Reports say expatriate Nepalis and friends of Nepal organized demonstrations in various cities around the world calling for restoration of peace and democracy in Nepal.

In Hong Kong, hundreds of people from various walks of life gathered at Kowloon Park gate on Wednesday (Feb. 1) and marched towards the Royal Nepalese consulate in Hong Kong. They carried placards, banners and posters denouncing what they called “autocratic regime” in Nepal and chanted slogans calling for restoration of democracy and human rights in Nepal.

At the premises of Nepal Consulate, leaders from various organisations in Hong Kong including Asian Migrant Coordinating body, Asia Pacific Mission for Migrants, Coalition for Migrant Right, and local student leaders expressed their solidarity towards the on-going people’s democratic movement in Nepal.

Addressing the rally, Li Chock Yuen — a veteran leader of Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Union and member of Legislative Council of Hong Kong– said that all people across the world should be united to fight for democracy and human rights. Mr. Bruce Van Vhooris from Asian Human Rights Commission and Apo Leung from Asian Monitor and Research Centre said Nepali people were not alone in their fight for peace and democracy.

The rally was organized jointly by Far East Overseas Nepalese Association (FEONA Hong Kong), Asian Student Association (ASA) and Hong Kong Support Group for people’s movement in Nepal.

In Sydney, hundreds of people took part in a rally and demonstration at Wynyard Park on Wednesday calling for restoration of peace, human rights and democracy in Nepal. The rally was organized by Nepalese Forum for Human Rights and People’s Democracy (NEHURIPD), Australia.

Addressing the rally, president of the Forum Ramesh Pandey and member Dhruba Subedi said expat Nepalis and friends of Nepal stood together in Nepali people’s fight for democracy.

In Brussels, members of Nepali diaspora and European civil society groups took part in a demonstration in front of the European Union headquarters calling for restoration of peace, democracy and human rights in Nepal. At the end of the demo, a declaration was read aloud and handed over to James Moran, acting director for Asia, European Commission.

Earlier in the day, a high-level panel discussion was held in Brussels involving senior EU officials on the Nepal situation. Presenting a report on behalf of Nepali civil society, president of NGO Federation of Nepal, Dr. Arjun Karki, called upon the international community including the EU to extend their support and cooperation for the cause of restoration of democracy and human rights in Nepal.

Rights groups, Forum-Asia and Asian Centre for Human Rights also presented their joint report on Nepal during the programme.

These and other demons in various cities coincided with the completion of the first year of the direct rule of King Gyanendra in Nepal.

Similarly, Nepalis based in the UK organized a demonstration in front of the Royal Nepalese embassy in London Wednesday calling for restoration of peace and democracy in Nepal.

Half a dozen human rights activists, currently in detention in Lalitpur, have refused to accept 90-day detention order issued by the local authorities.

According to sources, rights activists including president of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON) Charan Prasai, were asked to sign on detention orders issued by Kathmandu CDO Sushil Ghimire Thursday afternoon.

The order said they were detained for engaging in activities aimed at disturbing peace and security as well as sovereignty and integrity of the nation, among others.

Rights activists vehemently opposed to such allegations and said they would not sign on such detention orders as they had not taken part in any such activities at the first place, sources said.

Rights activists are being kept at Women’s Training Center (WTC), a civilian facility, at Jawalakhel. Rights groups have alleged that the royal government is violating law of the land by detaining people in civilian facilities.

Hundreds of pro-democracy activists, journalists and rights activists were arrested on Wednesday from Kathmandu and other parts of the country for protesting against the year-old royal takeover. Most of the journalists were later released.

Meanwhile, police have arrested noted rights activist and lawyer Gopal Shivakaoti “Chintan” from New Baneswore, Kathmandu Thursday afternoon.

He is also being kept at the WTC in Jawalakhel, according to reports.

Mahendra Police Club (MPC) routed Sankata Club (SC) 4-1 and Gyanendra Armed Police Force Team (APF) played to a goalless draw against spirited New Road Team (NRT) at Dashrath Stadium while Boys Union Club (BUC) beat Brigade Boys Club (BBC) 2-0 and Machhindra Football Club (MFC) beat Mahabir Club (MC) at Halchowk Stadium in the ANFA Martyrs’ San Miguel A Division League Football Tournament today.

In-form striker Jumanu Rai scored a hat trick to lead MPC to victory. The rout began with Arjun Rijal, a U-19 player, putting MPC ahead in the 13th minute. Goals by Rai in the 29th, 39th and 90+1 minute completed the rout of Sankata. Raj Kumar Ghising scored a face saving goal for SC. MPC has 55 points and is in second position.

