Chinese caller: Mr Mahara, how is the trend in Nepal?
The next (round of the prime ministerial) election is coming up and do
you think… (what are you) hoping in the result?
Mahara: It (election) is very near, right now. It (the result) is also not clear.
Chinese caller: Do you think Maoists can get enough seats?
Mahara: No chance. We are trying but it is so difficult.
Chinese caller: What causing the problem to (get) enough seats?
Mahara: We have already 10-15 (extra) seats but may be (we need) around 50.
Chinese caller: You need additional 50? And Mr. Mahara what kind of help could help you to get the 50 seats?
Mahara: That is most difficult task, because the south (India) centre - they
are guided, control (by) them. So the first thing, it is necessary to
neutralise south. Second thing some of money (is) also needed.
Chinese caller: What (is) the amount you are talking about?
Mahara: It is not clear; It must be discussed with our chairman (Prachanda).
Chinese caller: Mr. Mahara, I have one of my friends who is thinking about (how) to
help but he cannot come to Nepal. So we are wondering if we can set up
a meeting somewhere else?
Mahara: Where is his convenience?
Chinese caller: Do you think Hong Kong is possible for you?
Mahara: With whom does he want to meet?
Chinese caller: For this matter only you and the chairman (Prachanda). Nobody else.
Mahara: It is very difficult (for our chairman) to move here and there. When he
goes to Hong Kong, everybody propagates. Because he was prime minister
and he is the candidate of the prime minister(ship) also.
Chinese caller: So you represent him to meet with my friend?
Mahara: Yes
I am ready, everywhere I can go, here and there, but this message must
be sent to him — to our Prachanda. If you send the message to
Prachanda, then he can give me all authority.
Chinese caller: Okay this our plan, Mr Mahara. We are thinking about to meet you first
to talk about detail how to help Maoists to get the 50 seats.
Mahara: The most important place is if you have (some meeting place in) China.
China means in Chengdu. It is the best place nobody (will) know.
Chinese caller: This is very sensitive and we don’t want to have anything to do between
(you) and the Government (of China). You know what I mean.
Mahara: Then Singapore is another place. In Hong Kong, there are lots of Nepalis. But Singapore is best.
Chinese caller: Let me talk to my friend.
Mahara: Hong Kong also may be … this evening I will call you.
Chinese caller: Can you let me know the possibilities of Hong Kong, next two days?
Mahara: In this phone?
Chinese caller: Yes, I am waiting for your call by this number.
Mahara: From your source, you must send this message to our chairman.
Chinese caller: You want me to talk to Mr Chairman?
Mahara: I will call, Okay
(Follow-up conversation)Mahara: (At) your suggestion – I have talked with my chairman. One thing is
that someone (from Chinese end) is also talking with our chairman. That
is correct?
Chinese caller: I don’t know, so far from my side only my friend, me, you and Mr Chairman.
Mahara: But he was not concrete. But I have discussed with my chairman and he
says because the election is now only four days left – from outside
minimum 50 members (we) need. For 50 members, if we cost them then the
minimum (needed is) 10 million Nepalese rupees per person.
Chinese caller: 10 million per person that is 100 lakh per person?
Mahara: Yes 100 lakh Nepali rupees per person.
Chinese caller: Alright. Actually, the friend that I have mentioned he might be…but I
don’t want to mention his name over the phone for his own protection.
Mr Mahara – You can come with some kind of help; he wants to talk to
you first because he needs to know detail due to his … If you will be
able to pay a visit to Hong Kong?
Mahara: Yes, it is okay, but Hong Kong is – there are so many Nepalis (there).
Chinese caller: For other countries he will need the special visa and that will
(attract) people’s attention, that he doesn’t want. But for Hong Kong
he can go there and nobody will know.
Mahara: When?
Chinese caller: We are open at any time but for you when will be good time?
Mahara: But it is only four days because we need before four days but - I will try to tomorrow or today?
Chinese caller: How long you need to stay in Hong Kong? One night?
Mahara: Yes, one night is sufficient.
Chinese caller: Okay, we can go anytime. So it is up to you.
Mahara: So
I call to this 10 or 12 O’clock this afternoon, I can go this evening
also. For discussion to me, it is not sensitive. I called an another
name and please see my e-mail after 10 minutes.
Chinese caller: Yes,
I am going to meeting, probably I will be able to check my e-mail
around 10 am Nepalese time and Mr Mahara if you go to Hong Kong, you
just need to tell me the place where I can pick you up.