"Greetings from the High Himalayas!!" harirasik's Profile

As a life time student, Writer, Journalist, Sociologist & Anthropologist, Yuoth and Human Right s Activist........these pages are written from my own personal experiences whilst traveling in that particular city/ country.

I like to write down all the little things that catches my fancy and attention while I'm on .....anywhere, doing anything.

You are most welcome in my little world here.

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The House of Representatives (HoR) on May 18 unanimously passed a historic declaration announcing itself as the sovereign body of the nation, substituting ‘His Majesty’s Government’ with ‘Nepal Government’ and declaring the country a secular state.

Key declarations of the House Proclamation
• The name His Majesty's Government of Nepal changed to Nepal Government
• Nepal becomes a secular state
• National anthem to be changed
• Name of Royal Nepalese Army changed to Nepal Army
• The post of Supreme-Commander-in-Chief of the army held by the king and the constitutional provision regarding the mobilisation of the army scrapped
• Army and all other security limbs of the state brought under the direct control of the HoR
• Council of Ministers to appoint the Chief of Army Staff
• Rajparishad scrapped, its duties and responsibilities will be exercised by the HoR
• Parliament to formulate, amend, and annul the laws deciding the heir to the throne
• All executive rights of the state vested only in the Council of Ministers
• Prime Minister will summon the House session and Speaker will adjourn the session on PM's recommendation
• Parliament to decide Royal Palace expenditures and other facilities
• Private property and income of the king to be taxed as per the existing laws
• Questions can be raised in parliament and in a court of law against the king's unconstitutional and illegal actions
• The Royal Household Service scrapped, civil servants to replace Royal Household Service employees
• The Council of Ministers to decide the security arrangement of the Royal Palace
• The provisions of the Constitution of Nepal 1990 and other laws which contravene the House Proclamation will be null and void to the extent of contravention

King Gyanendra of Nepal

EXACTLY a year ago, King Gyanendra had made big news by declaring his controversial son Paras as heir to Throne of the Himalayan Kingdom (five months after the bloody massacre of the royal family June 1st 2001), when newsrooms in Nepal remain closed for Dashain celebrations. The King had earlier said that he would not rush to announce heir to the throne but would do so at an appropriate time. For the King, Danshain, a celebration of good over evil, seems to be that appropriate time. A perfect gift any father would give his son.

Now that Paras has been active in the public spheres, and his personal history may look for many as irrelevant or secondary and seems to be superseded by his symbolic stature. Aside from this, the fleeting nature of Nepali public opinion, the revered status of Hindu monarchy, the legitimacy of the tradition of patriarchal succession, strong allegiance to constitutional monarchy from political parties of all shades and colors, except for the ambivalent Maoists, and the external political developments are all in favour of Prince Paras.

King Gyanendra made big news the same time this year sacking the elected government and forming Government of pro-Palacers. The political parties have made hullabaloos after the Monarch sacked the Deuba led government a couple of weeks back. They argue that the move of the King was anti-democratic and unconstitutional and they will protest to safeguard the achievements of 1990 movement.

The Maoists have received more nuanced coverage for some time now than many other important, regular headlines. Other problems such as the Bhutanese Refugees, the never subsiding Nepal-India tensions, or water issues have been followed up regularly, and sometimes thoroughly. The structural dynamics of and interactions between political and democratic institutions have been gravely neglected. Every day, people are moving from the hills into Kathmandu, into district capitals, little towns, or across the border to India. Villagers have abandoned the once peaceful hillsides where they were born and raised, and where they had dreamt of dying one day. They are fleeing to save their children from being recruited by the Maoists, or being taken as human shields.

It is high time for the politicians of Nepal to control their greed for power and money. It is time to work with commitment that democracy is for all, not only to politically powerful and elites of the country. It is never too late to realize the mistake and restructure their ways of working to explore avenues for national well-being.

The Rolpa bloodshed and bomb blast in the Capital Kathmandu has brought home to thousands of civilians, not just in Nepal, but Nepalis living abroad, friends of Nepal in foreign countries, that there can be no real winners in conflict and war. It is worth remembering that conflicts can go on for years. More importantly, over the past twenty-five years, the world has not witnessed prolonged major wars, where one country attacks another. But the world community has faced prolonged internal conflicts. For example, the conflict in Afghanistan lasted over 22 years, in Sudan the internal conflict is over 17 years old, in Somalia over 10 years, and Sri Lanka, is negotiating peace after over 16 years of internal conflict. Is Nepal, once lobbying to be declared a 'Zone of Peace' going to suffer the same fate? We do not have to, if we think peace and ensure development. We must all keep in mind that while past battles were fought between standing armies and affected about 5 percent civilian casualties; in today's internal conflicts 90 percent of those who suffer are civilians.

