepal, Michael Malinkowski.
-=blogdai
Look Blogdai, the Maoists this listened to your call! They attacked and rampaged Dhankuta, the eastern regional headquarters.
Oh, I know your job is to translate Gyane Army's statement. You would post that 10,000 Maoists attacked the regional headquarters. I know you also would say that the criminals popularly known as Gyane's servents repealed the attack as if the job of the army is to protect their barrack!
Yeah, it would be nice if the RNA could get an adequate amount of ammunition so the troops can defend their positions.
naagboy
Oh and thanks for the feedback on the human rights organisations. Some of them are affiliated with Amnesty International.
Seems a bit dodgy to me to be sitting on the board of different human rights organisations at the same time. Seems to me that one could get accused of all kinds of things with regard to funding, agenda, conflict of interest etc.
I assumed HURON and HURPES were independent of each other. I guess this is not the case.
naagboy
Sorry but looking at your earlier post, you are incorrect about the number of embassey's that had communications during the blackout. Japan, China, UK, Denmark, and the USA all have had access.
I think the earlier posts are right. You are a fraud and you don't have the connections you pretend to have. Maybe you are operating out of Nepal on ocassions but no more than as a tourist or an ex pat.
As someone else earlier pointed out almost all your posts are comments on what has been published. Any idiot can get photos on Nepal and peddle them as their own.
At least be honest about it instead of talking that crap about 'diplomatic connections' 'we talked to manisha' (like hell you did) or 'in a meeting with Madhev Nepal' -its all bull crap.
And funnily enough your nationality IS IMPORTANT especially if you want to start some kind of political movement in Nepal. Nepali citizens (especially the elite) will just laugh at you like they laugh at all the others 'tourists' who hand out fliers for peace in Kathmandu. They think 'it is well intentioned but they can't do anything'.
I suppose you are going to delete this message as xenophobic rants -only i am like you and I am also American. I see that you can not take criticism but waffle on about 'ethnicity' and allowing 'anonymous' posters.
Blog desi? HAHAHAHA!
Don't even try to pretend.
Unbelievable.
People can talk with such certainty about subjective, unimportant things that are, at best, observations.
Blogdai will neither justify nor acknowledge poor research. Banging my head against the wall to prove things to you would give you more attention than you deserve and only justify your knee-jerk cynicism.
Would it be too much to ask that you simply read past postings on this blog? Can you reproduce some of the photos here before you call them unoriginal, or are you just a sour negativist?
You opinions are thick, yet your experiences are few. I leave them in to show others the type of vapidity we deal with on a daily basis here.
-=blogdai
Blog dude, you show more patience than you should! Don't you know people will ridicule you for anything you say, good or bad. I like the fresh ideas and hate the bacwards stuff. Delete these people.
Ha, I was wrong on the embassies: more than I thought, but you left out Australia.
But wait, wasn't it "impossible" according to our intrepid anon, to get ANY communication out during that time?
My how we reinvent our arguments once we are proven wrong.
-=blogdai
blogdesi was a lost leader that you fell for, hook, line and sinker. RYLOP
-=blogdai
My guess is it's simple: many other blogs and/or webforums about politics in Nepal have been hacked lately, and some didn't return back online yet. So you're getting a couple more visitors who are bored, and used to ranting and screaming and making vicious accusations just to create doubts and mistrust. They do it all the time in other blogs.
That's probably all, so relax please.
It's just the way some people think they should communicate in a "democracy". It's much like a pissing contest, the only difference being that some of those guys here aren't 6 or 7 years old anymore. Goes to show how lots of countries need to work on their education and schooling, and not just Nepal.
Btw papers are full of reports that say the national bandh is over as of Thursday, called off by the Maoists... I hope they'll compensate the relatives of that poor taxidriver in Lalitpur at once, and generously. And also the families of everyone else who lost his or her life due to another one of those malicious bandhs.
I saw Prachanda being described as a "cameleon" in one of the recent newsarticles; myself I think he suffers from Dementia Praecox. But in any case: not the kind of man people should ever trust with their future.
yes, we used to put out little PR messages to the other Nepal sites and chat rooms. It's usually followed by an immediate, but short-lived, wave of the sort of vitriol we are seeing here.
