Nepal a strategic location for the US to bargain the Tibet Refugee issue

From Past few years Nepal has been one of the base for the Tibetan refugee issue for US intervention. In different times and intervals Nepal has been a ground for the US to play its strategy in and against the Chinese counterpart in supporting the refugee issue.

Nepal Government in its diplomatic intervention has made it clear regarding the Tibetan refugees issue that Tibetans entering Nepal after 1989 do not have permission to stay as legal refugees within Nepal, nor does the law protect their human rights. However, the principle of non-refoulement, laid out in 1954 in the UN-Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, provides in Article 33(1) that:"No Contracting State shall expel or return ('refouler') a refugee in any manner whatsoever to the frontiers of territories where his life or freedom would be threatened on account of his race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion."

Time and again various fraud citizen cases have appeared of fake citizenship  and passports while trying to board US flights contradicting the US embassy in Nepal for issuing VISA to Tibetan refugees so easily on fraud passports.

The issue of Tibetan refugees is not just a question of diplomatic affairs but is a question of mutual understanding and collaboration with the strategic location of Nepal.

In the past many controversial comments have been made by US official regarding Nepal’s support to the Chinese government but reality is Nepal has to be firm in context of its diplomatic relation and cooperation with China.

With great concern a senior U.S. official, Sarah Sewall Under Secretary of State for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights and Special Coordinator for Tibetan issues, has arrived here in the Capital. She is schedule to meet the Tibetans in exile and is expected to raise the issues of Tibetan communities and refugees and Nepal's stern policy to deal with them during her meeting with the Nepali authorities, including Prime Minister Sushil Koirala.

During her visit Sewall is scheduled to visit the Tibetan refugee camps in the Kathmandu Valley and Pokhara.

According to a Press release issued by U.S. Department of State, “Sewall will visit Dharmasala, where from the Tibetan Government in Exile runs, to discuss the Tibetan refugee issues. Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has been living in exile in Dharmasala. She will announce a new award of $3.2 million for a Tibetan Health System Strengthening Project to universalise access to quality health services, and especially to end preventable child and maternal deaths and create tuberculosis free communities, for Tibetan refugee communities in India and Nepal."

No matter what Nepal is not a play ground where the US can play its policies, if it wants the Tibetan refugee issue to be solved then it should solve it directly with China. Playing games in the name of diplomatic relationship and cornering Nepal for sake of Human rights and policy is not a solution.

Nepal has its diplomatic relationship with China and it has to maintain it regardless of what the US thinks. US infiltrated Iraq in the name of terrorism, and its infiltrating Nepal in various issues of  refuges, development, and poverty  through its various channel.



     

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Nepal government weak in management and vision

It has been well proven that Nepal government lacks vision and management skills in its operation and long term planning. As currently when the SAARC preparations are going on in the Capital Kathmandu has been fixed  in an un-expected way. With bizarre changes happening within 3 months times. Things look very superficial I mean to say where was this energy and power 3 months back?

What is Nepal government trying to prove to the SAARC leaders ?

As the city which is a Metropolitan city and is a Capital was treated this way in the past with lack of basic resources and now just for the preparation things got fixed in super speed is a question of  integrity and responsibility.
 
Every aspect of the new change looks great. The streets which use were carelessly managed and ignorantly left for the sake have new lights. New roads are paved with black tops and streets are painted with sparkling colors, what is the intention. Well just to change the look and feel for the time is not a question of effort, its a question of responsibility and whether it would continue or not?

Apart form that the 4 days public transportation halt is yet another question of public suffering. what the hell are we support to do ?

I believed its a sad story that the government is trying to show its standard on terms of public suffering and holding traffic for 4 days is not a question of  management.

I think, the changes are  good for the time being  but for what is my question. Just because prestigious leaders  are coming for the time being then its a question of very sad mentality but if its for a new change attitude then I think it can work but the Nepal government needs to show dedication and alertness in the coming days beyond SAARC conference.      

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Around 38 and more people died due to the blizzard who is responsible?

More than 38 people including foreign nationals and native guides lost their lives. If you look at statistics then tourism is one of the most potent economic sector for Nepal, with such sector how come such a devastation occurred with such casualties. How come when the Climate change indicators has indicated the blizzard who ignore the message and fail to comply the protocol.  
If the government is not able to prioritize then there is no way we can expect more from Nepal government.

