(February 1, 2006)

Beloved Countrymen,

It is now a year since the decision was taken to restore law and order and activate the multiparty democratic polity in the country in keeping with the nation’s needs and the people’s aspirations. A rresting a situation that was slipping into anarchy and reactivating a stalled democratic process has not been easy. Yet, given the commitment of our patriotic countrymen, all the Nepalese people have experienced the nation grow in confidence and the self-respect of the Nepalese people restored within a short span of one year, with the cloud of pessimism dissipating . We are confident that, remaining alert to the sensitivities of the self-respecting Nepalese people and our glorious ever independent history, we will be able to ensure for the nation peace, stability and prosperity within the next one year through mutual understanding and with patriotism as the focal point. We believe that a road-map to sustainable peace and reenergising a meaningful democracy are two sides of the same coin. We are confident that a road-map of consensus will forever end all possibilities of resurgence of violence and terrorism in our motherland, which will otherwise put at risk the universally acclaimed multiparty democracy and hurt the self-respect of Nepal and the Nepalese people. Guided by a national perspective that upholds our political, administrative and civic traditions, we are confident that by April 2007, all popularly elected bodies will be active in ensuring a bright future for the Nepalese people through a dedicated exercise in democracy so as to create a welfare society.

The nefarious designs to portray Nepal as a failed state a year back has now begun to unravel with acts of terrorism being limited to petty crimes. The elected government not only dissolved the popularly elected village, municipal and district bodies but also at the national level. The process of activating multiparty democracy and Constitutional Monarchy has now begun with the people exercising their franchise to reinstate these bodies for which the elected government had failed to conduct elections in spite of being given repeated opportunities. The people are determined to ensure the success of the municipal elections currently underway. In fact, the freedom to exercise one’s vote through adult franchise forms the democratic basis for a honourable national consensus. Democracy flourishes only through the enfranchisement of the people and democrats are never losers when democracy is upheld. Therefore, the first and foremost preconditions for consolidating democracy are to gain the support of the people through the ballot and respect their mandate. In keeping with these universally accepted democratic principles, the process to reinstate all the elected bodies through free and fair elections has been initiated. We are confident of the active participation of all democrats who have faith in the people’s democratic rights. Democratic norm dictates that, while upholding the people’s rights, their confidence can be won only through participation in the democratic process.

Beloved countrymen,

With efforts to initiate a meaningful exercise in democracy in keeping with the accepted norms, measures are also underway to improve public service utilities for the benefit of the people. As the bureaucracy has been freed of political pressures and discipline instilled among them, criminal activities under political patronage is now under control. The ongoing fiscal and administrative reforms will be implemented in a more effective manner. Rule of law alone will ensure good governance. As long as corruption, which has proved to be a parasite to our society, is allowed to spread its tentacles, a system of governance as aspired by the people cannot be ensured. More effective measures will be adopted to realise the commitment to maintain fiscal discipline. The concept of Land Bank will be effectively implemented to make available land to the landless, agricultural tenants and freed bonded labourers. Internal and external investments will be mobilised to accelerate the pace of economic development, increase employment opportunities, improve transport infrastructure and attain self-sufficiency in the energy sector through optimum utilisation of water resources. An effective integrated policy must be adopted to initiate development activities that have direct impact on the people. A conducive environment exists to utilise the opportunities created by information technology in the economic development of the country. Likewise, the role of the service sector is also increasing in importance. In this context, special programmes will be introduced to create opportunities of self-employment within the country for talented youths. Measures will also be adopted to train those youths going abroad for employment so that their skills and abilities are duly recognised.

The Nepalese are well aware of the fact that character without any moral foundation, politics indifferent to national pride and a form of governance bereft of the people’s confidence will neither benefit the nation nor the people. They also know that politics will not have the strength to inspire the people and overcome challenges if it is tainted. It is our belief that multiparty democracy cannot be made meaningful in the absence of significant popular participation in governance, effective decentralisation of authority in the village, municipal, district, zonal and regional levels and maximum autonomy to elected local bodies in the formulation and implementation of development projects.

