Getting ready for Nepal
Sometimes, knowing you're in danger can prove more stressful than the actual quantity of danger you're in, you see.
And then there are some days, two or three weeks after the ceasefire ended, when you're glad you noticed these words:
"There is an unstable political situation in Nepal as a result of the ongoing conflict between the King’s Government and Maoist insurgents. Most major cities now have late night curfews. The authorities have a “shoot to kill” policy for those who break the curfew."
Shoot to Kill. One of those phrases that would be Good to Notice.
Edit: The FCO's putting Nepal on their do not go there sub list:
The Foreign Office today revised its travel advice for Nepal. We are now advising against all but essential travel to Nepal during the period leading up to the municipal elections on 8 February.
The travel advice summary now reads:
'We advise against all but essential travel to Nepal during the period leading up to the municipal elections on 8 February. Severe civil unrest and some violence are expected during this period. We will keep this advice under review and may extend the duration in light of events on the ground and prospects for further unrest around significant dates later in February. These events include: 1 February anniversary of the King's takeover; 13 February anniversary of the People's War; and 19 February Democracy Day.
Perhaps I will have time to make it to Cambodia after all...
posted by Lectrice at martes, enero 17, 2006
6 Advice:
don't be afraid...that shoot to kill policy tends to be for nepalis and not for tourists.
I had some friends go on holiday a coupule of months ago and they had a whale of a time.
Just keep your passport safe at all times and if you go on a trek or off the beaten track, try and go with a guide or an organised group.
most of all, have fun.
x
'that shoot to kill policy tends to be for nepalis and not for tourist'...god i sound blase!
Of course, try not to roam the streets, menacing the locals after curfew (if there is one)!
Thanks, PPQ.
Today, I got two further updates:
Countrywide and local Bandhs (shutdowns) are regularly called and have caused widespread disruption including to transport. Bandhs and political demonstrations can flare up quickly and with little warning and may turn violent, as they did several times in 2005. You are strongly advised to avoid all such demonstrations. The political parties will hold a demonstration on 20 January 2006 in Kathmandu. The next Bandh is due to take place from 5-11 February 2006.
and...
During this tense period other scheduled events such as 1 February anniversary of the King’s takeover, 13 February anniversary of the People’s War, and 19 February Democracy Day may be occasions for further political unrest and violence.
... so I'm mostly kicking myself for not going there on 16th December, during the ceasefire, as I'd originally intended.
Hmm. Just take care. I had a colleague once who went on an international farmer's caravan and one of the stops was Nepal... They got flagged down by the rebels - and subsequently lost her luggage when they torched one of the vehicles they were riding. Keep your passport safe with you all the time. And of course, don't give the locals a headache by walking their streets during curfew hours :)
I keep forgetting to read this blog. Just so's you know. Terrible, terrible behaviour.
This is a replay of the comment I tried to post, which, for some reason, didn't publish. Gah.
Go to Cambodia! Go to Cambodia!
Then go to Angkor, then we will have another one of those another nice coincidences with my memories of walking through the temples, holding hands with the girl I love, while you are doing no holding hands :)
I am excited!
Can you almost tell? :)
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