Here is the summary of the speakers' presentations, as released by the Alliance: Alliance for Democracy and Human Rights in Nepal, USA Press Release July 19, 2005 Alliance for Democracy & Human Rights in Nepal (ADHRN), USA and Nepalese Democratic Youth Council, USA (NDYC) had jointly organized a talk program on the current situation in Nepal in New York City on Saturday, July 16th, 2005. It was also part of "Bichaar Bimarsha" series (periodic socio-political discussions of Nepal) that the Alliance has launched. The venue was Himalayan Yak Restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York City. The panelists were (in the order of their presentations): Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti Shambhu Thapa Sushil Pyakurel The program was moderated by Sanjay Parajuli, the current President of ADHRN, and a welcome note was delivered by Anand Bista, the current President of NDYC. Anand Bista delivered few words on democratic organizations? -- particularly NDYC?s -- past activities and future aspirations, and he also expressed support for, and solidarity with, various organizations and individuals who are engaged in the struggle to promote democracy in Nepal, both at home and abroad. Sanjay Parajuli, also expressing similar sentiments about our support for pro-democracy organizations and individuals, introduced the panelists. The following are the summaries (bullet points) of each of three panelist?s presentations, in the order that they were presented: DR. GOPAL KRISHNA SIWAKOTI, Frontline Human Rights Defender 1. The Nepali vibrant human rights, media, civil society organizations and political activists have strongly maintained the efforts to restore democracy in Nepal, and those efforts have been bolstered by support form international community and the Nepali Diaspora. 2. In an explanation letter sent to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan by the post February 1st, 2005 Nepali government, they justified the imposition of the state of emergency in Nepal on the following four points: ? Survival of democracy ? National sovereignty ? Untold sufferings brought about by the Maoists terrorists to the Nepali public ? Past few governments were not serious enough to initiate dialogue with the Maoists. However, Dr. Siwakoti argued that the aforementioned reasons do not corroborate with the King?s February first proclamation and the subsequent actions taken by the government after that. Instead of cracking down on the Maoists, the government has largely exhausted its resources to crack down on political parties, human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, and other members of the democratic civil society. The Government?s hard line action has been random, sometimes clandestine, and is laden with pre-conceived biases. This ?dual character? of the new government is a ?fraud on the constitution,? which was proclaimed by human rights organizations and the media from day 1 of King?s takeover. 3. Instead of giving new hopes to the people, the new government then virtually banned the activities of political parties, suppressed free media, and obstructed the activities of human rights groups by restricting their movements and demanding that their reports be free of elements that may ?demoralize the security force?. Harassments and imprisonments have become common. 4. Despite existence of various governmental bodies, parallel institutions were created, which again is unconstitutional. The Royal Commission for Corruption Control (RCCC) when there already existed Commission for Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA); High Level Human Rights Committee when there already was National Human Rights Commission are the ample evidences of the highhandedness of the Government. The government also gave rise to district-level investigative body with broad and unquestionable authority to search homes, and offices and detain people without the due process of the law. 5. Dr. Siwakoti also presented facts that contradict progress on the Maoists front: ? Almost 60% increase on the rate of daily killings since February 1st ? Nearly 1200 lives lost due to the conflict since February first, of which, (according to government?s claim) 160 have been security personnel, 200 ?on-the-face? civilians, and the rest are labeled as ?Maoists?. ? About 40 major fatal attacks by the Maoists since February 1st, which is three folds more than before. ? By creating (by the government) vigilante groups in various districts in Nepal and providing them with arms, the civilian security is further jeopardized. No one is safe. ? 4-5 lakhs people internally displaced ? 8-9 lakhs have had to flee to foreign countries ? Youth seeking foreign employment from 2000 to 5000 in a month ? About 40% rise in child soldiers in the Maoist ranks ? Severe shortages of food and medical supplies 6. The international community has expressed its deep concern regarding human rights violations in Nepal. The new regime seems to be deeply frustrated with the steps taken by the international community. It is also very sad that the government is flatly ruling out the UN?s involvement in possible mediation. 7. Conclusion: Government?s efforts to justify their brutality in the name of ?either you are with us or you are with the Maoist terrorists? is simply misguiding. This is not about a choice between two anarchical (royalists camp and Maoists camp) forces for the people. Business is not as usual, and the arms supply resumption to the security force will not be justifiable as long as they are used at the wrong places ? to suppress the vibrant civil society. Violence is not the answer under any circumstances, and the conflict MUST be resolved through democratic means, either through a referendum, or constitutional assembly, or all-party government, or a round table. One can clean shave the hair due to dandruff problems, but cannot slash the throat for it.