At the other match at Dashrath Stadium, Armed Police Force played out to a goalless draw against a spirited NRT team to remain in 5th position.

Elsewhere at Halchowk Stadium, Hari Thakuri drew first blood for BUC in the 22nd minute. Nigerian import Mark B Afam doubled the tally later to beat BBC 2-0.

In the other match at the stadium, MFC beat MC 1-0 through Gudiya Rai. He struck the fastest goal so far in the league in just 23rd seconds to provide the Red Lions a great roar. MFC is now at third from bottom and leapfrogged Mahabir Club with better goal difference.

Maoist rebels simultaneously attacked the army barracks, police post and district administration office in Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa on Tuesday night.

Both sides exchanged fire till late night. The Maoists disconnected electricity supply and telephone lines of the area, reports said. The Maoists had blocked Siddhartha Highway for the past one week.

Telephone lines at Gulmi and Arghakhanchi were also disconnected, according to reports.

According to reports, the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) sent a night-vision helicopter to Tansen to launch army operations in the area after the attack.

The details of the causalities on both sides were not available immediately due to disruption of telephone.

The local administration in Nepalgunj has clamped daylong curfew from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Nepalgunj on Wednesday due to the continuous threat of attacks from the Maoists.

Meanwhile, district based journalists organized a protest rally in the city at 10 a.m. in the morning against the February 1 royal takeover of last year.

Likewise, in Biratnagar, police intervened in the protest rally of journalists. Police arrested some journalists and later released, reports said.

Latest reports say three senior government officials in the western district of Palpa are out of contact after Maoist rebels simultaneously attacked army barracks, police post and district administration office in Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, Tuesday night.

Map of Tansen. (File photo)

Map of Tansen.
According to reports, bodies of three security personnel have been recovered so far. A search operation is underway.

Both the sides exchanged fire till late night. Maoists cut off electricity supply and telephone lines in the area. The rebels had blocked Siddhartha Highway for the past one week.

Telephone lines at Gulmi and Arghakhanchi are also not working, according to reports.

A night-vision helicopter of the army was sent to Tansen to support security forces in their fight against the rebels. The rebels have attacked and destroyed various government offices at the district headquarters, according to reports.

The details of causalities on both sides were not available immediately.

Security sources in Kathmandu told Nepalnews this morning that they were still awaiting details.

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey (File Photo)

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey (File Photo)
Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey has said it is not correct to say that Nepal has neglected her relations with democratic friends such as India and the United States of America.

In an exclusive interview with Nepalnews, the Foreign Minister said relations with them today are as warm as they were in the past. “In fact, we are more respectful of their genuine concerns and sensitivities than we were in the past. There has been no change in our policy. A number of high-level contacts have taken place and the process is continuing. We remain committed to further consolidating relations with all the friendly countries in the world,” Pandey said. “We want friendship with all, enmity with none,” he added.

Responding to a query if Nepal was moving closer to China after the royal takeover, Minister Pandey said Nepal and China enjoy trouble-free and all-weather friendship based on profound trust. “Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is one of the defining features of foreign policies of Nepal and China. As regards Russia and Pakistan, Nepal enjoys good relations with both countries. In the last one year, we have given due priority to what our relations with these countries deserve,” he added.

One of the senior members in the royal cabinet, Minister Pandey defended the royal move of Feb. 1, 2005 saying that His Majesty the King had to step in to fill in the political vacuum in the country and to bring what he called “the de-railed democracy back to track.”

It is precisely because of improved security situation that we are holding the municipal elections on February 8, which is less than a week away, the Minister said. The sovereign people of Nepal will finally exercise their constitutional right to cast ballots after a gap of seven years, he added.

Minister Pandey described the role of the institution of monarchy in Nepal as an “emergency light” based on will and consent of the people. “The idea of emergency light is well understood that whenever and wherever the normal supply of electricity is disturbed for whatsoever reasons, the emergency light becomes an urgent need and when the normal supply resumes; the emergency light is automatically switched off. This is what exactly His Majesty is doing,” he said.

Referring to the seven party opposition alliance’s call to boycott the municipal polls, Minister Pandey asked, “Don’t you think it is an irony to demand for the restoration of democracy and simultaneously call for a boycott of elections? How on earth are we to have elected representatives without elections? And, how are we to restore democracy without conducting those elections?”

Responding to a query regarding his memoir, Minister Pandey said he has divided his memoir into two parts in terms of time period: the first volume will cover the period up to 1984, and the second from that period onwards. The first volume is almost complete, he said.

“Foreign Ministers in office usually don’t publish their memoirs because of two reasons: First they don’t want to risk their job by bringing out so many truths and historical facts and second they simply don’t have the time for academic work. I will see, if I can be the exception,” he added.

