Celebrations in Nepal
There have been massive celebrations today in Nepal over the king’s capitulation when he declared that parliament would reconvene on Friday for the first time in nearly four years. Nepal is a country struggling to come into the modern world and has seen contant civil unrest and conflict over the last decade. This era has seen over 13000 deaths. The last three weeks have been particularly uneasy with riots and protests in the capital Kathmandu.
To read about my adventures in Nepal in January of this year, including trekking the Himalayas, go to the Archives section of this blog.
Big Changes in Nepal
Big changes are promised in the struggling Himalayan country of Nepal. After weeks of turmoil and rioting, the king has finally relented and is recalling parliament. It will assemble on Friday after almost four years since it was dissolved.
For an account of my experiences in the fascinating country of Nepal in January of this year go to the archives of this blog.
To read the full story from ABC News Online click here.
More trouble in Nepal
Nepal continues to be in the news – for all the wrong reasons.
This is a country torn apart by political troubles. There have been riots and demonstrations in the capital city Kathmandu now for many weeks. The king continues to hold on to power, a position he assumed when he dismissed the elected government early 2005. This country is struggling to regain democracy at a great cost to the local people. Many thousands, said to be over 13,000, have lost their lives in this struggle over the last decade. An added layer of trouble is the struggle brought on by the Maoists who are also trying to gain power.
The Country and its People
Nepal is one of the most stunningly beautiful countries in the world. The magestic Himalayas are always in the background in scenes of fascinating Kathmandu. I trekked the Everest region in January of this year. (Go to the archives of this blog to read all of my adventures.) The word awesome is overused these days – but the truth is – the Himalayan mountains are indeed awe inspiring. Words – even photos – do no justice to the grandeur of this country.
The people too, are wonderful. They are so helpful, friendly and approachable. And they are so proud of their beautiful country. I was asked many times whether I liked their country. I was also asked many times when I was returning. Even back home here I have been asked whether I would go back. To me there is no doubt – it’s just a matter of when.
And now is not the time.
Which is a shame – there are at least two very attractive teaching positions just begging to be filled, one in June in Tansen and the other in Kathmandu in August.
Protests continue in Nepal
The following report on the political troubles in Nepal is from “The Advertiser” web site in Adelaide, South Australia. I include this because I travelled and trekked in Nepal in January of this year. To read my blog of my experiences in this beautiful yet troubled country go to the Archives section.
Fresh Protests in Nepal
FRESH pro-democracy protests broke out in Nepal today despite King Gyanendra’s call for elections in the Himalayan kingdom, as activists said he offered nothing new or substantive.
Groups of protesters took to the streets of Kathmandu hours after the king’s midnight message, chanting “Gyanendra, thief, quit the country” and “Down with autocracy, end police repression”.Riot police arrested about 20 demonstrators, but there was no violence.
Political parties leading the movement against the king were quick to reject his offer for elections, saying the monarch’s message would not defuse the fierce campaign in which four people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the past week alone.
The message was broadcast at the stroke of midnight, at the start of the Nepali Hindu New Year.
To read the rest of this article go to “The Advertiser” by clicking here.
Winds of Change in Nepal?
The following report was published in today’s South Australian newspaper “The Advertiser.”
King renews poll pledge
NEPAL’S embattled King Gyanendra vowed overnight to hold elections in his Himalayan kingdom but gave no firm dates and did not to go beyond previous promises to resolve a raging campaign against his rule.
Political parties leading the movement against the king were quick to reject his offer, suggesting the monarch’s message – broadcast at the stroke of midnight at the start of the Nepali Hindu New Year – was unlikely to defuse violent protests that have killed four people in the past week and wounded hundreds.
“It is our wish that in order to re-energise multi-party democracy there should not be any delay in reactivating all representative bodies through elections,” the king’s message said.
“May the efforts at ensuring sustainable peace and meaningful democracy in the interests of the nation and the people bear fruit during the new year.”
The message was largely a repeat of earlier promises to hold elections by April 2007.
For the full story in “The Advertiser” click here.
My hope for Nepal
I certainly hope that the winds of change are beginning to blow in Nepal. This beautiful country does not deserve to be swept up in more political turmoil. The people can ill afford a civil war. They have been on the brink of a complete breakdown of law and order now for so long, and so many people have died.
I visited Nepal in January of this year. For my experiences there go to the Archives section and read my blog.