Most of the newspaper and news agency covered the news but none of the organization raised the right issue. Who was responsible and why did we fail to save the lives of those people ?

Are we suppose to held responsible the Trekking Agents Association of Nepal (TAAN) that has taken the responsibility of training guides and managing TIMS and  fail to disseminate the news of the climate change ?
 Or
Are we suppose to blame the government which every year faces the same challenges in disaster management and fails to build a strong mechanism to fight against any natural calamity happening here.

Every year we face various casualties and at the end of the day various reports are prepared which then are stocked and pilled in cupboards with no conclusive results. 

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Nepal government has requested not to use lights in depawali

It is literally a joke what the Nepal government is doing. It seems insane that the Nepal government has requested the public not to use electrical lights during the festival of Deepawali. Deepawali the festival of lights is completely insignificant without the lights and on such times how can the government be so insensitive about such a cultural issue. It is the government's responsibility to arrange or  manage electricity and on contrary to that they have issued the public a notice about not using electricity. It clearly shows the ignorance of leaders towards the public that anyone can do anything in this country.

On one hand it may seem logical from the government's point of view of requesting the public as currently there is very less production of electricity but you cannot impose it. First thing the public is paying money for the electricity and the second thing is its something related to culture and tradition.

If the people in leadership are not able to manage and work out then they should give up their position.

Despite the fact that government issued a notice regarding this people will be doing it as its their right and they have been doing this since ages.

One thing that really amazed me was  when the government knew that the notice would be ignored then  why did they issue one?

May be in public interest but it suited only the notice for the sake.
    

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CK Raut is not an Activist but he is an Extremist

CK Raut is not an Activist, he is an Extremist 

CK Raut the Madhesi activist has been recently arrested under a sedition case filed by the Nepal government where different Human Rights Organization are lobbying for his freedom. He has been arrested under Section 3 (1) of Crime against State and Punishment Act, 1989.

The Section 3(1) clearly states that If someone causes or attempts to cause any disorder with an intention to jeopardise sovereignty, integrity or national unity of Nepal, he/she shall be liable to life imprisonment. 

Raut since 2011 after his return to Nepal has been writing provoking  books and articles  voicing  independent Madhes and sought separation of the region from Koshi to Mahakali as separate Madhes. In ply of his objective he has organized various rally and gathering for disseminating his ideology. Raut had been subverting the Nepali youth against the country making efforts to convince them saying ‘Madhes cannot fit into Nepal it must be a separate independent nation.’

He had recently held an open discussion programme at the Ramjanaki Temple in Biratnagar under the subject ‘Independent Madhes Nation’. In the programme Raut appealed to the youths to launch an uprising for creating a Madhes nation and for independent rule.

His supporters have been defending his act in the name of  freedom of expression but expressing something is different than convincing and provoking  other towards negative sentiments and hatred.

Mr Raut is  responsible for his action  and looking back to his career it  doesn't suit him. He is awarded with Young Engineer Award, Mahendra Vidya Bhooshan, Kulratna Gold Medal and Prof. F. N. Trofimenkoff Academic Achievement Award among others. For a man of such caliber trying to create hatred among the different group of people disrespecting the sovereignty of the country  is certainly  questions his achievement.

Yes, he has every right to fight for his culture and people but not at the stake of provoking others. His actions are well responsible for his ideology that lobbies the variation hatred and bad sentiment against various group of people and region which is wrong.

To be precise an activist is a person who fights for the right things where as an extremist is a person or individual who provokes other in spreading hatred and discrimination in motivating people towards violence. Mr. Raut has certainly proved to a Extremist than an activist where his actions defies his achievements.    

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Paras Shah and his ordeal

If you think Paras Shah is a crazy rich man who is just blowing out his money with controversies  and power than I think you are not getting it right. Before judging any person I think we should give that person a  benefit of doubt at least to understand his situation and his version of the story. These days we see a lot of post of Mr Shah in social media especially facebook saying he is this and that but I think it is unfair to him that people are just procrastinating.  