There is one thing Prachanda fears worse than losing a battle; it's losing momentum and that is precisely what is happening now. Prachanda sees that, successful or not, the polls and elections are stealing his thunder. Witness his offer to talk to the King on the eve of elections.
If it were'nt for the international media and HR groups fawning over his every utterance, the maoists would have lost momentum long ago.
-=blogdai
The opposite is also true. If foreigners had not given the army those fancy helicopters ("nigt vision" or whatever name), the RNA would have become history by now! Recall Dhankuta and Palpa (of course all Maoist rampages in district headquarters), Gyane's army is only good at protecting its own barracks and terrorizing, raping and murdering civilians! Next day, the criminals issue funny statements which you translate faiffully. Examples abound: "foreigners' infiltration," "Maosts used long range weapons" "human shield" "4000 or so numbers of the Maoists" "Indian non-functional weapons" "unarmed police or army" and the list goes on...
Wait and see. The next logical step the Europeans are likely to take is that they would dissociate from Gyane and Paras altogether. Prachanda needs a bit homework (and of course, sincerity). Why millions of Nepalis should suffer for Gyane and Paras's throne? Why???
Well, no. The helicopters have seen only limited success at best. Yes, they do intimidate but one single type of weapon cannot turn the course, either way, of a guerilla war.
Oh, for sanity's sake, the EU and the rest of the world do not care a hoot about G. or Paras. who tells you this crap?
Here's what the world will do: NOTHING!
Nepal has no strategic value to the west, no economic value, and is surrounded by superpowers who would take a dim view of intervention.
Nepal is worthless to the world, and in that light, the world uses Nepal as its ideological whipping-boy. Where's the EU's outrage at Myanmar? China's human rights record makes the Maoists look like mother Theresa,so where's the sanctions against china? Pick a country.
It is all blind rhetoric and the best thing for G. to do is ride out the storm. the UN can't seem to make up its mind on Iran's blatantly hostile talk and actions, so what makes you think anyone will act in Nepal?
Blind rhetoric informed by a lazy media, period.
-=blogdai
BD, thanks for deleting that last comment.
My head is getting as numb as the wankers posting some of the nonsense here.
Roger
What is this? Are Blogdai and Roger the same person? Please clearify.
1. On the accusations that blogdai is a "tourist" and therefore, according to the anons, he is a fraud--does it matter if he's an alien? Come on people, here we are all connected in one forum, whether we are in Seattle or Kathmandu or for that matter Mars. It's a platform to share ideas and grow. Let's make use of that. I think others have made it clear that sharing ideas between nations is done by all. I personally believe that we should stop identifying ourselves on the basis of color or caste or nationality or heritage or religion etc. We are all PEOPLE. If we could all believe in this simple fact, we could rid so many of the world's wars. Just to identify oneself as a HUMAN BEING. NOTHING ELSE. Can we do that?
2. It's sad that we should have arguments on who or how many embassies had internet access in Nepal during the blackout. Those with their own satellite uplinks were all connected.
3. Anon 6:40 pm and others in the same shoes, since you hate Gyane so much and want us to believe that the whole world hates him just as much, please let us in on your strategy to deal with this shit that we are in now. I take it from your previous blog that you acknowledge that Prachanda could be more sincere, so I am deducing that you are not brainwashed by the CPNM propoganda. So if it's not that, and it's certainly not G's strategy then what? Please explain would you? Because I am sick of listening to Madhav and Girija demanding the restoration of the House but no strategy thereafter. I am not a blind advocate of King G, nor of absolute monarchy, but I back him because he has given us a roadmap and has been sincere on his strategy so far. That is more than we have gotten from Madhav or Girija or Prachanda or Baburam. If you see something better than please share it with us. That is why such a forum exists, so that we may share our ideas and grow. Let's stop the stupid bickerings and put forth ideas shall we?
Blogdai has a new posting so perhaps we should continue under that one from here on.
This is total farce....Blogdai thanking himself like Gyane's self-congratulating!!!
Blogdai, common on, why do you think that Nepal has a "strategic value" (or not an economic one?
