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Prakash Thamsuhang is a Panchthar-born poet and essayist currently based in Ilam, where he leads Yakthung Lekhak Sangh and Ilam Nagar Sahitya Kala Sangit Pratisthan. He has been felicitated with several awards, including Dibyabikram Nembang Smriti award, Manamaya Smriti award, and Srisas Hong Kong award, for his works. His recent book, Shabdathum, collection of essays (2023) garnered critical acclaim. Ken Subedi conversed with Thamsuhang about poetry and essays.

You have written poetry as well as essays. What is more close to your heart and why?

I have been writing poems and essays together from the very beginning of my writing journey. Though I published works of essays after 17 years of publication of works of poetry, I share my thoughts and feelings through essays that I can’t express through poetry. I think the first condition for an essay is thought. Other elements required for an essay are secondary subject matters. But poetry strongly demands art as well as thoughts. An essay is like building a wall of stone, whereas poetry is an art of making a statue of stone. I love reading and writing poetry a lot. I am a great admirer of the way poetry strikes mind and soul with supernatural power.

Can you share a few common elements between poetry and essays? Or are they completely different from one another?

The common element of poetry and essays is thought. Essay and poetry both are the ideological weapons of a poet, through which the poet strives to make a positive impact upon the mind of a reader. I say that there should be in-depth feelings in both the genres, poetry and essay. An essay becomes sharp if a poetic element is mixed in it as good readers comment so. Contemplation, reflection and philosophy are also the common elements of both the genres. Poetry and essays have different structures altogether.  However, some experimental poets have been writing prose poetry. To criticize Nepali poets and poetry, some have been accused of creating poetry by pressing enter key in essays. Poetry has to tell many things with a few words. Essays, on the other hand, do not have word limitations.

What inspires one to become a poet and a writer? 

There has been much evidence when the writers produce literature as a matter of a response pertaining to significant events. Literature is being written out of such an urge in Nepal as well. For example, Nepali literature is being written based on the ten years’ civil war. Similarly, literature is being written on environmental crises, social transformation, etc. But what I think is the aesthetic consciousness of the writer along with the subject matter is an important thing. Is literature in favor of social justice or not? I think that a writer’s effort should lie in making society beautiful. Writers and poets should strive to make the earth worth living for all creatures. 

What books have the most influence on your writing?

I find a lot of ideas in books. Imagination is the most important aspect for me that I find in them. My reading journey started with comics and Muna magazine during my young age. Indian detective novels and Prakash Kovid’s Love novels, which I read during my teenage years, taught me to love words. I read somewhat serious books during my college life. They helped me in developing thoughts. Some of the books taught me to know myself. They taught me to understand the difference between religion and spiritualism. These books surely have their impact upon my writing.

There is a greater impact of books of Bairagi Kaila’s poems in my writing. Philosophical and cultural consciousness, proper use of myth and expressive skills found in Kaila’s poems impress me a lot. I also take inspiration from the essays of Shankar Lamichhane. His unique and extraordinary writing skill surprises me more when I re-read them.

Do you agree that contemporary poets have started writing in other genres like essays and novels? Do you think that authors should write across a variety of genres or should they stick to one?

There is much evidence that a poet can write in other genres too. Recently, as you said, poets are in the race of writing fiction. I agree. The poetic quality of a poet, when used in a work of fiction, can illuminate the work. There isn’t any uniform rule that a poet should just write poetry. I don’t feel bad if a poet presents his capability through different mediums.

Dragonflies are recognized by their long, slender abdomen; large globular eyes, often making up a large portion of the head; short antennae; and long wings. The extant dragonflies are placed in the Odonata order, which is divided into two suborders: the Zygoptera, or damselflies, and the Anisoptera, or true dragonflies. There are about 6400 species of dragonflies and damsels. Dragonflies are generally larger, more robust, and have a stronger flight than damselflies. Damselflies are smaller and have slender and taper wings toward their bases, whereas dragonflies are larger and have hind wings broadening at their bases.

