Nepal king dismisses government
King Gyanendra announces on state radio that he has sacked the government led by Sher Bahadur Deuba

AUSTRALIANS have been warned against travelling to Nepal after the Nepalese King Gyanendra sacked the government and declared a state of emergency.
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan called for the immediate restoration of democratic institutions after the king took power today and placed the prime minister and many other politicians under house arrest.

Communications into and out of the Himalayan nation have also been cut and international flights turned back from Kathmandu.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said Australians should defer non-essential travel to Nepal.

In an updated travel advisory, DFAT said people who had to travel to Nepal or were already there should exercise extreme caution.

"Australians should avoid all rallies and public demonstrations as these may become violent," it said.

"Government-imposed curfews can be called at short notice and security personnel are authorised to shoot at people breaking curfews."

DFAT advised travellers to check with their airline whether their flights were still operating

who is this guy?

comred baburam

good to read this article.....
The news from Nepal is alarming. The airports are closed. Communications are shut down. Soldiers are patrolling the streets. The country has officially declared a state of emergency.

Since the beginning of the Maoist insurgency, the political and social situation has been a threat to many potential tourists. With the murder of an entire Royal family, a perennial economic crisis, and now a government coup, potential visitors to Nepal are looking at other places on the map to visit. But those planning to go climbing or trekking to the Himalayan Kingdom should wait and see before asking for a refund of their plane tickets. In Nepal, you never know what will happen.

Not the first time

Today?s events are not the first time king Gyanendra has fired the entire parliament and declared a state of emergency. Kathmandu, the nation?s capitol, suffered several blockades and flights in and out of the town have been cancelled many times. Last fall, demonstrations shut down transportation during the post-monsoon climbing and trekking season. The Maoist guerillas paralyzed the country?s citizens with fear by calling all citizens to the general strike and threatening anyone who refused to follow it. However, no foreigners were harmed.

Some teams were delayed for a few days. Others changed flights to reach Nepal through alternative routes. Despite the inconveniences, everybody reached their destinations safely. If they didn?t make it to their aimed summits, it was not because they were arrested by army or guerrilla troops, or trapped in a town under siege. It was due to bad weather, illness or exhaustion.

Now, what to do:

There are two obvious instructions to follow when traveling in a foreign country: Have common sense and listen to the locals. This advice can be applied to Nepal today.

What if the road is blocked or the airport closed?

Flights may be cancelled in case of trouble, but they will likely be restored in a few days. Some air lines have more difficulties, depending on their country and the actual trouble. Last fall, after 12 Nepalese were kidnapped and executed in Iraq, travel agencies from Muslim countries suffered attacks in their Kathmandu offices.

In that case, your chosen airline could rearrange your flight, get a different itinerary, or help you get a seat with another company.

Road blockades may turn a two hour trip into a 24 hour nightmare. However, local agencies will have a clearer understanding of the situation. They will delay your departure if there is a threat. In such cases, they should offer alternatives such as domestic flights or helicopter lifts.

The curfew

State of emergency usually includes a curfew in Kathmandu and other cities. The strictness depends on the situation. Again, ask for advice before going out at night looking for adventure. Ask your hotel staff or the local outfitter. Be sensible, look around, and do what others do. A strict curfew may take time away going out for dinner or shopping, but so what? You came here to climb, didn?t you?

What about the Maoists

Social and political strife is much less noticeable once out from the main town. In the countryside, the amazing landscape, smiling faces, fierce rivers and impressive peaks will remain the same. So will the Maoists, who control a great part of Nepal?s rural regions.

Maoist's haven't touched tourists yet

The Maoist conflict has been a hindrance to progress in the region. Since the beginning of the conflict, more than 10000 people died, including army troops, rebels and civilians. However, the Maoists have claimed that they have no intention to harm any foreigner, and they have kept their promise so far. They will ask for money, though. They have very strong arguments to convince climbers and trekkers to ?support their fight?.

Mao fee bargain

Teams have reported on their encounters with the Maoists, while approaching the mountains. Some said Maoists had bitter words or threats when a foreigner refused to pay. Others said they suffered different fees according to their nationalities. ?Rich? Americans and Japanese are sometimes asked more. Some Russian climbers mentioned they were offered a special price due to their ?communist roots?. Climbers from ?humble? countries used that fact a bargaining tool to get a lower fee.

