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हेरौं अब के हुन्छ...

Everybody must read

the Old Nepal is alive despite what we here at Naya Nepal like to think. The new Crisis Group Report is out & available >>
Some highlights - On parties, No fucking change here! UML is " unsure where it stands ideologically, tactically and strategically." NC is "less democratic than ever. MJF is worried of being "outflanked by a more organised challenge from TMDP, NSP or other Madhesi parties." Khume and Govinde are reported to be making a comback. And the Maoists are "more clumsy than totalitarian".

"The noisiest conservative revival has been spearheaded by the urban upper classes. That the Maoists are not the new Khmer Rouge they predicted has not deterred constant cries of “totalitarian dictatorship”. For all their cadres’ sporadic brutality, the Maoists have not muzzled the press, locked up political prisoners or indeed implemented any notably dictatorial measures. Ironically, it is only when they propose genuinely illiberal measures such as completely banning strikes that the “liberal democrats” have rushed to embrace them. In contrast, a budget so un-Maoist that it satisfied the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was greeted with derision for its excessive ambition as well as claims that programs such as a national literacy scheme were camouflaged steps towards a takeover of the state."

Finally....

“Koirala Retires”, says eKantipur, as if he had fulfilled his promise of retiring from active politics after the CA elections. They do not mention much else. It’s been an excruciatingly painful two months.

So, MKN as President? I still think it is sad that someone who was defeated in two constituencies should be selected as the president.

And our Madhesi parties give an indication of the days to come – they are already obstructing parliament.

Agreement after Agreements

...And too few implemented, that too selectively.
This time it's a 7 point one! See comments for details.

Vacuum

It has been a distinguishing feature of our peace process – averting disaster at the last moment. And once again we find ourselves at the end of a cliff. Will our political leaders pull it off again?

The Maoists have threatened to quit the government and file a vote of no confidence against the current government. They are also threatening to take to the streets from tomorrow. Not sure what the legal provisions are but I think a two-thirds majority is needed according to the interim constitution. Of course we never figured out what kind of a system would be implemented after the CA elections. Hence all the trouble now.

Meanwhile, our erstwhile opportunist Upendra Yadav – after being unjustly sidelined during the Big Three talks – will relish the limelight, and possibly his vote against Girija. But it looks like MJF too have finally made up their minds about not joining the government. There are rumors of a possible split in the party. TMDP wisely decided not to join the government and meanwhile start expanding their organizational structure. MJF, if it is wise, ought to focus on their structure and prepare for next elections rather than lose popular support, which is a virtual certainty if it joins the government.

All that said, until the international players get on the same boat, our leaders can continue to quarrel all they want.

Kantipur-style news

I don't know which is more absurd, the reporting or the incident --A policeman reaches peeplebot, fires a shot in the air, and flees the scene, says a report.

http://kantipuronline.com/kolnews.php?&nid=143429

Police blank fire at Dillibazaar in capital
Kantipur Report
KATHMANDU, April 8 - A police fired into the air at Peepalboat of Dillibazaar in the capital on Tuesday afternoon.
One of the three police personnel, who reached Dillibazaar this afternoon, blank fired from a shot-gun, a report said.
The police men fled the scene after firing the shot.
However, details on the incident is still to come.