Dragonfly eggs are laid underwater among plants or in silt, which is nicely hidden away from predators. Once hatched, a nymph will spend most of their life—months to years—in this stage before crawling out of the water to turn into a dragonfly. Damselfly larvae can be separated from dragonfly larvae by their caudal lamellae, which are fin-like structures at the end of their abdomen that act as external gills. The adult stage will occur when they have molted, leaving behind an exuvia. Almost all Odonata species need a vertical substrate to emerge from their nymphal life stage into their adult life stage. Adults live for a few weeks to a few months.

Dragonfly as a bioindicator of wetlands

Dragonflies are used as a bioindicator as they are highly sensitive to changes in aquatic habitat. They require clean bodies of water for breeding and feeding, so any alterations in water quality can directly impact their population. Factors like water temperature, acidity, turbidity, or pollution can dramatically upset the survival of the young insect larvae. If dragonflies and damselflies are present in a lake or stream, it indicates good water quality. By studying the presence or absence of different dragonfly species, we can assess the overall health of wetland ecosystems. Further, because their diet consists entirely of insects, dragonfly density is directly proportional to the population of prey. Dragonflies and damselflies are also crucial, as they feed on disease-causing mosquitoes and flies and serve as prey for birds and fish.

Threats and conservation

Nearly 16 percent of the world’s dragonflies and damselflies are at risk of extinction. Primarily due to the destruction and pollution of wetlands. To protect these beautiful, useful insects, protection of the wetland ecosystem (especially in urban areas) is foremost. Avoiding the use of pesticides, which in one way kills its prey, and rainwater carries all the pollutants to wetland, degrading the water quality where nymphs live. Additionally, planting aquatic plants in wetland will help, as it acts as a substrate where female dragonflies can lay eggs and also during the molting period.

The Maoist insurgency in Nepal, also known as the People’s War, led to widespread human rights abuses by both the Maoist rebels and the government forces. Enforced disappearances were a common tactic used during this period, with numerous individuals abducted and never seen again. According to reports from various human rights organizations, including the United Nations, hundreds of cases of enforced disappearances occurred during the conflict. The families of the disappeared have been left in a state of perpetual uncertainty and grief, without any information about the fate or whereabouts of their loved ones.

The Comprehensive Peace Accord (CPA) of 2006 was an agreement that ended the civil war and laid the foundation for peace and reconciliation in Nepal. Among its various provisions, the CPA emphasized the need to address human rights violations committed during the conflict, including enforced disappearances. It pledged to establish mechanisms for truth-seeking, reconciliation, and justice, including the formation of Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and Commission on Investigation of Enforced Disappeared Persons (CIEDP).

Despite these commitments, the progress in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances has been slow and inadequate. The TRC and CIEDP were only established in 2015, nearly a decade after the signing of the CPA, and have faced numerous challenges, including political interference, lack of resources, and limited mandates. As of now, many families of the disappeared are still awaiting answers and justice.

The Supreme Court of Nepal has played a crucial role in addressing the issue of enforced disappearances. In a landmark decision in 2007, the Court ordered the government to criminalize enforced disappearances and establish a commission to investigate such cases. This decision underscored the need for legal reforms and accountability mechanisms to address enforced disappearances in accordance with international standards.

Subsequent Supreme Court rulings have reiterated the importance of ensuring justice for victims of enforced disappearances. For instance, in 2015, the Court struck down several provisions of the TRC and CIEDP Act, which were deemed inconsistent with international human rights norms, particularly concerning amnesty provisions for serious human rights violations. The Court emphasized the necessity of prosecuting perpetrators of enforced disappearances and providing truth and reparations to victims’ families.

Nepal’s 2018 penal code made enforced disappearance a criminal offense under domestic law for the first time. Nepal has taken some steps towards addressing enforced disappearances through national laws and commissions. The Enforced Disappearances Enquiry, Truth and Reconciliation Commission Act of 2014 established the TRC and CIEDP with the mandate to investigate conflict-era human rights violations and recommend actions for reparations, prosecutions, and institutional reforms. However, these commissions have been criticized for their inefficacy and lack of independence.

