12.01.2005

High Hopes for Tomorrow

In a bizarre incident, the government of Nepal thought of a lame excuse that would make a kindergarten kid blush. It concerned the release of a memo that banned any form of gathering or protests in New Baneshwor, venue for tomorrow’s scheduled protests organized by the NCP-UML. Then, yesterday came news that the government had, by mistake, released an outdated statement, and that it hadn’t meant to stifle opposition. I think the lame excuse came because leaders of the UML met people of the UN and asked them to monitor the situation, and ensure that people’s right to peaceful dissent is not trampled upon.

A series of vehicle accidents with high casualties have recently happened in different places in Nepal. Only a few days ago, on our way to Kathmandu from Malekhu we were hitchhiking on a truck when it veered dangerously close to the cliff. The driver kept his cool and managed to keep the truck on the road. A little while later we were discussing how it had been a while since we had heard any news of major accidents in that nightmarish road.

Well, keep your eyes open for tomorrow, your cameras loaded, and your voice ready to yell.

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