from OnLineKhabar. You may not recall that six US Marines died during relief operations in Nepal after the April earthquake. More below the fold.
Kathmandu Public Opinion?
KATHMANDU, Nov 7: As many as 47 civil society leaders led by former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai on Saturday submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli suggesting him not to look at the Indian blockade on Nepal and Madhes unrest through the same lens. In the memorandum it has been suggested that the tarai unrest should be resolved internally while Indian blockade through diplomatic efforts. - See more at: http://myrepublica.com/...
Civil Society? From what I can tell, this phrase gets trotted out whenever the government needs to indicate that a policy change is being considered due to public pressure. Due to reasons of "the government always takes the proper course" (which seems to be the motto), they can't simply adopt a new course ( my opinion). I'm sure there is an aphorism in Nepali about this, but if so, I have never heard it.
From Republica. In my view, it's been absolutely inevitable that people in Kathmandu would express their views to the government. The question has been what form it would take. Is this a pivot from anti-Indian sentiment to pro-negotiation? looks like we'll all find out, this week.
Hami Nepal
Calling all citizens to unite in the face of government inaction -
KATHMANDU, Nov 6: WakeUpAndAct, a movement started by aware Nepalis, is now gearing up to change the lackadaisical attitude of the country. The movement is now calling upon thousands of Nepali citizens to rally against the government who has failed to take any significant steps to bring the present situation under control.The event 'Jaga Kumbhakarna' asks all citizens to be aware and act to be a part of the solution to the current crisis. It is organized to start at 1 PM on November 10 at Basantapur Durbar Square. Participants will first 'sleep' for 15 minutes which is meant to symbolize the fact that not only are our leaders inactive but we are, too. - See more at: http://myrepublica.com/...
The article gives a clear indication that they are appealing to a certain target audience:
Next, the participants will sing the national anthem and also make the Durbar Square come alive with the 'Deusirey' song. Other events like slam poetry, starting a signature campaign, and taking selfies with placards have also been arranged. At 3 PM, everyone will assemble to form a rally that will move towards the Prime Minister's residence in Baluwatar - See more at: http://myrepublica.com/...
Tihar
Correction: Yesterday I referred to the upcoming festival as "Tiwari" when the correct name is "Tihar."
One of the most significant ceremonies of Tihar is "Bhai Tika." in which a sister will honor her brother. Brothers are expected to play a role in protecting their sister. Here's a short video of Bhai Tika ceremony.
From Wikipedia:
.....Sisters make a special garland for their brothers from a flower that wilts only after a couple of months, symbolizing the sister's prayer for her brother's long life. Brothers sit on the floor while their sisters perform their puja. The puja follows a traditional ritual in which sisters circle brothers, dripping oil on the floor from a copper pitcher and applying oil to their brother's hair, following which a seven-colour tika is applied on the brother's forehead. Next, brothers give tikas to their sisters in the same fashion along with an exchange of gifts. This ritual is practised regardless of whether the brother is younger or older than the sister. Those without a sister or brother join relatives or friends for tika. This festival strengthens the close relationship between brothers and sisters
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It's a shorter diary than usual today... but still there is a but more....
Gloomy economic outlook?
Click here for a sector-by-sector tally of the economic cost of failure to negotiate.
The Guardian UK
The Guardian posted two videos that show the situation in Kathmandu. The first is in Nepali with English subtitles, and it focuses on taxis. The second shows a line of motorcycles, queued for petrol.
Semper Fidelis
From MyRepublica, file photo that was republished throughout Nepal today. Not much I can add.
The US Marines have released a report on the chopper crash back during the earthquake relief operations. At the time it happened, I was the only American where I was ( in Nepal) and everyone came to me to express their gratitude that the USA was there. To the families of the six Marines, be advised that those guys are true heroes for humanitarian work in Nepal.
No poll today.