Diplomats from the United States of America and European Union countries have stepped up their move to get political parties around a united move against the Maoists with a clear message that a confrontation with the constitutional monarch at the moment would be detrimental to the cause.

Maoists ralley in Rolpa

Although Maoist operations over the last few weeks of the Dashain and Tihar (Dipawali), two of the greatest festival of Nepali Hindus has been relatively low key, there are an increasing number of indications that the Maoists are gearing up to resume their offensive against the government. Additionally, there have been a number of bomb related incidents in Kathmandu Valley and near by town of Banepa which support intelligence assessments that the Maoists may be preparing to hit and destroy the Royal possessions.

The Maoists Wednesday (Nov.13) warned that their bloody violence is to continue until conducive environment to end the current political impasse is reached. Issuing a press statement at the end of the three-day nationwide shutdown, top Maoist leaders duo, Pushpa Kamal Dahal alias Prachanda and Dr Baburam Bhattarai has slammed political leaders -- accusing them of “giving in against the will of the people?Eand further said, "The success of our protest programme proves...that the masses have approved our minimum proposal to find a positive political exit and resolve the present civil war through round table conference, interim government and election for the constituent assembly."

The Maoist’s statement comes at a time when the government has stated that it is keeping its doors open for peace talks to end seven years of bloody insurgency that has claimed more than seven thousand lives and brought national development to the brink of disaster. Notably, the insurgents, issuing a statement on the eve of the Nepal bandh Sunday (10th Nov), stated the bandh was to protest the royal move of October 4.

The assumption of executive power by the King on October 4, seems to have brought the country nearer to out of the frying pan into fire syndrome. With each passing day the political problems of the country appear more entangled and complicated. The political parties appear to be slowly regaining their sense from the trauma of the royal takeover. They are trying to settle their feet on solid political reality after coming down from the ethereal domain of idealism. The initial reaction they have registered against the royal step indicates that there is little chance of conciliation between the palace and the multiparty camp in the foreseeable future. It has become unmistakably clear that the royal decision has widened the arena of conflict instead of gaining new initiatives to isolate the forces of violence and build the broadest united front against terror.

With King's the political debate has taken another turn. Most political forces now seem to be converging from amendment of constitution towards restoration of parliament and convening of the constituent assembly while the newly formed government of Lokendra Bahadur Chand sinks deeper in political isolation, constrained with the lack of people's mandate the absence of its own power base to mobilize strength and collective will to solve the problem. It has already turned into a lame duck government incapable of performance. It is running from pillar to post for alliance but to no avail. It seems only a matter of course for it to collapse because all the sources of its sustenance have dried out and it cannot move even a single step without leaning on the palace.

The Chand Government does not carry the mandate to talk with the Maoists though it is vaunting much about its ability to find a way to solve the problem. The Maoists are not expected to come to table for the sake of it only. The seriousness with which they have put forward their demand and the tenacity with which they have fought shows that they mean business. They need to be given something concrete to lure them out of the jungle. Past experience shows that the Maoists are not likely to be euphoric over trivial concessions like ceasefire, general amnesty or minor social reforms. Anything this government has to offer them must ensure their progress towards the center stage of power.

Ekta, Upendra, Bindu and Himal

Urgent Appeal on Behalf of The Children- Please Help

Well Friends,

At present I am supporting/sponsering five poor children in Nepal, three of them ( their age 9-17) have to walk about 4 hours up and down the muddy hills and forests. As they grew up and upgraded to higher classes?E The expenses has also risen and I am having terribly hard time to support them. They are also equally disturbed by the ongoing Maoist - Gurrlia-Insurgency in their hilly village.

Sponsorship, Funds, Materials and Shipping

I would like to thank the many individuals and organisations who have helped finance the projects to date. Here are some of the ways in which we have helped in the past and in which we would like to continue to assist the children of Nepal. This scheme will be administered by myself and some of my friends.

· With sponsorship for poor children to attend government schools in outlying villages at $ 200 per child per year to provide clothing, registration and examination fees, books and stationery.

· With sponsorship of very poor children to attend a private school in Kathmandu, Pokhara or any other city at the rate of about $ 1000 per child per year to provide clothing, registration and examination fees, books and stationery.

· With the provision of toilets and the funding of repair work for schools and the supply of school and medical equipment. With the aid of many people like you , we would like to ask for your effort to ship books & stationery. Two of my Japanese friends iniciated this scheme. This was the largest effort, but much more has been done and we would like this effort to be continued.

