Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 31st, 2001 | Trackback

Indian Airlines has resumed flights to Kathmandu, five months after suspending them because of the hijacking of an aircraft to Afghanistan en route to Delhi from Kathmandu. The suspension slashed the number of visitors to Nepal, depressing an economy that has become increasingly dependent on tourism.

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 31st, 2001 | Trackback

A truce between Maoist rebels and government forces was sealed July 23 as a first step toward peace talks, the first good news on the issue since the insurgency began five years ago. If the truce holds and talks progress, the relaxing of tensions would come just in time for the fall trekking season.

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 25th, 2001 | Trackback

Maoists threatened a “black day” on Sept. 8 to mark the anniversary of a leader’s death last year, and in the past, early September has been a time of heightened activity by the terrorist groups. Follow local press reports for current updates, and heed any warnings about general strikes or staying off the streets. If planning to trek, avoid districts where maoists have been active, which include Dang, Dolakha, Dolpa, Gorkha, Jajarkot, Kabhre, Kalikot, Pyuthan, Ramechaap, Rolpa, Rukum, Salyan, Sindhuli, Sindupalchok and Surkhet. Avoid all road travel at night outside Kathmandu.

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 24th, 2001 | Trackback

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu reported Sept. 11 that it has information that official U.S. government installations and other places frequented by Americans, notably the Phora Durbar recreation area and international schools, may be targeted for attack. Consider minimizing visits to these places.

A general strike paralyzed Kathmandu and other cities Sept. 21. Hundreds were arrested in Kathmandu for gathering the previous night for a torch-light demonstration. The police had outlawed the night protest, even though these demonstrations are common before such strikes, because they feared violence. Stay off the streets during general strikes because they are often enforced violently.

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 19th, 2001 | Trackback

Birds on the runway in Kathmandu have disrupted international air traffic, causing six incidents in the past two months. In one, a departing aircraft sucked a bird into an engine and skidded to a halt, causing the diversion of incoming flights. A growing municipal garbage dump near the airport is attracting a large number of scavengers, and thus far the solution has been to hire locals to shoot at the birds to keep them out of the flight path. International carriers are threatening to stop flying to Kathmandu if the problem isn’t solved. Luckily, no one has yet been injured in bird incidents.

Regarding the Maoist insurgency, recent robberies of tourists have been denied by the rebels, who claim that common criminals have perpetrated the acts instead. The Maoists claim they have no intention of robbing foreign tourists, while other reports say the insurgents are only interested in raising funds for their cause, and that if you’ve been robbed you’ll be given a receipt that will protect you from further robberies.

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 16th, 2001 | Trackback

Calm has returned to Kathmandu after riots and a general strike sparked by disparaging comments allegedly made by a young Indian movie star. The anti-Nepal slurs, which were denied by the star and the producers of the TV program on which he supposedly made them, underscored Nepal’s deep sensitivity to opinions from its giant neighbor to the south. Four people were killed and nearly 200 injured, but just days later hundreds of people peacefully lined the streets near the royal palace to wish King Birendra a happy birthday.

Home » Asia, Demonstrations/Protests, Nepal

      

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Nepal

By Larry Habegger | Permalink | No Comments | July 10th, 2001 | Trackback

With the country still reeling from the palace massacres in June, Maoist rebels are growing bolder, placing small bombs on the outskirts of Kathmandu and in neighboring towns, killing 41 police officers in a single day of attacks in the west of the country, and reportedly threatening to attack casinos in Kathmandu. The establishments have taken countermeasures, but it is unclear whether such measures would be sufficient either to prevent or repel an attack. Consider deferring casino visits until security can be guaranteed.

Home » Asia, Nepal, Insurgent violence

      

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