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey (File Photo)

Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey (File Photo)
One of the senior members in the royal cabinet, Foreign Minister Ramesh Nath Pandey brings with him a long experience of working under Panchayat regime, multi-party governments and the direct rule of the King. During an exclusive interview with Nepalnews, he defended the royal takeover as well as the policy directions taken by the government chaired by His Majesty King Gyanendra himself. Follows full text of the interview:

As the direct rule of His Majesty the King completes its first year this week, critics say it has been a total failure in all its four priorities including restoring peace and good governance. How would you respond?

First of all, you should correct your perception that there is any direct rule of His Majesty the King. All constitutional bodies, except the Parliament that was dissolved, are functioning well in accordance with the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal, 1990. The parliament was dissolved by the then democratically elected Prime Minister in consensus with all the major political parties. In fact, none of the parliaments elected by the people since 1990 was allowed to function for a full 5 year term by these same cluster of political leaders that are now holding mock sessions at street corners. The local elected bodies were also dissolved by them. As a result, a political vacuum was created in the country. None of the governments formed since then wanted to conduct elections and thereby “restore” democracy. Therefore, it was His Majesty’s sole obligation to bring the de-railed democracy back to track. It will be nothing more than a prejudiced view to observe that there has been no progress in four priorities as spelt out in His Majesty’s historic proclamation of February 1, 2005. It is precisely because of improved security situation that we are holding the municipal elections on February 8, which is less than a week away. The sovereign people of Nepal will finally exercise their constitutional right to cast ballots after a gap of 7 years. This is a significant step towards fully restoring the democratic process. Another most significant achievement is that the bureaucracy remains de-politicized unlike during the previous multiparty governments. Likewise, an important progress has been made in checking fiscal indiscipline, which was so pervasive in the past in the absence of true public accountability.

Critics say the royal government has been pursuing the policy of taking Nepal closer to Russia-China-Pakistan axis by neglecting Nepal’s democratic friends that have helped in Nepal’s modernization and development for more than last five decades? Could you please kindly explain?

In a pluralistic society like ours, everybody has the right to make observations according to one’s own perception. I do not worry what critics say about Nepal’s foreign policy. The fact is that Nepal and China enjoy trouble-free and all-weather friendship based on profound trust. Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs is one of the defining features of foreign policies of Nepal and China. As regards Russia and Pakistan, Nepal enjoys good relations with both countries. In the last one year, we have given due priority to what our relations with these countries deserve. It is not correct to say that we have neglected our relations with democratic friends such as India and the United States of America. Relations with them today are as warm as they were in the past. In fact, we are more respectful of their genuine concerns and sensitivities than we were in the past. There has been no change in our policy. A number of high-level contacts have taken place and the process is continuing. We remain committed to further consolidating relations with all the friendly countries in the world. We want friendship with all, enmity with none.

During an interview with The Times of India newspaper last year, you described Nepalese monarchy as an “emergency light.” Don’t you think the monarchy now needs to reach out to the major political parties without further delay and return to its constitutional role before it’s too late?

Nobody should nurture a feeling that His Majesty is not serious about the problems the country is facing today. His Majesty has solemnly expressed that his commitment to multiparty democracy is total and unflinching. And, it is a commitment that His Majesty has made to his people and the international community is fully aware of this. His Majesty took the historic step a year ago solely guided by the Constitutional duty to protect the country, people and democracy from terrorism. Everybody knows that the Constitution has given His Majesty the role of a guardian and that whatever he is doing is precisely based on that role. It is true that the institution of Monarchy in Nepal has always been playing a role of “emergency light” based on will and consent of the people. Never in our independent political history have we witnessed the institution of Monarchy going against the aspirations of the people of Nepal. History is a witness to tell us that whenever Monarchy and the people in Nepal have worked in tandem, be it in the time of unification, democratization or modernization, the result has always been fruitful for the country. The institution of Monarchy is an indispensable institution for our country and the Monarchial culture inspires us to uphold patriotism eternally as a meeting point to bring about socio-economic transformation in the country. The idea of emergency light is well understood that whenever and wherever the normal supply of electricity is disturbed for whatsoever reasons, the emergency light becomes an urgent need and when the normal supply resumes; the emergency light is automatically switched off. This is what exactly His Majesty is doing. His Majesty had to take a decisive step, as there was no other alternative available to rescue the country from turning into a failed state. His Majesty has fulfilled historically important constitutional responsibility. The normal constitutional order will be restored when all elected institutions are reenergized through elections and the representatives of the people begin to exercise power as defined by the country’s constitution and other relevant laws. In this process, both municipal and general elections are very vital. Those who believe in people’s power and their collective wisdom must sincerely take part in all elections, which are, in fact, the soul of democracy. Don’t you think it is an irony to demand for the restoration of democracy and simultaneously call for a boycott of elections? How on earth are we to have elected representatives without elections? And, how are we to restore democracy without conducting those elections?