Under legal terms  he is a grown adult who has every right to understand his duties and responsibilities but if he doesn't than he is liable to face his action. He is what he is that's why he is living abroad. Though his lifestyle can be judge with his action and arrests but as a person he cannot be judge. In fact reality is only his family members have the right to judge him for his action to whom he is liable to.

Moreover, putting his action in contrast to his  past life and contradicting is a condition of weak mentality. He was a prince in the past and now he is a normal public like everyone. Like a normal individual he also has many flaws. He has every right like an other individual to do what he wants and be subjected to his action according to law but simply contradicting the situation in view of his past is a question of argument. He is what he is now than what he was in the past and he is right full subjected to rights and action.  
Currently he has fallen prey to  time and situation that takes strike him and  he cannot be prejudge with his past image of a prince.

He was caught with DRUGS and Yes he is a drug addict. He is  someone who loves FREEDOM but what about his privacy and his rights of being an individual.

I think he needs the support from his family and friends where prejudging him without hearing his version is unfair.

He is also a human so let's give him a chance to overlook and let's not       

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Through my eyes IGF 2014 and its changing definition

I strongly think and believe that Internet Governance Forum (IGF) is the only solution for managing internet where it has expanded its horizon from governing the internet and its dynamics among the wide spread use and access to protecting user online.  IGF is a forum that focuses more towards cooperation and collaboration in terms of policies and actions. One thing that I have realized from watching internet governance forum closely since 2007 is that it’s more of a timely program that gets i-leaders running and once its finished people fall back to their own comfort with limited action that takes place than the talking that ignites for changes and freedom. More often the issues highlighted by the IGF have rarely been ignored but still I think Internet governance is a long ongoing process that changes according to the time and place.

Yes, I strongly believe in the concept of “multistakeholderism” and its concept of giving opportunity of accepting unheard voices but I defy the prejudices of limiting internet to the property of few developed nations and technical community who can rule in according to their will and way under various aspect of their security, opportunity and management. Internet represents freedom and it should remain free and open in every aspect of its management, access and security.

Looking at the practice, the IGF is gradually changing and adapting the dynamics of development where more often leaders from all over the world talk about issues related to internet and its growing challenges. For most of us it is not just a forum to stand up and shout for the voices but it’s a way of life that speak freedom in every aspect of what we think and believe in. No matter whether the i-leaders notice it or not, I believe life is something that should be lived in your own terms not with the stigma and questions of others expectation. You live your own life and tell your own stories just like that I also have my story of the IGF

This year my focus majorly strike in key attention toward sessions that were more related to multistakeholderism, Freedom of expression, child safety, net neutrality, human rights  and cybercrime.

 My journey started when I was chosen as an Internet Society IGF ambassador 2014, though being selected in this prestigious program certainly made me happy but there were many obstacle that showed me why there is a gap in between nations and nationals. Since, my country didn’t had the Turkish embassy in its territory. I had to apply through the neighboring country India’s embassy.   The first time I applied I had to hire a person in a foreign land for the VISA. I submitted my application with all the necessary documents but they rejected my VISA with no reasons. Despite inquiring the embassy
from my supporting organization there were inconclusive answers.

As I know they barely knew about the program IGF. I was desperate to get the VISA, apart from that the pressure pushed me. My fellowship sponsor told me if I didn’t get the VISA within stipulated time my fellowship would be taken off. I was dam pissed and worried and despite with all the issues, I applied the second time and this time I directly coordinate with the Turkish information and communication ministry who directly intervened and I was issued a VISA. But unfortunately my VISA was issued with an expired date of travel so again I had to reapply for the VISA which literally drained my energy and money. My third application nearly made it as the IGF was around the corner and made it with barely weeks.

For me IGF was not just a travelling program, it was a meaningful opportunity to find the real meaning of internet and what I wanted for myself and my nation.

This time I had prepared a full fledged report on Nepal’s condition and the problems named Concept Paper on IGF 2014 Istanbul Turkey From Nepal's Perspective which later proved to be very useful for one of the main sessions program and I think it was worth it.

Finally the day came in when I farewell my family and I left Nepal with a fire and passion to give something as a recognition to my voice.

