MANOJ GHARTI MAGAR

The roundabouts in Pokhara, which were previously named after the kings, have now become the subjects of much wrangling among ethnic groups and political parties with all competing to rename them.

The Birauta roundabout, where a statue of king Birendra used to stand, was first claimed by UML and named Madan Bhandari Chok, after its Kaski leader. They had even put up a sign board with plans to build his statue. But last Sunday Tamu Dhi Nepal, a Pokhara based Gurung organisation removed the board and renamed it Tamu Hyula Chok to celebrate the group's silver jubilee. While the group claims it doesn't want to cause offence, UML is deeply concerned about the incident.

On the other side of town, Prithbi Chok has been renamed Lakhan Chok by the Nepal Magar Organisation. They have plans to build a statue of Lakhan Thapa, the first martyr of Nepal. In Milan Chok the statue of Birendra has also been demolished, but no group has claimed it yet.

Meanwhile, Kaski's CDO, Madhab Prasad Ojha says he is unaware of the renamings: "When I don't know about any chok being renamed, how do I sanction or not sanction it?"