HELLO NEPAL

The Himalayan Times 25 April 2014 Decisiveness essential I am not so sure how to interpret the term “Political Hermit” used by PM Koirala for himself while receiving an all party delegation from Kalikot district at his office in Singh Durbar as reported in “I’m a political hermit, says PM Koirala” (THT, 23 April, Page 3). The real hermit does not have any mission or goal. If he is a real political hermit, he should have simply remained the NC President rather than ascending to the highest political helm. Is it because he owns only three mobile phones? Is it because that he returned his travel allowances accrued from his Myanmar trip to the state coffers? It was good to know that he does not intend to gain anything from politics and promises to serve the country and its people as much as possible. However, looking closely at the ongoing slow performance of his government, people do not seem happy the way he’s addressing their issues and concerns. They have been h...

The      Kathmandu Post 25 April 2014 SHERPA SAFETY Ngawan Karsang Sherpa’s article (“Russian roulette” 23 April, Page 6) should be an eye opener for the government and all other concerned bodies in terms of taking necessary steps to address the grievances of Sherpa guides-who are considered to be the back bone of mountaineering expeditions. The recent disaster on Mount Everest killing at least 16 guides was shocking. Though climbers have met such fate in the past as well, authorities were neither serious nor prepared to handle a disaster of the current scale. Sadly in Nepal , unless a major incident occurs, none of the concerned bodies shows any interest in taking precautionary measures. This time, Sherpas themselves have raised their strong voices about their safety on the mountain through a 12-point demand to the government. It was encouraging to see the government agreeing to address major demands of mountaineering and guides associations. Ti...

The Himalayan Times 22 April 2014 Move on fast track The mountaineering disaster on Mount Everest that occurred a few days ago killing at-least 13 guides was shocking. It had happened in the past also, but the authorities showed no concern and were not prepared to handle such disaster. In Nepal , unless major incidents occur, none of the concerned bodies shows any interest in taking precautionary measures.   Now, the Sherpas, who are considered to be the backbone of mountaineering expeditions, have raised their strong voice about the safety and social security. They have now put forward 12 point demand to the government and the other concerned authorities with a seven day ultimatum as reported in “Everest expeditions uncertain” (THT, 21 April, Page 1). Their demands are reasonable. It is now up to the government to initiate dialogue with the agitating Sherpas and other stakeholders at the soonest possible and create a conducive working environment convincing...