As I Took a flight with Turkish airline, it pretty seemed cool and exciting and the 7 and half hours flight landed me in Istanbul airport. From there I took a Havatas shuttle bus which barely cost me USD 5 and took me exactly in-front of my hotel intercontinental.

As an ISOC Ambassador, I felt proud and highly energized. The first day in Istanbul was nice, as advised I dragged myself to the İstanbul Lütfi Kırdar – ICEC venue for registration. I was pretty surprised with the security and management. Though the location was a bit difficult and had to walk about 10 to 15 minutes from my hotel still walking in the streets was fun. While walking in the streets the first thing that I noticed was the city, it was quite very much in transition of the modern architecture and the traditional cultural values where there were normal people but the thing that amazed me was while walking in the streets I saw  streets filled with shoe polishing people. Suddenly, I was walking in the street and I saw this guy dropping his brush, so I called the man and told him that he dropped his brush. The guy thanked me and out of the blues he started offering me his service. I was very precise to say no but still he insisted in the spilt of second he took the names of his gods and everyone and then just insisted, I said “NO”. The next day one of my friend told me it was a trick that they pulled to every foreigner and we laughed as he said he was preyed upon this every day by the same man. 

The first day was very interesting, The Collaborative Leadership Exchange Program was indeed something new. Though I was feeling slightly off as my stomach was not doing well but the session started with a Bang.  Allen Gunner the instructor was very much specific about what he wanted us to do. It was fun to exchange ideas and to learn so much. More interesting was the group of people who represented various societies and culture from various parts of the world. Together we formed smaller groups where we worked our way to find the most controversial issues and came to a judgment of whether to support the issue or not. Gunner would then individual pick people and ask question about why we supported or didn’t supported the statement. It was just a practice about listening and respecting others thoughts and ideas which was indeed a great practices and preparation session for the IGF.   

His sessions focused more towards preparing the i-leaders towards the IGF about how what to expect and how to handle the situation both at mental and action levels.

My experience in the IGF was more of a structured one as I had some definite goals and strategies. My goals were fixed in every aspect of making my voice heard among the mass of i-Leaders from around the globe where to some extent I made it possible.

The first day of the IGF started the venue was big and the listening to the experiences in the session were great.  Before the day ended we had the gala dinner where the Turkish dance group performed with grace. Everything the sessions and people were the same. What made me rethink was the attitude of the so called big i-leaders and technical community who would just see the world through their eyes.  In few of the sessions where I had participated I tried to raise the issue of developing nations and share the happening from my country. It would just seems as if we were aliens and they would just ignore us as they wanted the internet for them but despite the ignorance I spoke and voice the need and rights of issue and happening in this part of the world. For few of the session that I had attended I felt why am I doing this I was alone and I had no support from anyone still the fire of standing among the crowd pushed me and I had a few of the issues voiced.

I know participating and voicing out issues is the main theme of IGF but for people like us coming from the developing nation it’s a fight to make our voice heard. Apart from that the most irritating thing is why bloggers and activists are not thought of being part of the Internet Governance (IG). I don’t know why there is a clot that only the technical people have the right to speak and work in for the IG issue. I think IG is an issue of concern for all and most importantly it’s a concern for public welfare and Activist can laud the issues better than the technical people but I relatively see very less participation.
In the second and the third day were pleasing had few session and met many old faces. I think IGF was also yet another platform where you could meet the technical people. One of my friend said, “You know there are few events like ICANN where every year I met few friends, and every year we met them only in specific events.” I was not surprised and hell ya the so call technical community practices this pattern of retreats in the name of global conferencing.

On the third day as I and another friend IVAN were supporting his campaign we were stopped by the organizer in misconception of a protest. Though it was barely anything but it made some controversy for this year’s IGF 2014.

We had a great and awesome moments in Turkey, we had a chance to visit the blue mosque, the Grand bazar and the famous bridge that parted the Turkey with its modern and cultural version.

I would advise you to have the delicious fish burger, the oysters with lemon and other street food that are more interesting and show cases the real life and culture of Turkey. To explore turkey, you just have to take it on your own and on your foot where you can explore and learn so much about this magnificent country.


