New Delhi, February 24, 2009

Though Amrit Lama, a resident of Hariwan in Sarlahi of Nepal, came to New Delhi only four months ago, he is earning more than many other compatriots who have been working in the Indian capital for years. Lama has been making almost INRs 13,000 a month by selling momos on the streets of New Delhi. “I am making as much as INRs 12,000 to 13,000 per month,” Lama said. After coming to New Delhi, he carefully watched how his uncle, who had called him there, was running a momo stall. Lama then invested INRs 1,500 on  a cart and other materials and followed the footsteps of his uncle. Lama runs  a momo stall at Ashram, where he works from 4 pm to 8:30 pm and  sells momos worth INRs 700 to 800 daily. Though many vendors run their stalls at Ashram, Lama does not have to face competition, as most of the Indian vendors prefer to sell bread and curry. Lama and other Nepali vendors sell momos, chowmein and fried rice, among other food items. Dhan Bahadur Thapa of Huvas in Parbat is another lucky vendor. Though he makes a little less than Lama at Lajpat Nagar, one of the busiest places in the Indian capital, Thapa is hopeful of making more money in the days to come. “These days, I save only around INRs 10,000 a month because pedestrians’ movement has been temporarily diverted because of the ongoing road construction. Still, it is good for me because I am the boss here,” Thapa, who has been in the business for three years, said. Lama and Thapa earn better than Tilak Thapa of Baglung.

IGP Thakuri calls for anti-terrorism law

Kathmandu, February 24, 2009

Newly-appointed Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ramesh Chand Thakuri today underscored the dire need for promulgating anti-terrorism law, which can help curb the growing threat to internal security. “We don’t have a strict law to curb criminal and terrorist activities. This is a big deterrent while maintaining law and order,” said Thakuri. He made the statement at a meeting of the Committee for Preserving National Interest of the Constituent Assembly (CA). He gave example of other nations, which boast of tough anti-terrorism laws, to bolster his argument. “Lack of legal cushion has led to the drooping morale of the force. No wonder, the personnel don’t feel motivated while discharging their duties,” he explained. Thakuri urged the government to establish separate service commission for the police in a bid to make it more autonomous and professional. “This will make it impervious to all kinds of political and attendant intervention. Besides, the force aren’t getting enough popular support till date,” he added. According to the IGP, the police are confronted with twin challenges: restoration of law and order and put an end to the growing impunity.