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The week that was in most-read stories (October 29-November 4)

1.

As Pranab Mukherjee arrives in Kathmandu, a curfewed metropolis will ‘welcome’ him

sunsan-sadak-3

2.

Indian President Mukherjee’s visit to Nepal: He’s not going to sign any agreement

3.

25-MW Upper Madi hydel almost ready, power generation soon

4.

Colourful Bhaitika in Pokhara: 55 tourists from 14 nations take part

5.

Pranab Mukherjee effect or radar glitches at TIA? Departures, arrivals delayed for hours

 6.

Take action against Lokman, but don’t spare other corrupt political figures, says Baburam Bhattarai

7.

Hello Sarkar receives complaints about problems arising from Pranab Mukherjee’s visit

8.

Tihar fever grips NOC Thankot depot, oil crunch hits motorists

no-petrol

9.

Biplav-led CPN-Maoist calls for return of Gurkha regiments from battlefronts on India-Pak border

 10.

Mustang folks rebuild quake-hit Lomanthang palace sans govt aid


Editor’s Picks

Gore Sunar is a bonded labourer. He works for a landlord in Western Nepal. He borrowed money three times during his life and he has been working to pay of the debt for more than 25 years. He receives no salary and there is no agreement on the interest rate. So in practice he is here for life. And when he dies his nephew will have to take over. Throughout Asia the untouchables (dalits) are the lowest ranging citizens. 270 million people are subjected to the dehumanising practises linked to untouchability and caste discrimination – 200 million of them living in India. They are considered lesser human beings and are prevented from participating in life on an equal footing with other citizens. According to a common interpretation of Hinduism dalits are unclean, untouchable and polluted because of something they did in a former life and they are now paying the price by living a life where they are worth less than cows in the Indian society. They are forced to do ”unclean” jobs because they are dalits and are considered dirty because they do unclean jobs. This among others includes handling of bodies in the graveyard, cleaning of sewers, manual scavenging, washing clothes, coolies and tanning – as well as prostitution and bonded labour. Besides being unclean, the jobs are very poorly paid, sometimes they are only paid by rice leftovers. The untouchables live in their own settlements on the outskirts of every village or in the slums of the cities. They are not allowed to live close to the caste people, can’t use their their wells and cannot enter the temples. Many untouchables are illiterate and ignorant of their rights and so they are easily exploited psycically, financially and legally. It is even common practice that an untouchable who reports a crime is himself accused of and punished for a fictitious crime and protests are often punished with violent attacks from other castes.Being untouchable is something you inherit from your parents and there are no wa

Photo: Jakob Carlsen

In Nepal’s ancient salt hub Dana, a walk past yesterday

The story of Nepali women who broke all the rules

Photo Kathmandu: A festival Dionysus would want to see

 


Ignored

Dattatreya Museum catches fire, three windows destroyed

Indian President Mukherjee’s visit to Nepal: He’s not going to sign any agreement

Pranab Mukherjee to hold talks with leaders of Madheshi Morcha

 


Interesting

Hong Kong immigration detains Baburam Bhattarai for an hour

PM in celebratory mood during Tihar, says bitterness with the opposition is on the decline

Bevvy of Nepal’s political leaders to make a beeline at Hyatt Hotel, meet Pranab Mukherjee

Indian President Mukherjee welcomes Nepal constitution

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Read also

The week that was in most-read stories (October 22-28)

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