This is pathetic ignorance to delete meaningful comments rather than confront. It is the RNA's way: murder or rape (or delete postings)!
Dear Anon (9.52pm)
Well done for trying to explain your feelings in English. It is clear that you are feeling very angry. However it is also clear that you have not really understood the writing on this blog. I think you should put your great energy into studying more English so you can both address actual issues and express yourself in a way that makes sense.
I must admit I am humbled by the way so many Nepalis can use English when I can manage only a very few words in Nepali.
Dear Brit,
Wait for a while. Gyane (hopefully you understand this Nepali word) is likely expand his empire to the Western world. You people will be colonized very soon! Note that our Gyane has already declared himself a World Hindu Emperor. Then, you will be able to master the Nepali language.
However I am impressed by your intellegence. Was not that the precise reason why you people colonized the world? Even if you suggest that I improve my English, you are reacting to my "angry feeling." I again want you people to colanize the world so that people would learn English quickly. Namaste.
In the meantime, I don't think that I am taking a English language test here.
No, but I've given Roger the keys to the kingdom to post full stories at will. I'll edit of course, but he has yet to take me up on the offer. roger is from the U.K. He's just come up under my moniker this time instead of his usual anonymous.
Now, Naag, I've tried to get you on board as a contributor as well with your lucid commentary, but to no avail.
-=blogdai
Can we not read where it says that I feel Nepal has NO strategic and NO economic value?
Brit is right. A little increase in comprehension would have cleared away the static.
Perhaps this is a microcosm for how Nepali politicians go through their day. Purposefully misinterperet statements in order to fit them into their own narrow viewpoints.
-=blogdai
No, but I've given Roger the keys to the kingdom to post full stories at will. I'll edit of course, but he has yet to take me up on the offer. roger is from the U.K. He's just come up under my moniker this time instead of his usual anonymous.
This is complete rubbish. You have been caught out and are now making excuses.
Roger
Yes, fine, believe what you will.
Roger lives in Kent and would be happy to give you an e-mail, you twit.
Now move on or take your conspiracy theories elsewhere.
-=roger,er,blogdai
Yes, it's our anonymous friend who likes to start posts with quotes in italics. He now seems to have returned in the avatar of a troll.
I guess the number of postings has caught his eye and he wants to come out to play...
BD now that I am nearly out of double secret probation I may be able to contribute a bit more. Meanwhile I'll try and post when I have a moment.
naagboy
Still trying to get you and Shiva on as commentators.
I am embarrassed that I cannot get the blogspot invitation function to work but will keep trying.
Up until now my Luddite's grasp of the mechanisms of blogspot.com have reduced me to just giving out my password to those who want to contribute. Hence our Roger problem.
Am working on "non-admin" invitations now. We would like this blog to be a clearing-house for all the better-thinkers in the Nepal diaspora.
-=blogdai
Blogdai, while logged in try clicking this link and then press the 'Add Team Member(s)' button.
That should get you to the right screen and allow you to enter the email addresses of of Naagboy and Shiva.
thanks anon.
shiva and Naagboy have yet to respond but I've tried this with roger and am having no luck.
he has a yahoo UK address and his invite is not coming up on his inbox.
I may have himn try signing up for a nepalimail account to see if that fixes the problem.
Suggestions?
-=blogdai
Roger should check his spam box.
You should delete any pending invites before trying again.
C'mon, we are too late to make any ryhme or a reason. Maoist led movement is way in deep for us to act sane and act proper in integrating a true democracy. Time is now to fight for democracy with full options i.e., U.S. stance on Iran.
I see days getting brutal,coercive, and regressive under SPAM misrule. There is no one or a party can run this thing, all hoopla about Peace and Freedom is being sold down the river- false aspirations of few psuedo intellectuals a.k.a Sunder Mani Dixit(s) & sense of being champion of civil liberties ( dollar laden Mr. Pahadi,Pyakurel, Shambhu Thapa) will soon hit the wall for they do not know- the meaning of Dignity of being a true Nepali. And, soon Maoist with zip up their loose tongues and make them their propoganda tool, which I beleive they already are.
These sons of dollars- will ruin it for all of us. So lets fight, stone with stone,inform where we can contribute, in any capacity, expect extra mile.
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