No escaping donations

In any case, be ready to pay. If you are part of a team, the outfitter will tell you what to do. If you are on your own, keep calm, smile, talk and have the money ready. The guerrilla will give you an ?invoice? proving you have contributed, to be shown to any other Maoist party you might find. Usually, there is no need. The news will spread through the valley. They will know exactly who you are when you arrive.

Last spring, Spaniard Inaki Ochoa thought he would avoid a fee by flying in a chopper straight to Makalu base camp. The very next morning, two kids armed with knives climbed all the way to BC to meet Ochoa on the glacier and get the ?donation?.

Still a beautiful place

It is true that Nepal is not going through its best years. Traveling there requires sensitivity and being careful. But as the saying goes - haste makes waste. Let?s wait and see how the situation evolves during upcoming days before making a decision we may later regret. Nepal is a wonderful country with some problems. A decrease in tourism income can only make things worse. Good luck and have a safe trip.

KATHMANDU (AFP) - Nepal's King Gyanendra unveiled a new cabinet, a day after sacking the government and imposing an indefinite state of emergency in a move that has sparked international condemnation.

In an announcement carried by state television and radio, the monarch named Rames Nath Pandey as foreign minister in a cabinet that also included a communist member, Radha Krishna Mainali, at sports and education.

The king announced he would head the new government after the previous administration failed to ensure security in the face of the Maoist rebellion that has claimed more than 11,000 lives since 1996.

Demonstrations were expected in the Himalayan kingdom later to protest against the king's decision, but details were scarce, with all telephone lines and mobile telephone networks down.

DOES ANY ONE KNOW ALL MEMBER OF THE NEW CABINET?

The new line-up also includes Pravatar Shumsher Rana as finance minister and Dan Bahadur Shahi as home minister.

Gyanendra will head the cabinet, Nepal radio said in a report that gave few further details, other than to list the new body's members. "The king has expressed confidence that everyone will support and co-operate with the new cabinet," the palace said in a statement.

'Gyanendra will head the cabinet' is that mean no prime minister this time?

Members of the new cabinet are listed as follows:

Minister for Foreign Affairs: Ramesh Nath Pandey;

Minister for Education and Sports: Radha Krishna Mainali;

Minister for General Administration: Krishna Lal Thakali;

Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation: Buddhi Raj Bajracharya;

Minister for Women, Children and Social Welfare: Mrs. Durga Shrestha;

Minister for Information and Communications: Tanka Dhakal;

Minister for Home and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs: Dan Bahadur Shahi;

Minister for Local Development: Khadga Bahadur GC;

Minister for Labor and Transport Management: Ram Narayan Singh;

Minister for Finance: Madhukar Shumsher JB Rana. Enditem

" aaba Raja sanga barta ko dhoka banda bhayeko chha. aaba sidai yudda ko morcha ko dhoka khuleko chha bhanne hamile bislesan gareko chhau" :- Krishna bahadur mahar speaking with BBC nepali seba.

well, the Maoists have done an excellent job of getting rid of presence of political parties like NC, UML, RPP etc and their local leaders at the local level from most villages and small towns in Nepal.

Now, it is the turn of Ganendra to get rid of "centeral leaders" of these various political parties, therefore totally uprooting political parties from top to the bottom.

The current events in the country has produced some great opportunity to finish that job.

After that the Maoists have to decide to either take care of RNA and cheruwaa police or to make peace. If the Maoists and Ganendra agree to make peace they should devide the rule beween them. Ganendra will can rule the Major urban centers while the Maoist take care of small towns and villages. The both side should also agree no to cross into each others' territory.

Problem solved...ha ha ha

Saarc Summit postponed as India pulls out
Delhi cites Nepalese political turmoil, law and order in Bangladesh; Dhaka reacts angrily, calls it 'unacceptable'

The 13th Saarc Summit was postponed yesterday for the second time after India pulled out at the last moment citing the Nepalese political turmoil and 'deterioration of law and order' in Bangladesh following the January 27 grenade attack.

New Nepal twist: Maoists ready to join forces against King

: As the King of Nepal moved decisively to take charge of the country's affairs_clamping down on the media and posting soldiers outside the homes of political leaders placed under house arrest_the Maoists gave the situation a new twist.

Till Tuesday, they were painted as villains of the piece and New Delhi had hoped that political parties and the monarchy would join hands to take them on.

On Wednesday, the Maoists tried to raise a common front against King Gyanendra as they offered to join hands with the same political forces they had been fighting till now.