As a young journalist, you played a crucial role to bridge differences between late King Mahendra and then jailed former premier B. P. Koirala. As Nepal is passing through the most difficult phase in the country’s history, don’t you think you could and should play a more prominent role to bring about national unity and reconciliation between the constitutional forces within the country?

Yes, it is true that I had a role as a bridge between His late Majesty King Mahendra and Leader BP Koirala in early 60s. I feel that I had honestly fulfilled that responsibility. I have always been adhering to the principle that if the King and the leaders can unite, this country can excel in every field.

What is your vision of Nepal’s foreign policy? When do you plan to publish your memoir?

Well, His Majesty the King has eloquently articulated foreign policy of Nepal with a view to enhancing the dignity of the country in the international community. Based on His Majesty’s vision, we have defined our objectives and priorities and are treading the path that is both steadfast and practical to ensure that our paramount national interests are best safeguarded in a world that is rapidly globalizing. We have enlarged the ambit of our foreign policy by establishing diplomatic relations with a number of countries and we are determined to carry forward the process. Similarly, we have given due priority to our relations with countries where they deserve most. So, speaking precisely, the process of expansion and consolidation is taking place simultaneously and we have been able to achieve some encouraging results as well. Relations with some countries have markedly widened and deepened. Our participation in multilateral organizations has become more effective and we aspire to assume an important international responsibility soon.

I have divided my memoir into two parts in terms of time period: the first volume will cover the period up to 1984, and the second from that period onwards. The first volume is almost complete. Foreign Ministers in office usually don’t publish their memoirs because of two reasons: First they don’t want to risk their job by bringing out so many truths and historical facts and second they simply don’t have the time for academic work. I will see, if I can be the exception.

Leaders of major political parties have said that the address by His Majesty the King is not directed towards resolving the problems dogging the country at present.

In his address to the nation Wednesday morning, on the occasion of first anniversary of the royal takeover, King Gyanendra refused to give up his direct rule of the country.

Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)

Bam Dev Gautam (File Photo)
Talking to Nepalnews, a senior leader of the CPN (UML), Bam Dev Gautam, said that the royal address was fruitless and aimed at continuing the King’s autocratic move, which was started on February 1 last year.”

“The address is not positive. The King’s speech is the result of the failure in all fronts over the last year and an attempt to give continuity to the unconstitutional and undemocratic move,” Gautam said.

Gautam said the agitation by the seven political parties will continue and that expressed confidence that it will restore peace and stability in the country putting an end to what he called the “autocratic royal regime.”

The seven agitating political parties are protesting against the February 1 royal takeover of last year demanding early restoration of what they call ‘total democracy’ in the country.

Spokesperson of Nepali Congress, Krishna Sitaula, said the royal address would further complicate the problems dogging the country.

“The King tried to justify his autocratic rule through the royal address, which has no meaning,” he added.

Sitaula alleged that the King was not serious towards the country and people but only at prolonging his autocratic rule

Referring to the municipal polls, Sitaula said the King’s reference about the municipal polls, which have already failed, is ridiculous.

The alliance of seven agitating political parties is actively boycotting the municipal elections slated for February 8.

Talking to Nepalnews, general secretary of Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP), Dipak Bohara, described the royal address as the continuity of the King’s royal move of February 1, 2005.

The King’s commitment towards multi-party democracy is a positive step but there is nothing towards reconciliation to resolve the problems facing the country, he added.

“His Majesty should initiate some efforts for the reconciliation but that is lacking in his address,” said Bohara, adding, dialogue is the only way out to resolve the present crisis in the country.

The Indian government has pledged assistance of NRs1120 million for construction of Nepal-Bharat Maitri Emergency and Trauma Centre at Bir Hospital under India-Nepal Economic Cooperation Project.

A press release issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu said the Indian delegation visited Nepal on 30th January, 2006 to hold discussions under the aegis of the Project Monitoring Committee with the authorities concerned in Nepal for setting up of a 200-bed Trauma Centre in Bir Hospital, Kathmandu.

“The Centre is not only expected to benefit the immediate patients in and around the valley of Kathmandu but also render services to patients coming from other far-flung areas in Nepal,” the statement added.

The Centre will have State-of-the-Art equipment including CT Scan, MRI, Ultrasound equipment with at least six cutting-edge operation theatres.