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The bandhs and the uncontrolled violent agitations exacerbated by the imposition of curfew and repressions by the government are proving to be very ominous for the country and all concerned – the people, the King the government, the politicians, the civil society, the human rights activists, Nepal ’s foreign friends and even the agitators themselves. This is a time when no body can afford to lose his cool and reason. This is a time when no body should be carried away by emotions and chimeric greener pastures. And this is the time when every Nepali who has the guts to call himself patriotic has to be able to rise above all other considerations and work to pull the country out of the fire. We have not forgotten that we did pass through somewhat similar situation only sixteen years back when Kathmanduites had agitated against the system. Many of us are aware how late King Birendra was being pressurized to compromise the sovereignty of the nation at that time. We also know that most of the political leaders of the day, at that time, seemed to possess a clean image and patriotic character and consequently did command spontaneous public support. After they became the rulers they totally exposed themselves as corrupt and self-centered and lost the hardwon regard of the people, it has become difficult for us to believe that they will be able to carry them again. The people, specially, the Kathmanduites, are completely disillusioned with the unscrupulous leaders and seem to be looking for new leadership. In the conspicuous absence of political leadership, the learned community – the teachers, technocrats, doctors, lawyers etc of Nepal - the backbone of Nepal ’s independence and sovereignty - must judge the situation most dispassionately and act and lead the community in a manner that will contribute to safeguard the nation’s independent existence. As it, is, the leadership of the agitation seems to be gradually slipping into the hands of the extremists. The agitation, however, this time seems to be centered against one individual – the King. The intelligentsia, the Kathmanduites and all those who are fanning the fire must be able to foresee and realize the consequence if something unthought of did happen. We all love our country and we all must unite to stop it from being derailed. We don’t want any external and non-national agency to interfere in our domestic affairs. We do need the institution of monarchy in the overall interest of the nation. Yes, the constitutional monarchy. And we have all the time, advocated for the constitutional monarchy in the multi-party democracy. We have always maintained that the clock cannot be turned back and one has to move forward all the time. We have been emphasizing, in no uncertain terms, that King Gyanendra must always listen to wiser counsels and shun sycophancy. And King Gyanendra has unequivocally committed himself to abide by the constitution and remain a constitutional monarch. But, something seems to have gone amiss. Situation in the country seems to be going from bad to worse. As the agitation goes on gathering momentum, new sections of the society are joining the fray. This trend has to be arrested most expeditiously. Since repression only strengthens the resolve of the protestors to resist, saner and peaceful measures must be found to control the situation. It is true that the security forces are working under great stress. They have to maintain their patience and restrain themselves. That’s what they are expected to do in such crisis.
King Gyanendra is facing all round criticisms and pressures. Even the number one power of the world seems to be sympathetic towards the agitators. They even pretend to be oblivious of the fact that King Gyanendra is fighting violent terrorism which is their prime priority all over the world. The latest warning given to King Gyanendra by Richard A. Boucher, The U.S. Asst. Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs in his recent interview to CNN has not made things easier for the King, although it has not come as a surprise. That the Americans can afford to ignore all their commitments when their own interests come in the way is not a new phenomenon. The way they have been giving a blind eye to the anti-Nepal activities of the Maoists from their sanctuary in India in clear violation of President Bush’s commitment to fight global terrorism has not pinched their conscience. That such statements would directly bolster up the morale of the terrorists has not bothered them. At this critical juncture Nepal expects from them, a good friend, outright cooperation to fight terrorism. All other things can come later. Instead Nepal is being denied even a bit of understanding and sympathy. We do hope the U.S. would respect Nepal ’s sensitivity and desist from making statements that might work as a direct encouragement to the terrorists.
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