Signed by Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) leader, Prachanda, their statement appealed to different parties and groups ``to create a storm of countrywide rebellion'. It added: ``We would like to clarify at this juncture that our party is prepared to establish a broad front with all those who are against feudal democracy.'

maobadi and gyane are two faces of same coin..

it is well known thing that the origin of these maobadis go to darbar..

when birendra was king, this gyane sponsored maoists to bring the country into unrest..

after the successful clearance of family of birendra and other supporters, gyane has done the perfect job..

it is the matter of 3 years as gyane said, that maoists will do treaty with gyane...

what a mind has gyane got?? pakka chela of hitler, stalin, mao....

i salute you.. but i will also shoot u..

amen, brother

Just for the refreshment!!!!
Nepal army is planning to buy latest sophisticated weapons from Palestine. This weapon is very sophisticated if it can be accurately hit in the head or balls!!!

HIS MAJESTY KING GYANENDRA BIR BIKRAM SHAH DEV
( February 1, 2005 )
(Unofficial Translation)
1. The Kingdom of Nepal was built on the foundations of the unification process initiated by King Prithvi Narayan Shah the Great. It is well known that to reign in accordance with the people's aspirations, our forefathers initiated revolutionary measures of historic importance, ensuring a bright future of the nation and her people. History is witness to the fact that both the Nepalese people and the King have, in unison, played decisive roles in each and every period of the Kingdom's process of unification, democratisation and modernisation.

2. Today, we have once again reached a juncture where, in keeping with popular aspirations, a historic decision must be taken to defend multiparty democracy by restoring peace for the nation and people. Even when bloodshed, violence and devastation has pushed the country on the brink of destruction, those engaged in politics in the name of the country and people continue to shut their eyes to their welfare. Tussle for power, abuse of authority on gaining power and unhealthy competition in fulfilling personal and communal interests at the expense of the nation and citizenry contributed to the further deterioration in the situation. There were attempts to flout the universally accepted rule of law in the name of politics. Our desire to ensure social, political and economic justice for our beloved people through the meaningful exercise of multiparty democracy could not be materialised. There was a steady rise in crimes against the nation and people, including destruction of development infrastructures constructed for the people's benefit. Whereas all democratic forces should have adopted an unified approach against terrorism, leaders instead continued their tussle for power, encouraging simple political workers to vandalise public utilities in the name of politics. Faced with this steadily declining situation, it is now time to bring to an end the ongoing acts of terrorist violence and pledge, in earnest, to fulfill the people's aspirations with the restoration of peace and security in the country.

Beloved countrymen,

3. Democracy and progress always complement each other. But, Nepal 's bitter experiences over the past few years tend to show that democracy and progress contradict one another. Multiparty democracy was discredited by focusing solely on power politics. Parliament witnessed many aberrations
in the name of retaining and ousting governments. Not a single House of Representatives was allowed to complete its tenure. Continuous confusion and disorder resulted in the obstruction of the democratic process. While the people's aspirations continued to be shattered and their trust trampled on, they became increasingly disenchanted with democracy itself. After being incapable of holding elections, there were conspiracies to form undemocratic governments, which would be responsible to no one. There was also a written consensus amongst all political parties on vacuuming the people's representatives out but they could not see eye to eye when it came to working together in filling this void. The participation and concurrence of political parties in making way for a form of governance, which negated popular representation, was against the people's wishes and norms and spirit of multiparty democracy. So, we appealed to all those who have faith in democracy with the intention of activating, at the earliest, the system of popular representation. We also met a number of times with members of the general public, senior citizens, representatives of the civil society and leaders of political parties in our effort to gauze the popular mandate and try to convince them of the country's requirements and people's aspirations. We reminded them that the only wish of the Nepalese people and friends of Nepal was to bring to an end the ongoing violence and destructive activities and return peace and tranquility to the country without any further delay. In order to conduct the general elections in an environment of peace and security, opportunities were given to leaders of various political parties to constitute the Council of Ministers, with executive power. But the situation did not improve. National politics was plagued by not uniting in running the government but opposing it on being ousted from it. No serious efforts were made to attenuate the real threat posed against democracy by terrorism in the form of a single-party autocracy. The habit of passing carefree remarks on matters of national security continued. Political parties were unable to display responsible behavior in augmenting the patriotic fervour of our dutiful security personnel, who are active round the clock in ensuring security of the nation and people. Multiparty democrats could not sincerely unite, with national interest as the focal point, to forever end the cycle of devastation being lashed out against the nation and people. Likewise, political parties also could not identify national priorities in keeping with the people's aspirations.