Urgent Appeal on Behalf of The Children- Please Help

I am making an appeal on behalf of Children.My Mission has given minimal financial assistance for basic needs regarding the Education of these children but hope that other donors will come forward. I have only a small Charity, and my funds are insufficient to give further help. Can you give any assistance to The Childrent? Without help the children will have to leave teir school!

For further information or to offer financial assistance, please contact me at : kafka4u@hotmail.com

Human rights activists in Nepal have called for efforts to help thousands of children affected by the continuing cycle of violence between Maoist rebels and government forces.
As the world observes Universal Children's Day, activists say that many children in the country face an uncertain future.

The rebels want a communist republic
More than a 100 children are reported to have been killed and thousands of others have been orphaned and displaced.
Children from poor families in the remote hills have been worst affected.
It is in such regions that Maoist violence and the security operation to crush the rebels have been most intense.
Children have died at the hands of both the rebels and the security forces - while some have been caught in the crossfire.
More than 7,000 people have been killed since Maoists began an insurgency seven years ago to establish a communist state in Nepal.
On the frontline
The violence has orphaned 1,500 children while 3,000 have been displaced after their parents fled to relatively safer towns.
Maoist rebels have been blamed for using children in the battle front.
An international child rights group, the Coalition to Stop the Use of Child Soldiers, says that children normally begin working as porters and messengers, and then often end up on the frontline.
Security forces have also been accused of victimising innocent children on suspicion of collaborating with the rebels.
The rights activists have urged an end to the violence as a long-term solution to the problem.
But they say the immediate need is to make arrangements for food, shelter and education for the affected children.

Nepal is a Himalayan Kingdom that sits at the roof of the world, stretching 500 miles from east to west and 150 miles from north to south. Within these borders can be found 8 of the world's 10 highest mountains and undoubtedly the world's best trekking areas. Closed to foreigners until 1949, Nepal has long been the ultimate destination for mountaineers and trekkers from all over the world. In addition, Nepal is a land of great diversity - it's culture, religions, geography and wildlife fascinate and challenge the imagination.For many a visit to Nepal is the fulfilment of a lifetime's goal, providing an opportunity to gaze upon the highest mountains in the world and experience the unique culture of the Nepali people. We recognise that Nepal can provide an infinite variety of different experiences which can cater for all levels of experience and ambition, and hence within this website we have tried to give a taste of the types of treks and climbs that can be achieved. They vary from short, relatively easy treks to longer, more strenuous treks and climbs. Three different categories of trek are shown within this site.

Firstly we have detailed the Classic treks in the popular Everest and Annapurna regions. These treks are ideal for those visiting Nepal for the first time and wishing to experience the high mountain areas without necessarily requiring a wilderness experience.

Secondly we describe a selection of 'trekking peaks'. To stand on top of a Himalayan peak, and feel the sense of achievement of having scaled a mountain much bigger than anything in the Alps is the 'ultimate dream' for many trekkers, and indeed climbers. In 1978 the Nepal Mountaineering Association designated a number of peaks throughout Nepal as 'trekking peaks', which could be attempted with a minimum of bureaucracy or formality, and this has allowed the 'dream' of a Himalayan ascent to be realised for many people. A more appropriate title, however, would be non-expedition peaks as none can be 'trekked up', and some present serious mountaineering challenges. We detail two of the most popular of these peaks - the highest, Mera Peak, and one of the most stunning, Island Peak. These trips are ideal for those wishing to combine a trek with an ascent of an accessible Himalayan summit.

Pokhara

Before 1960s, the kingdom of Nepal was almost unknown to the world. Nepal, which occupies very small area (147,181 sq. km.) in the world map, was not able to attract tourists. But after the overthrow of the Ranas, Nepal actively participated in various conferences, summit meetings and seminars held time and again in many countries of the world. Nepal also joined UNO and extended diplomatic relations with 113 countries of the world. Nepal is one of the prominent members of ‘SAARC’ and is its current chairperson. Diplomatic and friendly relations with these countries brought Nepal into the lime light and consequently a large number of people were attracted to Nepal, the only Hindu Kingdom of the world.

