Wednesday, March 30, 2005

Articles of Interest: March 30

Guardian Unlimited, UK: 120 Nabbed for Defying Nepal Protest Ban

BBC, UK: Nepal journalists urge free press

World Press Review: Nepal: The King's Gambit

Inter Press Service: MEDIA-NEPAL:Bad News From All Sides

International Crisis Group: Nepal: Dealing with a Human Rights Crisis

Tuesday, March 29, 2005

Photo: Protesters demonstrating near Singha Durbar


Protesters from Nepali Congress party demonstrate at the gate of the Supreme Court near Singha Durbar that houses PM's office and other ministries on March 28.

Monday, March 28, 2005

King Increasing Personal Properties!

King Gyanendra is a businessman. His major investment is in the Soaltee Group, one of the major business houses of the country running a few businesses. Though publicly his involvement in business is not seen, it's a well-accepted truth. I don't know how much the businesses are benefiting from his direct rule, but I can safely assume that they are probably doing the best business.

This shows that King Gyanendra thrive for property. After the Royal Massacre, he became the lone heir of all the properties accumulated by the Shah Dynasty during their 300 years of reign.

The latest information is about the properties once owned by the late King Birendra's family. There is a piece of land in the prime space at Sallaghari of Bhaktapur meant for the palace constuction of late Prince Nirajan. The land was in name of Nirajan but King Gyanendra is the owner of that land. The land was tranferred to the King's name 22 days after he took the executive power, according to an official who works in Land Revenue Office. Why in the King's name?

Besides, late Princess Shruti owned a land at the prime space at Putali Sadak which was leased for 30 years to a businessman called Bahadur Singh Tamrakar. Tamrakar constructed a business plaza, called Kathmandu Plaza, there. The property should have been gone either to her husband or to her two little daughters, but it went to the present King's daughter - Prerana. Is that good?

Besides people are also talking that other properties, shares and bonds held by members of late King Birendra's family are transferred to present King's family members. He is in power, there is no one to oppose, press are kept quiet - so he can do whatsoever he likes, but time will come when all these misdoings will be dug out - and he has to face the people then.

(Although these information come from reliable sources, they have not been cross verified.)

Thursday, March 24, 2005

Photo: Naryan Wagle with police superintendent


Narayan Wagle, the editor of Nepal's largest circulating daily Kantipur, in the office of police superintendent where he was summoned for publishing news about anti-king protests.

Photo Courtesy: Dinesh Wagle/United We Blog! (www.blog.com.np)

Photo: Protesters arrested March 17


Protesters being arrested from Kathmandu on March 17. Seven students unions have called the joint protest today and police arrested at lease two dozens.

Photo Courtesy: Nepal Photo Agency (www.photos.com.np)

Photo: Narayan Wagle speaking to media

Narayan Wagle, the editor of Nepal's largest circulating daily Kantipur, talks to media persons before being interogated by police infront of the police station where he was summoned on March 17.

Photo Courtesy: Dinesh Wagle/United We Blog! (www.blog.com.np)

Articles of Interest: March 24

Khaleej Times, UAE: Sanctions on Nepal likely

New Kerala, India: Nepal govt accused of neglecting treatment of ill pol prisoners

NetIndia123: Rightist trade unions protest against Nepal coup

IndiaDaily: An Economic Blockade?

Scoop, New Zealand: Sexually Exploited Women In Nepal Conflict

Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Articles of interest: March 2

Additional recent headlines about Nepal

BBC News: Nepal curbs reporting on rebels

Manorama Magazine: US, India working together to restore democracy in Nepal

Voice of America: US urges Nepal to restore democracy

Daily Times (Pakistan): US ambassador prevented from meeting detained Nepal leader

Times of India: Nepal may become next big refugee crisis: UN

Express Newsline: Five-party front to start anti-king stir in Nepal

IOL Asia: 'Nepal takeover will spur increase in abuse'