4. Throughout history, the Nepalese people never had to bear the burden of such terrorism, agony and exploitation. No democracy has ever had to go through such a dismal situation, where the innocent are punished by criminals, people whose property is seized and innocent children, women and the elderly who are mercilessly killed by criminals cannot receive any kind of protection from those who govern in their name and parties who claim to represent the people do not act in their defence. The nefarious designs of an individual or group, negating the wishes of the Nepalese people as well as the national interest and acting through sponsored mobs, cannot form our national agenda. Conscientiousness towards our responsibility to the future of the country and people has nudged us many a time. Circumstances have reached such a critical stage that it has now become imperative for us to take a decision in the greater interest of the nation and people in accordance with their aspirations.

Beloved Countrymen,

5. Nepal 's independence, national unity and sovereignty are best safeguarded by the intimate relationship between the King and people. An Institution of M onarchy ever devoted to the country and people and a people with an innate love for their land is the glorious history of the Kingdom of Nepal , its present and also its future. In keeping with this glorious tradition, popular will as always remained the guiding light for Nepal 's Monarchy. We are committed to social justice; totalitarianism and authoritarianism are entirely inconsistent with the Monarchial traditions of the Shah Dynasty. We are convinced of the fact that the Nepalese people have deep faith in and are firmly committed to Constitutional Monarchy and multiparty democracy. We believe that centralisation of authority is against democratic norms. We feel that a meaningful exercise in democracy can take place only when elected representatives at all levels are given their share in the governance of the country in accordance with the principles of separation of powers. It is our desire that, while no Nepalese should experience pain or suffering, every citizen should have unfettered access to social, economic and political justice. We strongly believe that the people should always feel that their wishes are being fully honoured and their interests completely protected in the governance of the country. It is our desire to ensure that the Kingdom of Nepal forges ahead towards the creation of a mature democracy and welfare society with the collective judgment, understanding and farsightedness of all patriotic democrats. We are confident that there can never be any differences among democrats on achieving the fundamental objectives of national welfare.

6. We have no interest other than the restoration of sustainable peace and exercise in meaningful democracy for the welfare of Nepal and Nepalese people. Monarchy is guided not by a cheap popularity but by the overall welfare and continued progress of Nepal and her people. Everyone should respect the people's desire for effective reforms. Let no Nepalese feel compelled to take up arms as a means of expressing frustration or disenchantment. At the same time, it must be ensured that every citizen has the opportunity to express discontent effectively without jeopardizing social harmony. It is clear that what the people want are a meaningful exercise in democracy, an effective market economy, good governance, transparency and a corruption-free rule of law. Our only wish is to guarantee our people's happiness through democracy, instill hope among the youth for a brighter future and to ensure dignity for Nepal amongst the comity of nations. Equal opportunities for the development of all our languages, peoples and their cultures alone can preserve and consolidate the Kingdom's distinct characteristics.

7. Contrary to the wishes of the Nepalese people, on whom sovereignty is vested, no serious efforts were made towards initiating elections to the House of Representatives within the year 2061 B.S. by maintaining, to the extent possible, peace and security. Instead of preparing the electorate and political parties for the elections and laying the necessary legal, managerial and technical groundwork, time was wasted on paying only lip service on the urgency of holding elections. As it is our responsibility to preserve our nationalism, national unity and sovereignty, as well as to maintain peace and security in the country and ensure that the state of the nation does not deteriorate any further, we have, by virtue of the State Authority as exercised by us and in keeping with the spirit of the Constitution of the Kingdom of Nepal ? 1990, taking into consideration Article 27 (3) of the Constitution, dissolved, effective from today, the current Council of Ministers to fulfill the people's desire for the restoration of peace and security and to activate soon the democratic dispensation. The Council of Ministers to be constituted will be under our Chairmanship. This Council of Ministers will give utmost priority to reactivating multiparty democracy in the country within three years with the implementation of effective reforms by restoring peace and security.