 
   

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Lack of Social Media knowledge landed Anju Pant in Social Media Crisis

Recently the facebook book fan page of a Popular Nepali singer Anju Pant turned into a massive battle ground  of comments and harsh words. She was accused by her fans of insulting the religious belief of Hindu Culture. It started with a video that was uploaded in Youtube that went viral on social media website of facebook and twitter. In the video she expresses her passion and beliefs towards Christianity and how Christ changed her life. More in the video she ridicules the culture and traditions of Hindus and other culture where she expresses her true feeling among a mass gathering of Christians.



After the ordeal, She appealed the general public about her statement to be wrong and misleading with a Youtube video but to her surprise few other videos were uploaded where she openly acknowledges and contradicts her statement. Still today her facebook fan page is bombarded with sad comments.




Being a public figure one has to be conscious about what you are saying? Especially being a celebrity one has to think twice before speaking. Anju Panta's case was merely a fraction of what could have gone wrong?  It was a clearly case of Social media Crisis where she failed to realize the pro and cons of being a celeb.

In today's age of  social media where things can go viral one has to be very cautious about the interpretation of one's statement which can be interpreted in desired way. You can assume how things can go viral and land you up in a awkward situation of crisis.

     

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A proud moment turned into a mess

35,000 Nepalese tried and created the biggest flag in the world and is in the quest of entering  the Guinness World Records and its a proud moment for every Nepali but more sarcastically the left over has made the question of what next ?

The organizers  even raise 35000* 100= Rs. 35,00,000 ($36,842)  for the flood victims  but despite the fact the garbage created was ignored. The organizer blame it to volunteers and the volunteers blame it to the public now the question come who is the responsible the management or the public.

Something so beautiful left something so dirty and bad, whose responsibility is it ?

Should the organizers be held responsible for this or should the participants who carelessly  left behind the dirt that makes tudhikhel look horrible.   

  

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Sadly Nepal turning into a bad tourism destination

" Nepalis are cheaters" this is the reality which we all Nepalis have to face, we were sitting in a restaurant and having food when suddenly in the middle a Portugal couple requested our help. She was trying to communicate with the waiter in English about ordering the food but the waiter was having troubles in explaining her the menu . We were at Momo Hut restaurant located in the middle of the Thamel and I was pretty surprised when she approached us and said all Nepalese are cheaters and thugs, at first we were like what? then after few minutes of reconciliation and hearing her version things seemed quite justifiable.

She was very furious and she had only one version of saying Money money is what they want, so I tried to understand her situation.  Apart from  that when you are a foreign tourist in a foreign land and people constantly trying to loot your money then what will you do? you will probably retaliate that's human nature.

Perhaps, her interpretation was right as if you were asked to pay NRS 20,000 for a car reservation for a whole day (30KM)  wasn't that too much and paid Nrs 400 for 4 bananas I think I would be blown off.

She explained the situation and further initiated a talk and requested us to help and  we tried our best in giving them best solution about what to shop and where to go. I was amazed how easy it was to change people's mentality but why are tourism entrepreneurs of Nepal not understanding the fact that these individual tourist matter hugely in promoting our name and destination.

One review in a travel blog and you will have thousands of people adding their comments. Today its a global world where internet connects us in every possibility of making things visible. Its not just a scenario of what happened here in a restaurant but its a case of a county's image, pride and prestige.  

But there is a confusion in all the tourists that come here in Nepal, as with the recent commercialization of blogging and travel websites, people get overloaded with more negative attitude and when in reality things happen it seems out of proportion. For some who come prepared its just something that they new and for some who don't its like a living hell.

Reality is in case of any issue there is no direction or follow up about what to do or when they  face problems,  they have no one to reach out for help ?

Nepal has been world renowned for its hospitality and culture and in this long run of commercialization and globalization I think we have lost the essence of the real culture and tradition of Nepal's upbringing. Reality bites as Nepal is evolving as one of the top holiday destination but with such facts of Hawkers and lack of management of prostitution in the name of culture and tradition things are slowly degrading. Our destination is getting expensive in the name of  13 % VAT and 10% service charge where in most cases the service we use hardly has any service. so what should we expect ?

 My question is, IS NEPAL A SAFE DESTINATION FOR TOURIST?  Are we doing enough from all sides to promote it?

 Now is the right time to think

 

   

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