Democracy can be adopted into our way of life only if we are prepared to have faith in the people’s abilities and the elected representatives. To achieve this, guidelines will be formulated in a transparent manner through collective wisdom and reflections based on experiences and aspirations. Appropriate measures will also be initiated to convincingly address, in the greater good of the nation, grievances regarding indigenous people as well as discrimination relating to regional and other issues. Contributing to efforts aimed at the general welfare of the people alone can ensure the collective well-being of the Nepalese. The nation can be freed from the clutches of poverty and made prosperous only through the collective participation of all. We are confident that all Nepalese, conscious of their national pride, will make significant contributions from their respective places towards the success of the pro-development strategies currently being implemented. While history will be the sole judge of an individual or a generation, it should be our endeavour to ensure that the present generation of Nepalese is given due credit.

Beloved Countrymen,

Nepal ‘s foreign policy is now clear and stable. Our foreign policy and relations are solely guided 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. Nepal desires friendship with all and is always ready to cooperate for mutual benefit. Nepal has malice towards none and is ever alert in ensuring that her territory is not used against any friendly country. Nepal is ever ready to have mutually beneficial fruitful relations with both her neighbours. This policy remains unchanged. To act as a catalyst in enhancing economic ties between her two neighbours, Nepal is preparing to be the transit point between them. Nepal ‘s role as a transit point will contribute to the welfare of Nepal , India , China and the region as a whole.

Nepal has unflinching faith in and is totally committed to the principles 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 its shortcomings. 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 – this is a reality faced by all democratic countries afflicted with the scourge of terrorism. But it is our strong belief that the people must be allowed to exercise their democratic rights in a peaceful manner, with due consideration to national security.

The Nepalese people desire for sustainable peace. This was clearly spelt out to us when we had direct contacts with our beloved people during our recent visits to various parts of the Kingdom. The vigilant Nepalese have well understood the conspiracy to foment further acts of terrorism in the name of momentary cessation of violence. If those who have gone astray wish to rejoin the mainstream of peace and creativity, democracy and coordination, and if they wish to dedicate themselves in the service of the people through the ballot, abjuring their murderous acts against the nation and people, we make it clear that they will be given the security and opportunity necessary to shoulder the responsibilities of governance in their capacity as the people’s representatives, having won the people’s confidence through the universally accepted democratic exercise. The people can be won over only through peaceful political and constructive activities. Activities like disrupting peace, encouraging discord and creating hurdles on the road to rapprochement in the name of democracy will benefit none. Let us, therefore, unite, with patriotism as the focal point, in dedicating ourselves to the people’s welfare and initiating a new chapter in the exercise in meaningful democracy. We wish to emphasise that all differences can be resolved within the framework of the Nepalese patriotic tradition in keeping with the Nepalese psyche, which has never had to put up with subjugation throughout history.

Beloved Countrymen,

We have always, single-mindedly and with determination, strived to fulfil our beloved people’s aspirations in the greater interest of the motherland. We have no desire other than the Nepalese people’s welfare and the responsibility towards Nepal ‘s glorious history. While utilising the indestructible synergy constantly spouting from the fountain head of patriotism, it will be in the interest of the nation to uphold, with utmost dedication, the glorious history of the Kingdom of Nepal . The success of this alone will keep the nation secure and ensure a meaningful democracy for the people.

A clear decision was made for the country last year. Today, let us, once again, pledge to achieve this national goal. The Nepalese are determined to see a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Nepal in tune with the 21st century. The essence of Nepal ‘s glorious history is the fact that the Nepalese people themselves determine Nepal ‘s national agenda in the interest of the country and their own.

Patriotism is the only means of creating a democratic society. We, therefore, call upon all Nepalese to consign mutual recrimination to the bitter past and build a secure and prosperous future for the nation and people, while upholding democratic norms.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!