Tourism in Nepal has great importance in the building of national economy. It is an important source of foreign exchange. The gross foreign exchange earning from tourism in the year 1995 accounted for 116784 thousand US$ whereas it was 116644 thousand US$ in 1996, 115904 thousand US$ in 1997 and 152500 thousand US$ in 1998. Similarly it was 168100 thousand US$ in 1999 and 166847 thousand US$ in the year 2000 (Source Nepal Tourism Statistics, Ministry of culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation). These figures show the rising trend of gross foreign exchange earning up to the year 1999, but from the year 2000 the trend started to decline. This is mainly due to decline in annual tourist arrivals in the country. The total number of tourist arrivals in 1995 was 363395. Similarly in the year 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000, the total number of tourist arrivals was 393613, 421857, 463684, 491504 and 463646 respectively. The percentage of tourists who arrived in Nepal by air was 89 percent and those who arrived by land was 11 percent. Tourism helps employment generation and develops handicraft industries and widens the extent of the market. It also brings about changes in the lifestyle of people through mutual exchange of views. It helps increase the level of income in general and develops people’s awareness. Transportation and communication also improve through the tourism industry. Thus tourism is of vital importance in the national economy.

Tourists visit Nepal chiefly to enjoy holidays and for trekking, which attracts a large number of visitors. Besides, there are other purposes such as mountaineering, business, official, pilgrimage, convention/conference and other works for which tourists visit Nepal. The total number of tourist arrivals in Nepal declined in the year 2000 in comparison to 1999. Though the figures for tourist arrivals for the year 2001 and the current year 2002 are not available, there is possibility of further decline in comparison to previous years.
The most important reason for the declining trend is obviously the current situation of absence of peace and security in the country, which has created disturbances and damaged basic and essential infrastructures required for development of tourism industry. Besides, there are other vital problems such as lack of means of transportation and communication, lack of development of sites for tourism and tourism centres, lack of adequate number of tourist guides and insufficient publicity measures, lack of trekking facilities along with non availability of standard goods for guests. Several attempts have been made to develop tourism in the country. Quite recently, China put Nepal on the list of outbound destinations and Chinese tourists are also interested to visit Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board and other organisations associated with tourism have also started package programmes to attract tourists from all over the world. These efforts will be successful provided peace and security are well maintained in the country. The warm welcome, cordial reception and hospitality and homely atmosphere will be other factors attracting large numbers of tourists to Nepal.

The tourism industry, which has been on a continuous downturn spiral for quite some time now, has not shown any sign of recovery despite the announcement of some policies and programmes to revitalise this sector. Things are getting worse especially due to the seven-year long insurgency that intensified last year. After Maoist rebels unilaterally broke a four-month old truce and negotiations, they intensified violent activities across the country and the government in turn imposed emergency and mobilised the army. This state of affairs has indeed proved a bane to the tourism sector even as the entire country reels under the ongoing conflict.
Unrestrained attacks on life, property and physical infrastructures have led to serious decline in tourist arrivals. According to a report, the number of American tourists plunged by 33 percent from August last year, while those from Britain and Germany decreased by 38 percent and 18 percent, respectively. Because of the worsening security situation and reports of extortions from foreigners by the rebels, the sense of insecurity has further deepened among visitors. Even though the attacks were principally directed at the government and its installations, the murder of two security personnel working at the American Embassy in Kathmandu has made foreigners exercise greater caution about visiting Nepal and particularly, travelling out of the valley. The United States is currently advising its citizens to exercise caution when visiting Nepal. It urges US nationals planning to go outside Kathmandu valley to check security conditions with the embassy before travelling.
Apparently, indiscriminate attacks on life and property have blurred the political stand of Maoist leaders and diverted the entire movement. Such attacks are unfortunate also because Maoist leaders had reiterated that their attacks would not be targeted at innocent citizens and tourists. These will obviously have serious implications on the country’s image as a tourist destination.
All these untoward incidents have led to the closure of several hotels and lodges while some big hotels constructed with huge investments have shown very low occupancy rates. So a large number of people working in the hospitality sector are now jobless . This projects a bleak future for the tourism industry especially in the absence of remedial measures, which will again prove ineffective if the problems affecting the country remain unresolved.
In addition to insurgency and general global travel downturn, inadequate government attention has contributed to the continued downturn of this industry. This is apparent in the words of a minister who does not have time to study the problems pertaining to sectors related to his ministry because he admits “I have been fully occupied with welcome speeches and felicitation programmes since my appointment to the post.” When statements like these are thrown up by responsible persons such as ministers, it is but natural for people to be sceptical about the government’s efficiency. The government had better gear up. It needs to take the private sector into confidence to overcome the national trade deficit through the development of tourism business. This is true in view of the many problems related to attainment of sustainable development of tourism industry. In addition to the resolution of political problems that have been taking a heavy toll on this industry, there is need for consolidated efforts from both the government and private sector to inject life into the stagnant tourism industry. For this, it is essential in the first place to convince visitors that peace once again prevails in the country and the security situation has improved. However, tourists will have to see it to believe. So, the imperative of peacefully resolving the present problems has become even greater not only from the point of view of bolstering the tourism sector but all sectors of the economy.