Beloved countrymen,

8. Only a meaningful multiparty democracy can be an effective means of governance by the people. A successful multiparty democracy alone is synonymous with people's democracy. Such a system, which is people-oriented, mature, cultured and refined, has been disrupted. Terrorising the innocent population, extorting money through intimidation, brutally murdering those who dissent, kidnapping students and perpetrating atrocities against teachers, making false promises to simple people and destroying development projects aimed at the people's welfare are crimes against the nation and people, which have to be brought to an immediate end. >From now on, such crimes will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law. Our security forces have been mobilised to carry out their responsibilities more effectively to end terrorism and restore peace and security in the interest of the nation and people. All the organs of the state must remain alert in honouring and upholding human rights. However, it will be unfair to put the state and terrorists on equal footing. We are confident that all peace-loving Nepalese who have faith in democracy will, as always, continue to cooperate with the security forces in maintaining peace and tranquility.

9. We call upon all those who have gone astray, taking up arms against the nation and people, and those who are engaged in criminal activities against peace and democracy to return to the mainstream of national politics peacefully. Ensuring opportunities to freely express one's views with patriotism as the focal point, fulfilling one's aspirations and contributing to the welfare of the nation and people are the inherent features of multiparty democracy. We assure all those who avail of this opportunity to join the national mainstream that the state will give them opportunities and rights equal to those enjoyed by all our citizens, without any discrimination whatsoever; neither the people nor the law will tolerate any terrorist activities against the state or its citizens.

Beloved countrymen,

10. We would like to thank all the friendly nations who have generously supported us, appreciating our commitment to fight terrorism, as well as donors and international financial institutions that have rendered invaluable assistance in our development endeavours. Even the world's democracies are presently faced with the threat of terrorism, which cannot be confined within geographical boundaries. The world community has in fact realised that the more secure, stable and prosperous the smaller nations become, the more secure, stable and prosperous will the region and the world as a whole be. Nepal is, therefore, committed to eliminating terrorism in her own interest as well as in the interest of democracies around the world. Nepal aspires for peace - for herself, her neighbours and South Asia - and to rid the world of the threat to peace.

11. While expressing our unflinching faith in multiparty democracy, we would like to mention that economic and institutional reforms will continue. Efforts at reforms in the utilisation of public expenditure and public service delivery will be made more effective. Banking discipline will be restored. Measures will be adopted towards the effective implementation of the poverty reduction strategy and the anti-corruption drive. Sustainable development is now our national agenda. No one will be allowed to jeopadise the people's security and the future of democracy. Nepal will not allow terrorists to use her territory against herself or against any other friendly nation. In our ties with other countries, emphasis will be laid on fostering constructive relations based on mutual benefit and pragmatism.

13. It is our desire that democracy be a way of life, politics be conducted in keeping with democratic norms and values, people from all strata of society honestly adhere to democratic ideals and everyone be guided by the interest of the country and people. All Nepalese wish to see our country as a progressive nation, occupying a pride of place in the international community, where democratic ideals thrive in a peaceful environment. It is our belief that upholding human rights not only preserves and promotes democratic values but also enhances a way of life and civilisational values commensurate with the 21st century.

Beloved countrymen,

14. Our decision should leave no room for confusion amongst the security personnel and civil servants in discharge of their duties and responsibilities. Today, it is we Nepalese who must take an initiative to ensure a bright future for Nepal and the Nepalese. An independent press serves as the medium for raising the level of democratic consciousness. It plays a crucial role in the promotion of national interests. We believe that the press will make effective contributions in ensuring that democratic norms and values inspire our way of life as well as governance. We are confident that, with this in mind, all those who have faith in multiparty democracy will discharge their duties from their respective places and the people's aspirations along with the country's requirements will be realised through the shared efforts of all the countrymen.

15. Today, the nation has made a firm commitment and a decision has also been taken accordingly. The nation has taken a step forward towards democracy and progress, leaving behind violence, insecurity and conflict. At a time when the country is in the grip of terrorism, all those who believe in democracy and peace must unite. Let us, therefore, be inspired by our collective wisdom and guided by our national perspective. Any nefarious attempts at disturbing peace and security and hindering efforts at making democracy meaningful will not be tolerated either by the nation or people. Yet, in pursuit of liberalism, we should never overlook an important aspect of our conduct, namely discipline. This is also the thinking of the 21st century. We wish to repeat once again that those who cannot do justice to Nepal , those who cannot believe in the sound judgment of the people and those who cannot stand in favour of peace will stand condemned by the motherland.

May Lord Pashupatinath bless us all!
Jaya Nepal !