Jaya Nepal !

A recent study has presented an alarming picture that about 2,200 children are employed in transportation sector in the Kathmandu Valley.

A search carried out by Child Workers Concern Centre in Nepal (CWIN) said of the total children employed in the transportation sector, 826 of them were working in microbuses, 780 in three-wheelers and 589 in buses and mini-buses as a helper.

Presenting a field report on Tuesday, researcher Govinda Subedi said that most of the children are working for 9 to 16 hours. He said that transportation is one of the worst child-working sectors.

The study also said the child workers are not given any contract letter.

The study said that they found children in 1,500 vehicles were not protected and had no health insurance that accounted for high rate of physical injuries and health hazard.

About 44 percent of them have received various kinds of injuries, 16 percent cuts and 11 percent bone fractures while 21 percent have headache and cough. About three quarters of them have been facing some sort of exploitation and abuse, mostly physical and psychological, it added.

The report found that 50 percent of them were forced to work as there was no one to support them while 66 percent earn for their families.

Apart from their regular jobs at the vehicles, 33 percent of them are forced to do household works for the owners and drivers. They are paid Rs 930 per month excluding food.

The report said that 50 percent of such children use tobacco and 20 percent of them drink alcoholic beverages. About 53 percent children sleep in the vehicles, 22 percent in their houses, 19 percent in rented houses, 3 percent in hotels and a little over 1 percent sleeps in street and temples.

At least 11 security personnel have been killed in Tansen, the district headquarters of Palpa, during overnight clashes between security forces and Maoist rebels Tuesday.

Map of Tansen. (File photo)

Map of Tansen.
According to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) four armymen and seven policemen were killed during the incident.

“A group of around 4,000 terrorists tried to make a consorted attack on security bases in the district headquarters at 11.00 p.m. on Tuesday. Following the attempted attacks on the bases, the security forces put up a strong resistance in the clashes which continued until 6:00 this morning and was successfully foiled by the security forces in the area,” the statement adds.

According to MoD, four bodies of Maoists were recovered from the incident site. It suspects heavy causalities in the rebels’ side during the fierce overnight battle. “After having examined the nature of the clashes and based on accounts of eyewitnesses, it appears that the casualty figures on the terrorist’s side could have been very extensive,” the statement adds.

According to security sources, some security personnel are still out of contact after the rebels’ raid. Earlier reports said 143 police personnel were out of contact.. The camp had 230 policemen. Most of these policemen were sent to Tansen as part of security arrangement for polls and were without weapons, according to officials.

According to the Directorate of Public Relations (DPR) of Royal Nepalese Army, the Chief District Officer and an Inspector of National Department of Investigation were also out of contact since the attack.

Injured security personnel have been taken to Pokhara for treatment.

The rebels had cut off electricity supply and telephone lines in the area before launching their attack. They had blocked the Siddhartha Highway for the past one week.

Meanwhile, issuing a press statement on Wednesday, Maoists accepted the responsibility of the Tansen attack.

A press statement issued by Maoist supremo Prachanda said the Chief District Officer and some security personnel, who were abducted following the attack, are safe in their custody.

However, the Maoists did not mention about the causality in their side in the statement.

The commander of the US Pacific Command (PACOM), Admiral William J Fallon, arrived in Kathmandu today for a 24-hour visit to Nepal to convey serious concern by the US Government at the situation in Nepal.

A press release issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu said, “The purpose of the Admiral’s visit is to convey serious concern by the US Government at the situation in Nepal, including both the threat posed by the Maoist insurgency and the King’s decision just one year ago to sideline Nepal’s political parties and establish rule from the palace.”

During his visit, Admiral Fallon, the senior commander of US military forces in the Pacific is scheduled to meet with senior Nepalese government, military, and political representatives, and learn more about ongoing developments in the country.

The US has been expressing deep concern over the recent political developments of the country.