The CIEDP, in particular, has struggled to fulfill its mandate. As of 2024, A total of 3,288 complaints have been submitted to the Commission of Investigation on Enforced Disappeared Persons. It has yet to complete its investigations into the thousands of cases submitted by victims' families. The slow pace of investigations and the lack of concrete outcomes have undermined public confidence in the commission. It also highlighted the need for stronger legal and institutional frameworks to address enforced disappearances effectively.

ICPPED: A path forward

The International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance (ICPPED), adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006, is a comprehensive international treaty aimed at preventing enforced disappearances, ensuring accountability, and providing justice and reparations to victims and their families. It establishes the right of individuals not to be subjected to enforced disappearance and the right of victims and their families to know the truth about the circumstances of enforced disappearances and the fate of the disappeared persons.  

Why should Nepal ratify ICPPED?

Enhancing accountability and justice: The ICPPED requires state parties to ensure that enforced disappearances are investigated thoroughly and perpetrators are brought to justice. Ratifying the convention would impose a legal obligation on Nepal to prosecute those responsible for enforced disappearances, regardless of their political affiliation.

Improving institutional capacity: Compliance with the ICPPED would likely lead to increased international support and cooperation, including technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives. Such support could enhance the operational capacity of the TRC and CIEDP. 

Providing a framework for reparations: The ICPPED outlines the rights of victims and their families to receive reparations, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition. Ratifying the convention would reinforce Nepal’s commitment to addressing the needs of victims comprehensively. This would include not only financial compensation but also measures for psychological and social rehabilitation, which are crucial for the healing process.

Promoting transparency and public trust: Ratification of the ICPPED would require Nepal to adopt measures ensuring transparency in the handling of enforced disappearance cases. This includes maintaining accurate records, providing information to families, and making investigation findings public. Greater transparency would help restore public trust in the TRC and CIEDP, as well as in the broader justice system. 

Aligning with international standards: By ratifying the ICPPED, Nepal would align its domestic policies with international human rights standards. This alignment would enhance Nepal’s international standing and demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights. It would also facilitate cooperation with international bodies and other countries in addressing enforced disappearances, including in the areas of extradition, mutual legal assistance, and sharing of best practices.

Ratifying the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance is not merely a symbolic gesture for Nepal; it is a necessary step towards addressing a painful chapter in its history, ensuring justice for victims, and upholding the rule of law. Given the historical context of enforced disappearances during the conflict, the commitments made under the Comprehensive Peace Accord, the existing national laws and commissions, and the directives of the Supreme Court, Nepal has both the moral and legal imperative to ratify the ICPPED. Doing so would strengthen its legal frameworks, enhance accountability, provide closure to victims’ families, uphold international human rights obligations, and fulfill its commitments to peace and justice.

Nepal suffered a 21-run defeat at the hands of Bangladesh in the ICC T20 World Cup on Monday.

The match was held at the Ornos Vale stadium of St Vincent, the West Indies.

Sent to bat first after losing the toss, Bangladesh posted a total of 106 runs in 19.3 overs losing all the wickets.

Chasing the target, Nepal made 85 runs in 19.2 overs losing all the wickets.

Kushal Malla contributed 27 runs off 40 balls, hitting one four and one six for Nepal.

Similarly, Dipendra Singh Airee scored 25 runs off 31 balls with one six and two fours.

Opener Asif Sheikh made 17 runs off 14 balls hitting four boundaries while other batters failed to score in double digits.

Meanwhile, Tanzim Hasan Sakib claimed the highest four wickets for Bangladesh.

Likewise, Mustafizur Rahman, Shakib Al Hasan and Taskin Ahmed took three, two and one wickets respectively.

Earlier, Shakib Al Hasan scored 17 runs, Mahmudullah and Rishad Hossain made 13 runs each and Jaker Ali and Taskin Ahmed contributed 12 runs each. Other batters failed to score in double figures.

For Nepal, Rohit Kumar Paudel, Sandeep Lamichhane, Sompal Kami and Dipendra Singh Airee claimed two wickets each.

With the win, Bangladesh have advanced to the Super Eight.

Meanwhile, Sandeep Lamichhane has become the first Nepali bowler to complete 100 wickets in T20Is. He completed the 100 wickets in 56 matches.