Hundreds of leaders and activists of the seven agitating political parties, human rights workers and journalists were arrested from protest rallies around the country organised to mark last year’s February 1 royal move as ‘black day’ on Wednesday.

Police manhandle senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit during a peaceful protest organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists at Bhotahiti (a restricted area), Kathmandu, Wednesday, Feb 01 06. nepalnews.com/rh

Police manhandle senior journalist Kanak Mani Dixit during a peaceful protest…
In Kathmandu, at least two dozen leaders and activists of the seven-party alliance were rounded up when riot police intervened into their demonstration at New Road, a restricted area, this afternoon.

Hundreds of agitators who gathered at New Road at around 2:00 p.m. waved black flags and chanted slogans against the ‘repressive’ royal regime and demanded immediate restoration of democracy in the country.

The seven parties took out protest rallies from Teku, Kalimati and Basantpur and clashes between the police and the agitators were reported at some places. Security forces also barred the parties from holding a mass gathering at Basantapur.

Sporadic protests continue around New Road areas at the moment, our correspondent on the site said over the phone.

Similarly, hundreds of seven-party protesters were rounded up in Biratnagar, Jhapa, Pokhara, Rajbiraj, Dang, Banke and various other places during the ‘black day’ demonstrations, reports said. There were also reports of scuffles during the protests.

Meanwhile, security men opened blank fire to disperse the agitators in Bhadrapur, Jhapa, this afternoon. Few protesters were also beaten up by the police, reports quoting local leaders of the Nepali Congress said.

Similarly, dozens of journalists and human rights activists were apprehended from protest rallies in Kaski, Ilam, Khotang, Jhapa, Udaypur, Tapjejung Banke and many other places. Demanding press freedom and freedom of expression, journalists staged demonstration in Banke’s Nepalgunj, before a daylong curfew started at 11:00 a.m.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) is organising a major demonstration in the restricted areas in central Kathmandu from 4:00 p.m.

The Federation of Nepalese Journalists, an umbrella organization of all working journalists of the country has described the one year of direct rule of the King as a black period for Nepali media.

A report prepared by the FNJ, evaluating the situation of press freedom from February 1, 2005 to February 1, 2006 said that more than 400 journalists were arrested and released during the period and some 240 newspapers faced various censorships during the period.

“The independent radio of the country had to face various legal and physical attack during the period,” the report said.

The report further said that seven journalists are still in detention for disseminating information which was not in the favour of authority.

The report said that the government is creating various obstacles to the independent media of the country. The report expressed grave concern over the government’s bid to implement one window policy for the distribution of welfare advertisement to newspapers.

The FNJ also informed that it will publicize detailed report of the period on May 3, on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day.

A report publicized by the International Federation of Journalist the global organization of journalists entitled, ‘Nepal One Year On Censorship, Crackdown and Courage’ said, “Though the state of emergency declared by King Gyanendra immediately after the royal takeover was lifted on April 20, 2005 the fundamental rights were not restored.”

“The Nepalese media is still prevented from operating with the same freedoms that existed before King Gyanendra’s Royal Proclamation, and in some cases the curbs imposed on press and political activity have been strengthened.

Additionally, Freedom of Expression has been severely limited due to the intimidation and harassment,” the report adds.

“Media practioners and freedom of expression advocates across the country continue to ‘disappear’ or be detained and imprisoned for the free expression of their opinion,” the report adds.

The report also expressed concern over the media ordinance and ban on broadcast of news from FM stations.

The global media watchdog has said that one year from the February 1, 2005 royal coup, despite valiant efforts of Nepalese Journalists, international bodies and human rights organizations, the situation in Nepal had not improved.

The IFJ also urged all affiliated to participate in the campaign to restore press freedom and freedom of expression to Nepal. “We particularly urge affiliated to lobby their governments, protest to their Nepalese Embassy and petition the Nepalese government to demand restoration of democracy in Nepal,” the report adds.

Speaking at the report release and the national conference on attacks in Nepali media post February 1 and future strategy, IFJ General Secretary Aidan White said, “The routine arrest and detention of human rights activists and journalists and the widespread denial of rights kills any confidence people may have in the faltering process.”

“Secrecy, Censorship and intimidation do not lead to peace. They only create more fear, ignorance and insecurity,” he added.

United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nepal Ian Martin in his message said, “The ability of journalists and the media to operate freely, without fear or coercion is a critical element to freedom of expression,” adding, “If the media is intimated, closed down or its members are targeted by either side to a conflict because their message is not popular, then the right to freedom of expression is endangered.”

He further said that in Nepal journalists and media workers continue to be subject to intimidation and harassment.

Senior journalists said that Nepalese media sector has been passing through a very difficult turn of the history following the February 1 royal takeover of last year.

Speaking at the same programme, journalists working outside the valley demanded to ensure their safety in the working place saying they were facing threats from both the government and the Maoists.

Wounded journalist Ramesh Bista being rust to hospital.

Wounded journalist Ramesh Bista being rust to hospital.
Police arrested over two dozen journalists and injured few others during a protest rally organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in Kathmandu on Wednesday to protest the media curbs since last year’s February 1 royal move.

Carrying banners written in slogans demanding press freedom, hundreds of journalists took out a rally at New Road, a restricted area. Soon after, the police intervened and beat up many of them.

Dozens of journalists from outside the capital and human rights activists also participated in the rally. Among those arrested include FNJ president Bishnu Nisthuri, senior journalists Harihar Birahi and Kanak Dixit.

Injured Journalist Bijaya Sivakoti.

Injured Journalist Bijaya Sivakoti.
Our correspondent on site said over the phone that journalists Ramesh Biata and Bijay Sibakoti were seriously injured in police beating. Bista fainted due to excessive beating while Sibakoti received injury on his head.

Armed Police Force (APF) personnel were also used mobilized to disrupt the journalists’ protest. The FNJ carried out protest rallies in different parts of the country, marking the February 1 as ‘black day’.

A group of Maoists burned down a passenger bus belonging to Sajha Yatayat in Naya Pul area at the border area between Kaski and Parbat districts on Tuesday.

The Maoists forced the passengers to come out of the bus before setting it ablaze, a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence said Wednesday.

The bus was on its way to Myagdi from Kathmandu.

Meanwhile, the Maoists have abducted 15 civilians from Num area in Nuwakot district. The ministry statement said the whereabouts of the civilians who were abducted on 29 January remain still unknown.

Authorities have released some two dozen journalists arrested from a protest rally organised by the Federation of Nepalese Journalists (FNJ) in Kathmandu against the press curbs imposed after last year’s February 1 royal move.

Over two dozen journalists were released Wednesday evening while two journalists, Mahendra Pandey and Sun Bahadur Malla, are still in custody.

Likewise, six human rights workers including chairman of Human Rights Organisation of Nepal (HURON), Charan Prasain, Mukunda Rijal, Bijul Kumar Bishwokarma, Narayan Dutta Kandel, Suresh Bhatta and Basudev Devkota, who were arrested from a protest rally in Kathmandu this afternoon, remain detained.

Hundreds of journalists and human rights activists staged demonstration at New Road, a restricted area, this afternoon, demanding guarantee of press freedom and human rights.

At least two journalists were seriously injured as police used force to disrupt the protest rally.

Suspected Maoists shot and seriously injured Subedar Nabaraj Karki of the Royal Nepalese Army (RNA) Wednesday evening at the outskirts of Kathmandu as he was returning to his residence.

According to reports, Karki was shot by a group of unidentified gunmen at Dhapakhle in Lalitpur district. He died while being rushed to B & B hospital in Kathmandu.

Karki was stationed at the Raj Dal barrack of the RNA. Security sources said a search is underway to nab the assailants.

There has been no word from the Maoists as yet regarding the incident.